G - Obits

SPOKANE, Wash.--Mary Helen (Blecha) Gadeken died May 6, 1997, in Spokane, Wash. She was born in Benkelman, Neb., on June 26, 1922, to Albert and Hattie (Wilkinson) Blecha.

Mrs. Blecha was a school teacher and in later years substituted for various school districts in Spokane. She was a 4-H leader, an avid bowler at the North Bowl with the Jet Set league and was their secretary, and also bowled with the Senior League. She was active in the

She is survived by a son, Bryan, of Redmond, Wash.; daughters Arceil Kettel of Colbert, Wash., Kristen Davis of Pullman, Wash., and Dayna Gadeken of Spokane; a brother, Dale Blecha, of Haigler, Neb.; sisters Virginia Blecha of Omaha, Neb., Ila League of Stratton, Neb., and Lila Manley of Ely, Iowa; eight grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service was held on Monday, May 12, 1997, at the Northwood Presbyterian Church with private inurnment at Greenwood Memorial Park, Spokane. Hennessey-Smith Funeral Home of Spokane was in charge of arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Spokane, P.O. Box 2215, Spokane, WA 99210.

Edna Alice Gilbert Gaines was born October 19, 1892 to Hamer and Corrida C. Way Gilbert in a sod house in Lebanon, Kansas and went to be with her Lord at 5:30 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 1980 at the age of eighty-seven years, seven months, and fourteen days.

She attended a country school near Lebanon, Kansas in her early years. Edna came to know the Lord at the age of fourteen under the ministry of a Free Methodist Church in Catous in Norton County, Kansas. Her favorite verse was John 3:16.

She later moved with her parents to a homestead northwest of Beardsley, Kansas where she met Homer C. Gaines, her husband. They were married November 26, 1913. To this union God gave five children: Lavena, Reba, Robert, Wiley I. and Carol.

She was preceded in death by two of her children-Reba and Robert; by her Husband Homer; by her brother Ivil Gilbert; her sisters Alda Gilbert Allen and Effie Gilbert Warner; and by her father and mother.

She is survived by her son Wiley I. Gaines; two of her daughters LaVena and Carol; and by fourteen grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and one great great grandchild.

Mrs. Jefferson J. Gallagher was called to eternal rest at 6:30 a.m. from Bright's Disease.

Mrs. Gallagher was born Mary Addie Monvoisin in New York City, December 20, 1866.

She moved to Dundy County in 1880 with her father, the late Max Monvoisin, founder of the town of Max, and in 1884 was married to Jefferson J. Gallagher, at that time foreman of the W.J. Wilson "Circle" ranch, near Max.

To this union were born five children, two boys who died in infancy, and three girls—Miss Josephine, Mrs. J. H. Druliner and Miss Marie, who survive to share with their father this untimely affliction.

(Researcher note: Burial was in the Benkelman cemetery. Records there show a birth date of 1866 and a death date of 10-1-1910.)

Through information received in Benkelman from Col. L. E. Walker, of Silom Springs, Arkansas, under date of May 19th, Dundy county friends learned of the passing of J. J. Gallagher at Dodge City, Kansas, on Saturday, May 17th, at the age of a little over 89 years.

Mr. Walker said that his daughter Marie lived in California and that another daughter, Mabel, wife of Harry Druliner, lived in Oregon. The eldest daughter, Josephine, wife of Harry Walker, lives at Dodge City with her family, and it was with them that Mr. Gallagher made his home practically all the time since leaving Benkelman although he made a visit to California and Oregon last summer.

“Jeff" Gallagher was a colorful figure in the real cow history of this section of the country. He came from Texas as a cattle ranch foreman in early manhood and was known all over the range country. He was of Southern blood and had all the characteristics of the old South—hospitable, agreeable, pleasant and a friend to all.

Although he covered vast territories in the cattle country, he seemed to be prejudiced to this particular section, which probably had its beginning in the fact that he met and later married the only child and daughter of Max Monvoisin, likewise pioneer of cow country history. He was located at Max and it was for him that the town of Max was named.

(Researcher note: Benkelman cemetery burial records show Mary A. (Monvoison) Gallagher was born in 1866 and died on 10-1-1910. She was the wife of “Jeff” Gallagher. I could not find an obituary for J. J. Gallagher other than the one above. “Down through the years” of the Benkelman Post has a lot about J. J. Gallagher.)

Lauren Burr Gallagher passed away November 26, 1988 at the age of 85 in Denver, Colorado.

Born in Webster County, Nebraska, Lauren was the son of William and Myrtle (Gilmore) Gallagher.

The Gallagher family moved to Cheyenne County, Kansas, in 1907. They lived on a farm northwest of Bird City for many years.

Lauren married Helen Borchert in 1924. To this union two children were born, Dorothy Jean and Bill.

For most of his life, Lauren was an automobile salesman in Seattle, Washington. He retired in 1965 and moved to Palm Springs, California. He was a member of the El Jibel Shrine in Seattle, Washington.

Lauren was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter, one sister, Lavern Howk and two brothers, Ralph and Floyd.

He is survived by his son, Bill, of Denver, Colorado; one sister, Florence Archer, of Goodland, Kansas, and four grandchildren, Randy Scott Gallagher, Renee Gallagher, Hall-La-Rae Gallagher and Tyra Porter.

Graveside services were held at Bird City Cemetery on Tuesday, November 29, 1988, at 2 p.m. The Rev. Gene D. Eshleman officiated.

Services were held Saturday, May 6, 1978 for Opal J. Gallatin, 70. at 2:00 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Mrs. Gallatin was born January 11, 1908 in Warwick , Kansns and passed away Thursday, May 4, 1978 at her home in Benkelman, Nebraska.

Officiating at the services was Rev. Allan Martin. Organist was Betty Erdman with Carol and Bob Sander singing as a duet the selections "Be Still My Soul" and "Abide With Me".

Bearers were Clyde Brown, Justice Bailey, Carl Stute, John Gallatin, Robert Johnson, Torsten Anderson, Milo Spaulding and Robert Williams.

Honored friends were Eda Schwartz, Hazel Stute, Hilda Bowers, Anna Benge, Ella Lutz and Fern Buffington.

D. E. Gallatin, Dundy county banker and community builder for 45 years expired at the Dundy County Hospital on Thursday at the age of 78 years. He had suffered for many years with Parkinsonism, an incurable and terminal illness.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Allan Martin at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman on Saturday afternoon. Graveside services at the Benkelman Cemetery were in charge of Justice Lodge No. 180 AF&AM and the Martin Bowles Post No. 65 of the American Legion. The quartet was composed of Ray Balderson, Robert Andrews, John Baer and Harold Ferguson. Mrs. Dale Bauer was the organist. Honorary bearers were Ray Buffington, Torsten Anderson, E. S. Sutton, Harley Howard, Milo Spaulding and Otis Rickard. Bearers were Carl Stute, Clyde Brown, James L. Maxwell, Ellsworth Wilson, Dwight Gallatin and Frank McNeely.

Mr. Gallatin first came to Dundy county as an educator, serving as superintendent of the Max Rural High School from 1914 to 1916. He was to return in 1925 when he and F. G. Stilgebouer purchased the controlling interest in the Max State Bank which was to be the only bank in Dundy county to survive the first difficult days of the Depression. In 1932 the bank was moved to Benkelman where it has continued to serve the entire county by increasing its services as it has grown in strength and stature.

He was a man of high moral principals but with an understanding of the nature of man. He was an educator even after leaving that profession and was sincerely devoted to the 4-H program of practical education for the young and he supported the movement liberally making many contributions that were not recorded. For his work in this area he was accorded honors by the 4-H Council. He was an interesting man devoted to the mechanics and the purposes of his work and his fellowmen were proud of his friendship. In his long illness he was blessed by the devotion of his wife, Opal, and son, Lee, and his family and the employees of the banking establishment whose loyalty was merited by many good years of personal affiliation and mutual respect.

Dent Eugene Gallatin, the eldest son of Eugene U. and Wilmetta Eckard Gallatin was born January 5, 1892 near Massillon, Ohio, and passed away at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska, on September 17, 1970, at the age of 78 years, eight months and 12 days. Since 1954, he had been afflicted with Parkinsonism, an incurable and terminal illness.

At an early age, the family moved to a farm near Bartley, Nebraska. He attended county school, was graduated from Bartley High School and later attended Cotner University and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He served as superintendent of the Max High School from 1914 to 1916, as principal of Bartley High School in 1917-18, resigning this position to enlist in the armed services during World War I. After returning to Red Willow county following the war, he was engaged in banking at Indianola until November 1922.

On October 25, 1919, he wag married to Bernice L. Stilgebouer and on December 15, 1921, a son was born to this union. Mrs. Gallatin passed away in November 1922 and the infant son, Bruce, passed away in January 1923. Dent then moved to Casper, Wyoming where he was employed with the P. & R. Refining Company until 1925 when he moved back to Max where he and F. G. Stilgebouer had purchased the controlling interest in the Max State Bank. He remained there until 1932 when the Bank was moved to Benkelman. At the time of his death, he was serving in the capacity of chairman of the Board of the State Bank of Benkelman.

In May 1936, he was united in marriage to Opal J. Maxwell at the home of her parents near Stratton, Nebraska. One son, Lee, was born to this union.

Dent served actively as a 4-H Club leader, church youth director, and choir member of the Max Methodist church in earlier years. At an early age, he became a member of the Methodist Church in the Dry Creek Community near Indianola. He was a fifty year member of the Masonic Lodge at Bartley, having received his pin on May 29, 1968, a member of the Martin F. Bowles Post No. 65 of the American Legion in Benkelman, and a member of Barracks No. 2466 of the Veterans of World War 1.

He is survived by his wife, Opal; his son, Lee; daughter-in-law, Jo; two granddaughters, Laurie and Andrea; three sisters, Madge McNeely of Casper, Wyoming, Okle Gallatin of McCook, Nebraska, and Grace Bebout of Burlington, Kansas; one brother, John of McCook; and many other relatives and friends.

The Rev. Ilona Gallay was born January 25, 1925, to Janos and Irene Deak in Koszeg, Hungary, and died March 21, 1988, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

She completed her engineering degree in Budapest in 1943. During World War II, Ilona and her family had to leave the country. They walked more than 200 miles across the Hungarian border into Austria.

It was in Austria where she met Leslie Gallay, whom she married on September 12, 1945. Their children, Leslie Jr. and Maria, were born in their temporary home in the displaced persons' camp in Austria.

In 1950 Ilona and Leslie Sr. brought their family to Chicago where their third child, Steve, was born. The children were raised in the Chicago area.

After the children were raised, Leslie and Ilona settled in Kearney, Nebraska, where she became very involved with the Presbyterian Church. Bible study and the youth fellowship were the center of her activities. Ilona was also active in the American Association of University Women and was elected president of the state chapter. She was appointed and served on the National Task Force of the AAUW on Nuclear Power and Nuclear Waste.

Besides their professional careers, Ilona and Leslie have been, before all else, dedicated to their family. They have been blessed with four grandchildren, Erika, Erin, Benjamin, and Nathan Gallay.

Ilona dedicated the later years of her life to the service of God. She accepted the call to the ministry and was ordained on September 16, 1984. She has served as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Benkelman since that time.

Services were held Thursday, March 24, 1988, at 2 p.m. in the United Presbyterian Church of Benkelman, Nebraska, with the Rev. Jack Weymann officiating.

Organists were Anna Benge and Elaine Blank. Joan Barker sang "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art".

BENKELMAN -- Carrie Ann Gallington, 46, died Wednesday (July 6, 2005), at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

She was born Sept. 18, 1958, at Benkelman, to Lloyd and Marjorie (Dickie) Foster, and grew up on the family farm south of Max. She attended school in Benkelman and graduated from Benkelman High School. She attended college for a short time and returned home to care for her father.

On Feb. 15, 1997, she married Arthur 'Art' Gallington at Colby, Kan. They made their home in Benkelman.

Survivors include her husband, Art of Benkelman; her father, Lloyd Foster of Benkelman; mother in law, Bonnie Johnson of Wichita, Kan.; father-in-law, Sylvester Gallington of Benkelman; several aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

Services will be Saturday, 10 a.m., at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery in Stratton.

WAUNETA — Anna Elizabeth Nuding Gangnon of Englewood, Colo., died Friday at the Swedish Hospital in Englewood at the age of 87. She was born March 24, 1892 in Dundy County, the daughter of John Henry and Elizabeth Nuding, and moved to Colorado in 1956. She was married to William J. Gangnon.

Survivors are three daughters, Mrs. Omar (Lillian) Neutzman of Bertrand, Mrs. James (Fauniel) Young, Denver, and Mrs. Harold (Una) Lapp, Hayes Center; seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; two sisters in Indiana.

Her husband, one brother, three sisters, and her parents have preceded her in death.

Early services will be held at Englewood Monday directed by the Bullock Funeral Home of Denver. Graveside services will be held Monday at 4 p.m. in the Riverside Cemetery at Wauneta with Creveling Funeral Home of Wauneta assisting.

Treff Gangnon passed away at the Hastings hospital on the morning of December 17th, following a long illness. The remains were returned to Wauneta and on December 19, funeral services were conducted at the Mt. Zion Methodist church by Rev. J. J. Christianson.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Kitt, Blanche Schwenk and Vearl Kitt sang "Jesus Savior Pilot Me," "Sometime We'll Understand," and "Abide With Me." Mrs. Vearl Kitt was at the piano. Relatives from a distance who attended the service were Mrs. Anna Pedersen and three sons, Alvin, Ben and William of Sterling, Colorado. Those who bore his body to its final resting place were C. A. Nesmith, Ray Kitt, Albert Krausnick, Ben McBride, Walter McBride and George Schwenk, Jr.

Treff Gangnon, son of August and Mary Gangnon, was born April 3, 1868 at Kankakee, Illinois, and departed this life at the age of 72 years, 8 months and 2 weeks, on the morning of December 17 at the Hastings hospital.

He moved with his parents to Dundy county, Nebraska, in the year of 1888 where he homesteaded south of Wauneta, residing in this community until 1930 when he moved to Wauneta, Nebr., where he lived until the time of his death.

He was united in marriage to Minnie Trembley in 1890. To this union four children were born, one daughter dying in infancy. His wife passed on May 26, 1911 and one son June 1, 1911.

December, 1912, he was united in marriage to Mrs. Frances Hammond of Stratton, Nebraska.

He leaves to mourn his departure his companion, one son, William, of Wauneta, Nebraska, one daughter, Della Louch of Benkelman, Nebraska, nine grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

(Researcher note: Records show burial was in Mr. Zion cemetery, Dundy county, Nebraska. Date of birth is listed as 4-4-1867; date of death as 12-17-1940.)

William L. Gilmore was born in Illinois on August 4, 1871, and departed this life on March 12, 1932 at 8 o'clock a. m., being 60 years, 7 months and 8 days old.

He came to Nebraska when a very small child with his parents and has made it his home since. He was married in 1892 to Matte McDaniels, four children being born to this union. He was left alone in 1916 to care for his children, his wife dying at that time.

He was married to Grace Breeden in November, 1921. He affiliated with the Christian church a number of years ago and has lived an upright Christian life since.

For two years his health has been very poor and his last illness began about five weeks ago and from the beginning it was feared that he could not recover and altho he suffered a great deal, he never complained. All that medical skill could do and careful nursing was done but to no avail. He realized that the end was near and he was ready to go.

He was highly esteemed by all who knew him and especially loved by little children, and his going has cast a shadow, not alone in the home, but over the entire community. He was a devoted husband and father, a good neighbor and a true friend and altho he will be sadly missed, our loss is His gain and we say God's will not ours, be .done.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, four sons and a number of brothers and sisters, besides a host of relatives and friends.

Services were conducted by Rev. C. E. Catlett, assisted by Rev. P. J. Kirk, at the M. E. church in Max Monday afternoon and burial was in the Benkelman cemetery.

Frances Oliver Gapen was born to Loyd and Catherine Gapen on January 1, 1899, in Cass County, Nebraska. He passed away at his home on November 24, 1984, at the age of 85 years, 11 months and 24 days.

The family moved to a vicinity near Palisade, later moving to Dundy County in 1928 where he had continued to make his home.

Oliver was a member of O.E.S. Wauneta Chapter 295 for 50 years; a member of AF & AM Palisade Lodge 216, Palisade, Nebraska, for 60 years; and a member of I.O.O.F. Lodge 361 of Benkelman, Nebraska, for 23 years. He was a school board member of the Rollwitz School for a number of years. Oliver was a willing worker in the Rollwitz Church, school and community and was always ready to help a neighbor or friend.

Although Oliver never married, there was always an abundance of love for all children, who in turn loved him.

Oliver had always been a farmer and rancher. He had seen the changes from the horse to the tractor. He worked a number of years for Clifford Olson.

In 1979 Oliver had a stroke and then made his home with the Charles Hazletts, where he continued to make his home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Catherine, and one sister, Villa.

He will be sadly missed by Charles and Linda Hazlett, Dave, Callie, Sparkle and Royal Robertson and a host of friends and neighbors. Oliver was a good man.

Services were held Tuesday, November 27, at the Jones Funeral Chapel of Benkelman. Rev. Robert Sander officiated the service.

Organist Betty Erdman accompanied Carol and Robert Sander with selections "No Night There" and "I Heard The Voice Of Jesus Say."

Bearers were the members of Justice Lodge 180, AF& AM. Honorary bearers were Ernest Graham, Bill Shrum, Carl Lutz, Bob Brown, Milton Singley and Clifford Olson.

Committal service was by Masonic Lodge. Interment was in Pleasant Ridge Cemetery in Plattsmouth, Nebraska. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

CAMBRIDGE, Neb.--Lila L. Gardner, 83, of Cambridge, Nebraska, died Saturday, August 21, 1993, at Cambridge Memorial. Hospital.

She was born November 12, 1909, north of Cambridge to Irvin and Ruey (Potter) Lathrop. On June 3, 1936, she married John Raphael Gardner at Cambridge.

She was a member of the Holbrook Church of God, Retired Teachers Association, Twentieth Century Club and Cambridge Hospital Auxiliary and was a Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Star.

Survivors include a sister, Leona Strickland, and a nephew, Scott Strickland, both of San Jose, California, and a brother-in-law, Richard Gardner. of Max.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, August 24, at Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in Cambridge with Wayne Ewald officiating. Burial was in FairView Cemetery in Cambridge with Lockenour-Jones Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

Florence Ruth Reeve, the daughter of Richard and Emily Anthony Reeve was born January 25, 1866 at Stockton-on-Tees, Durham County, England, and departed from this life May 23, 1945 at the age of seventy-nine years, three months, and twenty-eight days.

She was the second of a family of thirteen children, ten of whom grew to maturity. When she was ten years old, the family came to America on the White Star Line. They settled in Tiffin, Iowa, near Iowa City, which has since been the family home.

On March 18, 1890, she was married to William Allen Gardner at Tiffin,. Iowa. Mr. Gardner and his wife came to his tree claim located northwest of Max. Though they have moved several times, Max has always been the family home. Here, like all pioneers, they lived in a sod house for many years and here their ten children were born, two dying in infancy. Frank, the eldest, was drowned at Louisville, Nebraska, while attending summer school at Nebraska Wesleyan University, July 16, 1912, at the age of twenty-one years and one day. The family endured the hardships and trials of the early pioneers. Mr. Gardner taught school during the hard years to support his wife and family.

When the first M. E. church was organized, Mr and Mrs. Gardner were among those first members. At the fifty-year celebration of the Max church on March 30, 1940, Mr. Gardner was the only one present of those first members. Mrs. Gardner, due to illness was unable to come. They lived a busy and active life raising many fine gardens and crops in the good years. For many years the family made agricultural exhibits at the County Fairs.

Since an illness in the spring of 1938, Mrs. Gardner had been in poor health though quite well at times. Last winter her illness became more serious and she was taken to the Premer hospital in Benkelman. Partially recovered, she spent several weeks with her daughter, Mrs. W. E. Jones and then several weeks with another daughter, Mrs. B. E. Lemon at Max. April 6, 1945 she fell and was taken to the hospital again where she passed away May 23.

Those remaining are: the faithful husband, William Allen Gardner, now past eighty.; five daughters, Jessie, Mrs. B. E. Lemon at Max; Lena, Mrs. T. D. Rife at .Stratton; Florence, Mrs. William E. Jones at Benkelman; Lily, Mrs. Roy Freemyer at Fort Morgan, Colo.,; Helen, Mrs. Ralph Queen, near St. Francis, Kansas; two sons, Richard of Max and Raphael of Cambridge, Nebraska. Twenty-eight living grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, three sisters, Mrs. Will Bowers at Coralville, Iowa, Jessie and Rose Reeve of Tiffin, Iowa; two brothers, Barnabus Reeve in Tacoma, Washington, and Albert E. E. Reeve of Tiffin, Iowa, and many other relatives and friends also survive.

Mrs. Gardner's life speaks for itself, living as she did in the same community for 55 years.

The people who knew her know all about the patience, the long vigils in illness, the back-breaking toil, the courage, the never-give-up spirit, the faith that saw her through.

The children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren have a rich heritage to carry on.

Funeral services were conducted Saturday afternoon, May 26 at 2:30 at the Max Methodist church, Rev. Herbert W. Jackman from Stratton officiating. Singers were Lloyd Boswell, R. D. Druliner, D. E. Gallatin, and John Baer. “Rock Of Ages”, “The Home Over There”, and “Asleep In Jesus” were the songs chosen by the family. The minister paid to Mrs. Gardner’s life, 55 years of which were spent in this community.

The pallbearers were six grandsons: Earl Lemon, Roger Jones, Wayne Queen, Bruce Freemyer, Dwayne Gardner, and Daniel Rife. Two other grandsons, Frank Jones and Phillip Freemyer, are in the armed services.

MAX— Mary Emma (Weigel) Gardner, 88, of Max, Neb., died Wednesday, Dec. 29, 1999, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. She was born May 4, 1911, in Beatrice, Neb., to Allen and Letha (Rains) Weigel. She spent her early years in the Beatrice area and moved to rural Dundy County in 1920.

She was united in marriage to Richard R. Gardner on Dec. 1, 1926, in St. Francis, Kan. They lived on the Gardner family homestead three miles northwest of Max on Indian Creek. After Richard's death on Dec. 27, 1994, Mary remained on the farm until August 1999.

She was preceded in death by her husband; grandson Mark Gardner, and a son-in-law, Gene Pursley. Survivors include Dwayne E. and wife, Laurie, of Delaware, Ohio; Donna E. Pursley of Loveland, Colo.; Gweneth A. and husband, Gary Ritchie, of Lincoln, Neb., and Kenneth A. and wife, Phyllis, of Max; a brother, George Weigel, of Suwanee, Ga.; 11 grandchildren; 3 step-grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandchild. In addition to immediate family, she will be missed by a host of relatives and friends.

Mary's life was devoted to her family and home, her church and her many friends. She enjoyed many hours watching the birds and wildlife that are so abundant around the homestead. Mary loved flowers and all kinds of plants, especially African violets. She held leadership positions in the Max PTA, Max Woman's Club and the Max United Methodist Women. Mary was a 70-year member of the Max United Methodist Church.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 3, 2000, at the Benkelman United Methodist Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Michael Davis officiating. Music was provided by organist Diana Ham, pianist Betty Erdman and the Rev. Gary Karoly singing "One Day At A Time," "Only The Redeemed" and "How Great Thou Art," and Phyllis Kirkman and Janet Davis singing "An Evening Prayer." Phyllis Kirkman provided hymns on her keyboard at the cemetery.

Casket bearers were Scott and Craig Pursley, Garland and Gordon Ritchie, Tim and Allen Gardner and Bob and Jeffrey McGrath. Honorary bearers were Torsten Anderson, Verle Raichart, Clyde Daniels, Jerry McDonald, Delbert Warning, Leslie Kirkman, Lee Gallatin and Roger Parker.

Memorials are being accepted in her name for the Dundy County Hospital Foundation, the Max United Methodist Church and the Hester Memorial Home.

Charles G. Gardner passed away at his .home in Oilton, Oklahoma, on October 18. 1939. His death was due to a stroke of paralysis. He was a brother of W. A. Gardner of Max.

Mr. Gardner homesteaded near the Cal Richards place in 1888 and many of the old-timers will also remember him as a school teacher during the years he spent in Dundy county.

In 1894 he moved to Iowa and later to Oklahoma where he continued to farm and teach school for more than forty years.

Nearly all of his large family live in Washington, D. C. where they hold responsible and lucrative positions.

Monday afternoon, the sad news came over the wire that Frank Gardner, son of Mr. and Mrs. W. A Gardner., who live north of Max, had been drowned in a sand pit near Louisville, Neb. Operator Paul Jones telephoned the news to the bereaved family, who were overcome by the shock of the calamity. Mr. Gardner went down to Lincoln Monday night and brought the body home for interment. The following account of the accident is taken from he Lincoln Star of Tuesday evening.

The body of Frank Gardner, a summer school student at Wesleyan university, who was drowned in a sandpit near Louisville Monday afternoon while swimming, arrived in Lincoln Tuesday morning and was taken to Roberts chapel. The body was accompanied by the boy's father, W. A. Gardner of Max, Neb., who will accompany it to the home tonight, where burial will take place Wednesday.

Gardner, in company with Prof. Ray Scarborough and five other students, had just completed a day's study of the geological formation around that part of the river when some one of the party suggested a swim before the train should arrive.

The drowning occurred a few minutes after 4 o'clock. Two of the class, Leslie Stevens and J. D. Hollister, had already started to swim the pond when Gardner entered the water. He had gone but a short distance when one of the members on the bank, H. Vaughn, noticed that Gardner could not swim as well as the remainder of the party and yelled for him to come back. Without a word he turned back to shore and had no more than started for the shore when he went down and never returned to the surface.

Stevens and Hollister began diving for Gardner, but were unable to reach him because ot the great depth of the pit. An experienced diver from Louisville was hurried to the scene, and his attempts at reaching Gardner were as futile as were those of Gardner's companions. It was estimated by members of the class that the water was over forty-five feet deep at the point where Gardner went down. A garden rake was procured and upon dragging the young man's body was recovered. Physicians worked over him for long time, but could not restore him or bring any signs of life. From the time Gardner went down until he was brought up by the rake over forty minutes elapsed.

It is thought heart failure was the cause of his death because he did not call for help as he went down as do many when they receive a case of cramps.

Gardner attended Wesleyan during the year '10-11 and was a freshman in the college. He did not attend school the past year. His home is at Max, Neb., and his parents were notified of the accident soon after the body reached Louisville. Professor Scarborough of the geology department of Wesleyan remained in Louisville Monday evening with the body awaiting the arrival of the young man's father.

Gardner was over six feet in height and was a strong looking fellow. While in school a year ago he played tackle on the second football eleven and looked as likely material for the first eleven had he returned to school last year. He was in attendance at the , summer school in University Place with his sister Jessie, who resides with Mrs. Buckner on West Seventeenth street.

Mr. Gardner has been rooming at the home of J. D. Hollister, who was on the geology trip Monday afternoon.

The funeral services were held at the home of his father, W. A. Gardner, about four miles north of Max. Wednesday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev: Charles Catlett, of the M. E. church of Stratton, conducting the services. Interment was in Benkelman cemetery.

Frank Gardner was a young man of noble qualities. He had worked hard to acquire an education and gave promise of becoming a citizen of whom Dundy county would some day feel proud. That he was cut down in the. flower of his youth, with his heart filled with ambition for the accomplishment of life's work is sad indeed. The sympathy of the entire community is extended to the bereaved family in their hour of sorrow, and may the Great Comforter lighten their burden and relieve their distress.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a date of birth as 7-14-1891 and a date of death as 7-15-1912.)

John Raphael Gardner, son of W.A. and Florence Reeve Gardner was born at Max, Nebraska, March 25, 1910, and passed away July 3, 1981, at Lake Louise, Canada.

On June 3, 1936, he was married to Lila Lathrop of Cambridge. They made their home in Max until moving on a farm north of Cambridge in 1939. In 1973, they moved to Cambridge.

Ralph was a regular attendant of the Holbrook Church of God, a member of the Masonic Fraternity, The Tehama Shrine and the Order of the Eastern Star.

He is survived by his wife, Lila, a brother, Richard of Max, nieces, nephews and many friends.

Services were held at Lockenour Mortuary, July 6, 1981, with Pastor Leon Driskill officiating. Music was furnished by Jackie Johnson, organist and Mary Lou Hornaday, soloist.

Pall bearers were Kenneth Gardner, Glen Lemon, Danny Rife, Noble Dorsch, Bruce Freemyer and Scott Strickland.

Interment was in Fairview Cemetery with Lockenour Mortuary in charge of arrangements.

MAX--Richard Reeve Gardner died at his home north of Max, Nebraska, on Tuesday, December 27, 1994. He was born on November 29, 1906, to William Allen and Florence (Reeve) Gardner, who raised eight children on the family homestead which served as his home throughout his entire life.

On December 1, 1926, he married Mary Emma Weigel. From this union they raised their four children on the family farm: Dwayne Everett, Donna Elizabeth Pursley, Kenneth Allen and Gweneth Annette Ritchie. Due to his great love and respect for family, he was honored to have included 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a grandson, Mark Alan Gardner, son of Dwayne; a son-in-law, Gene Pursley: three brothers: Frank, Raphael and one in infancy, and six sisters: Jessie Lemon, Lena Rife, Florence Jones, Lily Freemyer, Helen Queen and one in infancy.

Gardner was active throughout his life and served in many official capacities as a member of the Max United Methodist Church for which he was proud of the fact that his parents were charter members. He was recognized in 1994 for 80 years of membership and service to his church.

He served on many community and public service boards and organizations. He was a member of the school board, World War II Rationing (OPA) Board and Sarah Ann Hester Home Board of Trustees. He served more than 40 years with the USDA programs including the Hog Program, AAA. PMA and ASC. He retired during December 1976 as office manager of the Dundy County ASC program.

Upon his request, to serve his greatest asset--his family--so that all could be gathered in the most comfortable setting, services were held in the United Methodist Church at Benkelman, Nebraska.

Final rites were held Saturday, December 31, 1994, at 1:30 p.m. with the Rev. Art Phillips officiating. Organists were Phyllis Kirkman and Marjorie Redfield. Dan Rife, Don Rife, Wallace Gummere and Richard Stahly sang “The Old Rugged Cross" and "What A Friend We Have In Jesus."

Bearers were Allen Gardner, Scott Pursley, Craig Pursley, Tim Gardner, Gordon Ritchie, Garland Ritchie, Bob McGrath and Jeff McGrath.

Honorary bearers were Torsten Anderson, Floyd Orman, Lee Gallatin, Ralph Stroup, Verle Raichart, Raymond Stehno, John Ham, James Owens, Boyd Adkinson and Delbert Warning.

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

BENKELMAN--Roy H. Gardner, 86, died Thursday, September 5, 1991, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman.

Roy was born June 22, 1905, in Missouri. He was a farmer and worked many years for Clifford Ham.

He was preceded in death by his father, Emory A. Gardner, and a brother, Corwin Gardner.

Survivors include his daughter, Linda Gardner of Riverbank, California: two sisters, Fern Peterson of Seattle, Washington, and Elva Gardner of Waitsburg, Washington, and one brother, Ray Gardner, also of Waitsburg.

Services were held Saturday, September 7, 1991, at 9:30 a.m. at the Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Vernon Whetstone officiating.

Janice Whetstone was the organist and Phyllis Kirkman the soloist. Selections included "In The Garden" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Bearers were Harlan Drain, Lawrence Ham, Don Ham, Paul Ham, Kenny Ham and Ray Bowers.

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

W. A. Gardner, well known and highly respected citizen of the Max section since 1887, passed away at a local hospital last Friday after a continued illness of several months. Funeral services were held at the Max Methodist church Sunday afternoon, being conducted by Rev. Paul E. Boyles. The Laughlin Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Singers were Dent Gallatin, Lloyd Boswell, John Baer and R. D. Druliner, Sr., with Mrs. E. S. Sutton at the piano; Grandsons of the deceased served as pall bearers, they being Roger Jones, Edgar Freemyer, Daniel Rife, Wayne Queen, Kenneth Gardner and Earl Lemon. Justice Lodge 180, of which the deceased had long been a member, was in charge of_ burial services at the grave and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

William Allen Gardner, son of Enos and Susan Frisbe Marshall Gardner, was born at. Painesville, Ohio, August 18, 1864, and departed from this life March 19, 1948, at the age of 83 years, 7 months and 1 day.

He was a descendant of one the three Gardner brothers who came over in the Mayflower in 1620 and in 1886 we know that George Gardner was living at Plymouth, Mass.

He was third in a family of eight children which grew to maturity. He grew to young manhood in..the state of Iowa. On March 18, 1890, he was married to Florence Ruth Reeve of Tiffin, Iowa.

Allen Gardner homesteaded in 1887, locating northwest of Max. He brought his bride in 1890 to his home which was a sod house. Like all pioneers, they lived here for many years, and here their ten children were born, two dying in infancy. Frank, the eldest, was drowned while attending summer school at Nebraska Wesleyan University, July 12, 1912, at the age of 21 years, 1 day. The family endured the hardships and trials of the early pioneers. Mr. Gardner taught school during the hard years to support his wife and family.

When the first M. E. Church was organized, Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Gardner were among those first members. At the 50 year celebration of the Max church on March 30, 1940, Mr. Gardner was the only one present of those first members. Mrs. Gardner, due to ill health, was unable to attend. They lived a busy and active life, raising many fine gardens and crops in the good years. For many years the family made agricultural exhibits at the county fairs.

Since his wife's passing May 23, 1945, he has lived with his son Richard and family.

Recently he underwent an operation at Cedar Rapids, Iowa. On March 13 he suffered a heart attack and was taken to a Benkelman hospital Sunday morning. All that medical care and loving hands could do was done, still he steadily grew worse until the end came Friday evening, March 19.

He leaves to mourn his passing five daughters, Jessie, Mrs. B. E. Lemon of Max; Lena, Mrs. T. D. Rife of Stratton; Florence, Mrs. Wm. E. Jones of Benkelman; Lily, Mrs. Roy Freemyer of LaSalle, Colorado; Helen, Mrs. Ralph Queen of near St. Francis, Kan.; two sons, Richard of Max and Raphael of Cambridge, Nebr.; also 28 living grandchildren and 14 great grand-children. He leaves two brothers, Howard, the eldest of the family, of Hayes Center, Nebr., and Dr. John R. Gardner of Lisbon, Iowa; and a host of friends and other relatives.

Mr. Gardner's life speaks for itself, living as he did in the same community for 61 years. The people who knew him know all about the patience, the long vigils in illness, the back-breaking toil, the courage, the never-give-up spirit and the faith that saw him thru.

He was a descendant of one the three Gardner brothers who came over in the Mayflower in 1620 and in 1886 we know that George Gardner was living at Plymouth, Mass.

He was third in a family of eight children which grew to maturity. He grew to young manhood in..the state of Iowa. On March 18, 1890, he was married to Florence Ruth Reeve of Tiffin, Iowa.

Since his wife's passing May 23, 1945, he has lived with his son Richard and family.

Mary Ellen Cameron, daughter of James and Alice Marler Cameron, was born July 14, 1893 at Beaver City, NE, and passed away May 13, 1979 at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, NE, after a brief illness.

She grew up and attended school in and near Beaver City and after her graduation in 1912, taught school in Furnas County.

She was united in marriage to John Garey Apr. 17, 1918. To this union was born one daughter, Esther.

The couple spent their entire married life on a farm near Beaver City until John's death in 1966. A year later, Ellen moved to Benkelman, NE, to make her home with her daughter, Esther, and family, where she spent the remaining years of her life.

At an early age, she became a member of Grace Brethren Church in Beaver City, where she served as treasurer for many years.

She was affectionately known as "Nana" by her family and all those who knew her in Benkelman. Her greatest joy in later years was the frequent visits of her six great-grandchildren, Lisa, Larry, Gary, Sara, Bobby, and Angela.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, three brothers, two half-brothers and a half-sister.

She leaves to mourn her passing: daughter Esther and husband Elmo, grandchildren Margaret and Joe Kaufman, John and Sandy Beard, and Dave and Deb Beard, six great-grandchildren Lisa, Larry, Gary, and Sara Kaufman, Bobby Beard and Angela Beard, one sister Ruth and her husband Howard Ballinger, two sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

FORT COLLINS, Colo.--Lenice M. Garner, 73, died Monday, Aug. 16, 1999, at Fort Collins. She was born Aug. 12, 1926, to Linus Breese and Clara May (Glaser) Soule at their home in Haigler, Neb.

At an early age, she moved with her family to Stratton, Neb., where she attended school, graduating in 1943. Her family moved back to Haigler in 1942 and lived on the farm north of town.

In 1944 she was united in marriage to Marlin K. Garner at St. Francis, Kan. To this union four children were born: Hal Dean, Dale Allen, Dorothy Jeanne and Ronnie Lee. They resided on a farm north of Haigler.

The family moved to Yakima and Renton, Wash., in 1957, and in 1960 moved to Fort Collins.

Lenice retired in 1987 after 19 years of service at the Colorado State University as an administrative clerk at Corbett Hall.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church and enjoyed working crossword puzzles, embroidering and playing Scrabble.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her sisters, Evelyn Mary Vrbas and Edna May Soule.

Those who survive her include her husband, Marlin. of Fort Collins; children: Hal D. of Fort Collins, Dale of Kimball. Neb., Dorothy J. Leising of Fort Collins and Ron of Lemoore. Calif.; sisters: Nola Dillon of Denver, Colo., Lela Smith of St. Francis and Laura Wheeler of Riverside, Calif.; grandchildren: Elizabeth Ann Garner and Matthew Lee Garner, and numerous other relatives and friends.

Visitation was Wednesday, Aug. 18, at Allnutt Funeral Service/Drake Road Chapel in Fort Collins.

Funeral services for Lenice Garner were held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 21, 1999, at the United Methodist Church in Haigler with the Rev. Theta Dame officiating. Carol Peterson was the pianist and Cindy Haskell and Jann Clark sang "In The Garden" and "The Old Rugged Cross." Casket bearers were her family and friends. Final resting place was in the Haigler Cemetery. Arrangements in Nebraska were by Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman and Stratton.

Emmaline Lela Cora Garner, youngest daughter of Ralph Teeter and Emma (Louch) Teeter, was born October 7, 1924 at Benkelman, Nebraska.

She departed this life early Tuesday morning, November 24, 1981 at the Denver General Hospital in Denver, Colorado at the age of 57 years, 1 month and 17 days.

She had been in ill health for the past year. E:mmaline spent her childhood in Benkelman, Nebraska and attended the Benkelman schools.

On June 11, 1942, at St. Francis, Kansas, she was united in marriage to Harry Garner. This union was blessed with two sons, Thomas Neal Garner and Gale Barland Garner.

After their marriage, the Garners lived in and around Benkelman, Nebraska, until 1954, at which time they moved to Ogallala, Nebraska. One year later they moved to Sidney, Nebraska where they lived at the time of her death.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Emma Teeter, and one brother, John Teeter.

She is survived by her husband, Harry; two sons, Tom and Gale, all of Sidney, Nebraska; brother-in-law Gene Smith and sister, Fannie, who reside at Laird, Colorado, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.

Amy M. Garner died Friday evening at the Columbine Nursing Home. She was born Feb. 13, 1889 at Elm Creek. She came to Haigler in 1907 and moved to Ft. Collins in 1969. She was a member of the Haigler United Methodist Church and an extension club in Haigler. Her husband preceded her in death in 1962.

Survivors are one daughter, Mrs. Hazel Miller of Englewood, Colo.; two sons, Harold and Marlin, both of Ft. Collins; four sisters, Mrs. Minnie Fay of Huntington, Calif. Mrs. Flora Keller of Wisconsin, Mrs. Hattie Shermunn of Sioux Falls, S.D., and Mrs. Bess Nelson of Holdrege; two brothers, August and Cork Wick, both of Amherst; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

Services were at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday at the Haigler United Methodist Church. The Rev. Tom LeClerc officiated and burial was in the Haigler Cemetery. The Jones Funeral Home had charge of arrangements.

(Researcher note: Burial records show that Amy was the wife of George; date of birth as 2-13-1889; date of death as 9-23-1977.)

Demar Wesley Garner died December 7, 1982, as the result of a traffic accident one mile east of Max, Nebraska.

He was 52 years old at the time of his death. He was born February 16, 1930, in Rigby, Idaho.

Mr. Gamer was employed in several occupations, but his main trade was carpentry. He moved to the Benkelman area five years ago.

The children are Mrs. Brad (Glendin) Patrick of North Platte, Mrs. Terry (Orpha) Walker of Gothenburg, John Garner of North Platte, Mrs. Leonard (Lavella) Pfister of North Platte, Mrs. William (Leona) Webster of North Platte and Don Garner of North Platte.

Francis Gale Garner was born on Feb. 21, 1935, in Arkansas to Charles Clayton and Edith Fannie (Patton) Garner, and died on Monday, April 6, 1998, at the Goodland Regional Medical Center in Goodland, Kan., at the age of 63.

He was raised in Cheyenne County, Kan., and attended school there. He served four years in the Air Force.

He married Yvonne Gay Johnson on Aug. 3, 1954, and to this union four children were born: Rebecca, Sharon, John and Carl.

Francis was a hard worker, devoting his life to farming. He was also employed by the Cheyenne County Road Department for the last 26 years.

He was preceded in death by his wife, his parents and four brothers: Harry, Patrick James, Charles and George Michael.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his children and their spouses: Rebecca and Terry Baker of Goodland, Sharon and Stan Biel of Marienthal, Kan., John and Barbara Garner of Bird City, Kan., and Carl Garner of Auburn, Ky.; his wife, Maria, of the home; four sisters: Maude Stragi of Hoxie, Kan.,Mae and her husband, Marlin Phifer, of Benkelman, Neb., Julia Conell of Benkelman and Cora Jean of Paxton, Neb.; two brothers: Sam and his wife, Hazel, of Bonner Springs, Kan., and Teddy Joe and wife, Irene, of Clovis, N.M.;11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild; nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, April 8, 1998, at 2:30 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman with the Rev. Keith Haisch officiating. Betty Erdman was the organist and Leondra Haisch sang "Be Not Afraid" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Jerry Sanford, Dennis and Gale G. Garner, Mark Magley, Dan Bowers and John Ohrman. Honorary bearers were Ron LeValley, Jack Maring, Shawn Conell, Lee Beeson, Albert Antholz and Troy Black.

The commital service was by the Everett Nelson American Legion Post No. 352 with interment in the Benkelman Cemetery. Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman was in charge of arrangements.

Harry Thomas Garner was born May 25, 1918, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, to Clayton and Edith (Patton) Garner and departed this life January 24, 1983, at Sidney, Nebraska. He was 64 years and eight months old.

Harry grew up on a homestead in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and attended school there. He joined the U.S. Armed Forces in World War II.

On June 11, 1942, he was united in marriage to Emmaline Teeter. This union was blessed with two sons, Thomas Neal Garner and Gale Garland Garner.

Preceding him in death were his wife, Emmaline, on November 24, 1981; his father, Charles Clayton Garner, and two brothers, Charles N. Garner and Patrick J. Garner.

Survivors include two sons Thomas Neal of Sidney, Nebraska, and Gale Garland of Alliance, Nebraska; his mother, Edith Kimmel of St. Francis, Kansas; four sisters, Maude Etherton of Gem, Kansas, May Sanford of Benkelman, Nebraska, Julia Conell of Loveland, Colorado, and Cora Porter of Washington State; four brothers, Sam Garner of Bonner Springs, Kansas, George Garner of Ogallala, Nebraska, Teddy Joe Garner of Clovis, New Mexico, and Francis Garner of Bird City, Kansas; two sisters-in-law, Fannie, and husband, Gene Smith, of Laird, Colorado, and Beth Teeter of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held Wednesday, January 26, 1983, at 2 p.m. at Jones Funeral Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska, with The Rev. Everett Erickson officiating. Assisting were the organist, Anna Benge, and Rev. Erickson with the selections "How Great Thou Art" and "Beyond The Sunset."

Bearers were the American Legion members. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with a committal service by Martin F. Bowles Post No. 65. Arrangements were by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

FORT COLLINS, Colo.-- Marlin K. Garner, 76, died Thursday, April 26, 2001, at the Spring Creek Health Care Center in Fort Collins. He was born Oct. 25, 1924, at Haigler, Neb.. to George H. and Amy M. (Wick) Garner. He attended grade school in Haigler and graduated from high school in 1942 from Curtis, Neb.

On April 9, 1944, he was united in marriage to Lenice M. Soule at St. Francis, Kan., and they made their home on a farm north of Haigler. Marlin and his family left their farm in 1957 and moved to Yakima and Renton, Wash. In 1960, he moved his family to Fort Collins where he resided until his passing. He retired in 1986 after many years of employment with Greenline Equipment.

Marlin was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Lenice, in 1999, and brother, Harold. Those who survive him include his sons: Hal Dean Garner of. Fort Collins, Dale Allen Garner of Kimball, Neb., and Ronnie Lee Garner of Lemoore, Calif.; a daughter, Dorothy Jeanne Leising, of Fort Collins; a sister; two grandchildren; two nieces, and two nephews.

Funeral services for Marlin Garner were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 1, 2001, at the United Methodist Church in Haigler with Pastor Lisa Hart officiating. Carol Peterson was the pianist and Stacie Smith sang "Jesus Loves Me" and "Daddy's Hands."

Mr. and Mrs. C. C. Garner of the South Fork community were notified by the defense department that their son, Pfc. Patrick James Garner, 22, was killed in action in Korea. The notification arrived here April 10th.

Mr. Garner joined the Army in July, 1950, took his basic training in California and sailed for Korea in December, 1950.

Born and reared in the South Fork community, Pat was well and favorably known in Cheyenne county, Kansas, and in Dundy county. The sympathy of the community goes out to his parents and family.

(Researcher note: Burial was in the Benkelman, NE cemetery. Burial records show a date of birth as 5-21-1930; date of death as 2-2-1951.)

GOODLAND, Kan.--Longtime Sherman County, Kan., resident Wayne Alfred Gattshall, 78, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2002, at the Goodland Regional Medical Center.

He was born on March 10, 1923, at Flagler, Colo., the son of Millie B. (Hartzler) and Frank Q. Gattshall. He graduated from Flagler High School in 1941. Wayne married Carol Maude Johnson on Nov. 4, 1951, in St. Francis, Kan. He farmed near Goodland for 60 years, and during the last five years was a columnist for several newspapers in Kansas, Colorado and Nebraska. Prior to retiring, he was active in agricultural, political and farming associations. He was an aspiring author and was writing a book on historical perspectives of farming.

Preceding him in death were a daughter, Leta Cates, who died in 1999; his parents, and a sister, Laveta Loutzenhiser.

Surviving family members include his wife, Carol, of Goodland; six children: David Gattshall and wife, Rita, of Thornton, Colo., Leland Gattshall of Valley Center, Kan., Karen S. and husband, Scott Hooker, of Kanorado, Kan., Ruth Gattshall of Valley Center, John Gattshall and wife, Wanda, of Kansas City, Kan., and Alvin Gattshall and wife, Barbara, of Jackson Lake, Texas; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Wallace Gattshall, and his wife, Vera, of Goodland, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Wayne Gattshall were held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002, at Koons Chapel in Goodland with the Rev. Robert Snyder officiating. Burial was in the Goodland Cemetery. Koons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

WAUNETA — Marlies Sophia (Haarberg) Gauger, 73, died Thursday (Dec. 30, 2004) at Chase County Community Hospital in Imperial.

She was born March 15, 1931, to Henry and Elise (Nordhausen) Haarberg in Chase County, near Wauneta. She attended school at St. Paul's Parochial School and graduated from Wauneta High School in 1949.

On Dec. 19, 1968, she married Jim Gauger in Colorado Springs, Colo. The couple lived in Wauneta and then moved in 1972 in Dundy County. In 2002, they returned to Wauneta.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and brothers, Eldon, Harlan and infant brother, Harry.

Survivors include her husband, Jim of Wauneta; brother, Vic Haarberg and wife, Kathleen of Texas; two sisters, Dorinda Polly and husband, Kenneth of McCook and Erma Suelflow and husband, Ed of Milwaukee, Wis.; mother-in-law, Virginia Gauger of Wauneta; four sisters-in-law, Twilla Hamilton and husband, Bob of Wauneta, Dorothy Gauger of Wauneta, Mary Ann Haarberg and Mary Haarberg.

Graveside services were today at the Eden Missionary Cemetery in rural Wauneta with the Rev. Lloyd Bley officiating.

She is survived by her husband, Christy, and a son, Howard, both of Stratton; one daughter, Mrs. Lawrence (Thelma) Sexton of Farnam; three brothers, James and Robert McBride, Wauneta, and Walter McBride of Humansville, Missouri; one sister, Mrs. Raymond (Nellie) Jeffers, North Platte.

Services were held Monday, October 24 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church at 11:00 a.m. with the Rev. Don Rollistin officiating. Interment was in the Wauneta Riverside Cemetery under the direction of the Creveling Funeral Home of Imperial.

Ben Gauger was born February 9, 1909, in Dundy County to Fred and Anna Gauger and died February 11, 1985, at the Chase County Hospital at the age of 76. He lived all his life on the farm that was his folks'.

Ben was born again of water and the Spirit on December 28, 1984, while in the hospital in Denver, Colorado.

He married Virginia Egle on February 18, 1935, and to this union were born three children.

Ben enjoyed playing baseball as a young man. Small children were a special delight to him. He loved the land where he spent his entire life living and working. Ben was a strong, gentle and uncomplaining man who, in these last days, bore great suffering in silence.

As a young man, some of his happiest times were spent behind home plate on the softball field as catcher. When not on the ballfield, you could find Ben working at home or playing pitch with the boys in the shop, happy to see company coming.

Though his love for the farm was first, Ben's second love was for flying, always talking of the day when "he got his license." If he wasn't going off on an imaginary flight somewhere, he was, for real, off to a farm auction. Not many within driving distance were missed.

Ben loved his family and provided for them unselfishly in his quiet, gentle manner, ready to share whatever he could anytime.

"We will no longer see him racing down the road on his little tractor, hat flapping in the breeze. We will no longer feel his secure presence when life gives a storm to endure. But more, his suffering is done! We must wrap ourselves in the comfort that he lived a good, decent, unselfish life ended in God's grace and mercy."

Ben left to mourn his passing his wife, Virginia; his daughter, Twila Denker, and her husband, Louis, another daughter, Dottie Oldom; and his son, Jim, and his wife, Marlies.

Also left are three grandchildren and one great-grandchild, as well as his sister, Katie Salyer, and his brother, Christy, and many nephews, nieces and friends. Ben was preceded in death by his parents, seven brothers and one sister.

The funeral was held at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Wauneta February 14, with Pastor James Lucas officiating. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery. Pall bearers were Lee Denker, Steve Krajewski, Vern Maris, Donald Donze, Scott Denker and Bob Hardy.

With Love To Dad
From Us And The Farm

With love to Dad
Whose joys were:
Harvest, summer,
Sales, pickups,
Us and the farm.

With love to Dad
For memories:
Softball, hide and seek,
Noises in the dark,
Large and beautiful hands,
Us and the farm.

With love to Dad
Whose life taught:
Honesty, faithfulness,
Work, loyalty to
Us and the farm.

With love to Dad from
Us and the farm.

Frank Gauger was born on November 6, 1913 to Fred and Anna Gauger. He was born and grew to manhood at his present farm home, nine miles south of Wauneta, Nebraska.

On August 14. Frank became ill and was taken to St. Catherine's Hospital in McCook. The effects of a heart attack kept him confined there until Friday evening, August 25, 1972, when death claimed him at the age of 58 years, nine months and six days.

Frank received his education in the Dundy county rural school system and was graduated from Wauneta High School in 1931.

Although a hunting accident at the age of eight caused the partial loss of his right arm, Frank did his own farming and was an avid sportsman playing softball and enjoying hunting and fishing. The advent of television brought him many happy hours of the best of all kinds of sports.

Frank's father, mother, brothers, George, Manuel and John and sister, Bena Donze, preceded him in death. Left to mourn his passing are: sister, Katie Salyer; brothers: Sam and wife, Louise, Christy and wife. Mary, Bill, and Ben and wife, Virginia; five nieces, 13 nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held at Eden Missionary Church southeast of Wauneta on Monday, August 28th. Interment was in the Eden Cemetery under arrangements by the Brunkhorst Funeral Home of Wauneta.

WAUNETA--Leonard R. Gauger, 72, of Wauneta, Nebraska, died Thursday, September 13, 1990, at the Osborne County Hospital, Osborne, Kansas.

Mr. Gauger was born on February 16, 1918, on his grandparents' homestead north of the farm on which he lived his entire life.

He was a farmer and, in the past, was on the Gauger Ball Team and a member of the National Greyhound Association.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Manuel and Laura (Petsch) Gauger, and his wife, Elsie.

Survivors include his three daughters, Lenna Berry of Osborne and her children, Dwight and April; Patricia Cramer of New York and her husband, Jim, and their son, James, and Diana Duter and her daughter, Charla Kay, of Dighton, Kansas.

Services were held Monday, September 17, 1990, at 11 a.m. at Eden Missionary Church in Wauneta with Don Egle officiating.

Pianist Betty Erdman accompanied M.D. Sailors and Paul Erdman as they sang "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art."

Bearers were Howard Gauger, Jim Gauger, Joe Maris, Harold Maris, Bob Hardy and Rodney Petsch.

Interment was in Eden Cemetery of rural Wauneta with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman, Nebraska.

Samuel Gauger was born April 28, 1892 in Thayer County, Nebraska to Fred and Ann Gauger, the third of ten children. He departed this life October 22, 1974 at the Chase County Hospital, Imperial, Nebraska at the age of 82 years, five months and 24 days.

Sam, with his parents, and brothers and a sister, homesteaded in Hitchcock County about ten miles north of Stratton, Nebraska in 1904.

On September 30, 1915 he was united in marriage to Louise Nowka. They had just passed their 59th wedding anniversary a week before her death.

His entire life was spent farming. Although his formal education was very short, he spent much time reading and enlarging his knowledge of many other avocations and skills. He was a member of the Eden Missionary Church where he also taught a Sunday School class for many years.

His wife, Louise, his parents, a sister and five brothers have preceded him in death.

He leaves to mourn his passing: a daughter, Ruth Justice, Wauneta, Nebr.; a son, Eugene Gauger, Toledo, Ohio; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Other survivors include: two brothers, Christy of Stratton and Ben of Wauneta and a sister, Katie Salyer, Wauneta, also many other relatives and friends.

Services were held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, October 24th at the Eden Missionary Church with the Rev. Olen Schlatter officiating. Burial was in the Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with the Brunkhorst Funeral Home in charge.

William Gauger, son of Fred and Anna Gauger, was born in Thayer county, Nebraska, on March 14, 1902. On the night of June 8, 1973, Bill became suddenly ill; and before medical assistance could be obtained, he departed from this life at the age of 71 years, two months and 25 days.

As a little lad he moved to western Nebraska with his parents and as a young man settled on the present family farm in Dundy county.

On July 3, 1942, he was inducted into the United States army. He served his country until March 27, 1943, when he received his honorable discharge. Bill returned to the family farm and here he quietly lived out his days.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers, George, Manuel, John and Frank; one sister, Mrs. Bena Donze.

He is survived by three brothers; Sam and wife, Louise: Christy and wife, Mary; Ben and wife, Virginia; one sister, Mrs. Katie Salyer, all of the Wauneta community. Uncle Willie will be missed by each of his many nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Monday afternoon, June 11th at two p.m., at the Eden Missionary Church with the Rev. Olen Schlatter officiating. Casket bearers were Paul 0ldon, Lewis Denker, Jim Gauger, Wayne Gauger, Howard Gauger and Donald Donze.

Interment was at the Eden Cemetery under the direction of Brunkhorst Funeral Home of Wauneta.

Caroline M. Gaum, a former Benkelman resident, passed away at the Bonell Good Samaritan Home in Greeley, Colorado, on Sunday morning, October 16, 1983.

She was born to John and Emelia Roemmich April 11, 1890, and was raised in Benkelman.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, four sisters and two brothers.

She leaves to mourn her passing three nephews, one niece and three stepchildren, Drury Schillinger and Lorine Hendrix from Benkelman, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Sewell of Canon City, Colorado, and Mr. and Mrs. Allen Roemmich of Tracy, California, and many friends.

The funeral will be today, Wednesday, October 19, in Greeley and burial will be at Denver.

Funeral services for Bessie M. Gehrig were conducted from the First Baptist Church in Oxford, Neb., on Thursday, July 22, 2004, at 10:30 a.m. with Pastors David Hunt and Maynard Falk officiating. Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery. Mitchell-Nelson Funeral Home in Oxford was in charge of arrangements.

Bessie May Gehrig, 83 years of age, of Oxford, went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 18, 2004, at the Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Neb. Bessie was born on May 10, 1921, in a dugout near Burlington, Colo., the sixth of seven children born to McLeod Smith and Myrtle Ann (Stotts) Whitney. At the age of four, because of her father's ill health, they moved by wagon to a farm south of Republican City, Neb. She began school at the age of five at District 36. She attended Republican City's school from the eighth grade until graduating with the Class of 1938.

With Teddy Roosevelt's depression program, Bessie went to work in Cambridge, Neb. She stayed in a group home with other ladies. They cleaned houses, did laundry, planted flowers and canned vegetables from the garden. After a year she went to work for Mrs. Haskins as a housekeeper south of Republican City.

She met George Gehrig at a country dance and they began dating. On Dec. 14, 1941, they were united in marriage. After a short honeymoon they moved to a farm northeast of Republican City. Also to live there were her mother-in-law, Clara Gehrig, and brother-in-law, Herman Gehrig. While on this farm, their first of five daughters, Marjorie, was born. In the spring of 1944 they moved to their farm eight miles northeast of Oxford where their other daughters were born: Ginger, twins Karen and Sharon and Nancy. The family made their home there until November 1986 when they moved into Oxford.

Bessie was a devoted wife and mother to her family. She enjoyed entertaining family and neighbors and had a pot of coffee for anyone who would stop by. For many years Bessie was a member of the Spring Grove Extension Club as well as a member of the Mascot PTA. the Rebekah Lodge, the Birthday Club and several other organizations. Bessie was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Oxford and participated in many church activities.

During their marriage, George and Bessie enjoyed traveling, playing cards, dancing, attending races, fishing and family gatherings.

She leaves to mourn her passing: daughters Marjorie Wilson and husband, Nason, of Benkelman, Neb., Virginia McGuire and husband, Cecil "Mac," of Oxford, Karen McGuire and husband, Gene, of Wilcox. Neb., Sharon Kruback and husband, Ron, of Holdrege, Neb.. and Nancy Haney and husband, Stan, of Grand Island, Neb.: grandchildren Ruthann, Russell and Richard Wilson, Robin (Wilson) Kay and husband, Gregg, Barbara Eaton and husband, Chip, Becky Cleveland and husband, Mike, Laurie Jauken and husband, Kel, Michael Kruback and wife, Shannon, Roger Kruback and wife, Terri Ann. Jeffrey Haney and fiance, Amy Rademacher, and Andrew Haney: 11 great-grandchildren: sisters-in-law Pat Gehrig of Oxford and Dorothy Huston and husband, Sam, of California; a cousin, Minnie Bennett, of Hastings, Neb., who is 105 years of age, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George, of 48 years, who died on Nov. 3, 1989; her parents; brothers Lloyd, Ralph, Dale and an infant brother; sisters Alice Whitney and Mildred Stoltz and husband, Mike; father-in-law and mother-in-law George and Clara Gehrig; brothers and sisters-in-law Herman Gehrig, Florence and John Foltz, Marie and Glen Lutjeharms and Louise and Elsie Gehrig.

George Andrew Gehrig, the third eldest child of seven children of George and Clara (Hofmeyer) Gehrig, was born July 20, 1912, southwest of Orleans in Harlan County, Nebraska, and passed away on November 3, 1989, in Oxford, Nebraska, at the age of 77 years, 3 months and 14 days.

He attended rural school District #60. After the death of his father, he started farming at the age of 19.

On December 14, 1941, he was united in marriage to Bessie May Whitney and they made their home on a farm north of Republican City, Nebraska. In 1944, they moved northeast of Oxford and in 1986 moved into Oxford.

Besides his wife, Bessie Gehrig, of Oxford, he leaves to mourn his passing, five daughters: Marjorie Wilson and her husband, Nason, of Parks, Nebraska, Virginia Bobrick of Denver, Colorado, Karen McGuire and her husband, Gene, of Wilcox, Nebraska, Sharon Kruback and her husband, Ron, of Holdrege, Nebraska, and Nancy Haney and her husband, Stan, of Grand Island, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; three sisters: Florence Foltz of Lynwood, California, Dorothy Huston and her husband, Sam, of Torrance, California, and Elsie Gehrig of Superior, Nebraska, and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Herman, and two sisters, Louise and Marie.

Services were held at the Mitchell-Nelson Funeral Home in Oxford on Tuesday, November 7, 1989, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Adam Ralston officiating.

Organist was Kim Wilsey and Linda Knipping sang "In The Garden" and "Standing On The Promises."

Pall bearers were Robert Lueking, Donald Shield, Douglas York, John Shield, Duane Brand and Dean Birt.

Interment was in the Oxford Cemetery with Mitchell-Nelson Funeral Home of Oxford in charge of arrangements.

Harlan Edward Geihsler, age 81, died Monday, Feb. 18, 2008, at the Decatur County Good Samaritan Center in Oberlin.

Harlan was born in Palisade on May 14, 1926, to Harold W. and Sophia M. (Kircher) Geihsler. He attended Palisade Public Schools.

He married Anna Irene Lewis on Aug. 12, 1947, in Oberlin. To this union three children were born, Dean, Debra and Donna. They made their home southeast of McCook, where he enjoyed being a farmer since 1947. He was Santa Claus for 40 years for schools, nursing homes and families.

He was in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1946, as a Squadron Leader. He served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign and received a Purple Heart for his involvement on Okinawa Island.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Anna on April 18, 2005; and brother, Gerald.

He is survived by his son, Dean of Colby, Kan., daughters, Debra Geihsler of Boston, Mass., and Donna Geihsler of Wichita, Kan.; brother, Burdette Geihsler and wife, Gleannys of Benkelman; sister, Burdean Melchert and husband, Alfred of Stratton; six grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Thursday at 2 p.m,. at Carpenter Breland Chapel with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Burial will be in the Danbury-Marion Cemetery.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. until noon at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home in McCook. Friends may sign his book at the funeral home or send condolences online at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Harold W. Geihsler, 73, died Friday morning at the Community Hospital in McCook. He was born March 23, 1904 in Hayes County to Conrad and Elizabeth Geihsler.

He is survived by his widow Sophia, three sons Harlan and Gerald of McCook and Burdette of Benkelman, one daughter Mrs. Alfred (Burdean) Melchert of Stratton, 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, one brother Clarence of Palisade, six sisters Mrs. Sarah Hesterwerth of McCook, Mrs. Ida Sailors of Los Angeles, Calif., Mrs. Elsie Ward of Tucson, Ariz., Mrs. Clara Ward of Palisade, Mrs. Leila Ward of McCook and Mrs. Bertha Bohlman of Excelsior Springs, Mo.

Rosary was at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home and mass was at 10:00 a.m. Monday at the St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Gene Glaub O.M.I. officiating.

Interment was in the Calvary Cemetery under the direction of the Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home of McCook.

Mrs. Lucy George, a former pioneer resident of Benkelman and wife of James E. George, until about a year ago in the drug business here for 24 years, died at her home in Hutchinson, Kansas, Tuesday, July 26, and burial was at Ottawa, Kansas, the 28th.

Mr. and Mrs. George had spent almost the past year in travel, seeking a place where her health would be improved, finally settling at Hutchinson. She was a most estimable Christian woman, kind and generous and numbered her friends by the limit of her acquaintances.

Funeral services were held on Friday afternoon at the Laughlin Funeral Chapel for Mrs. Abigail M. Gerdes. The Rev. Raymond Sandsted was in charge of the service. Mrs. JoAnn Rath was the organist and the singers were Mrs. Hattie Borchert, Mrs. Beryl Maranville, E. C. Schwartz and John Baer. Casket bearers were Chris Andersen, Freddie Gerdes, Carl Gunther, Charles Deyle, Loren Mossburgh and Andres Hoff. Sheba Rebekah Lodge was in charge of graveside services at the Benkelman cemetery. Mrs. Gerdes had been a member of the lodge for 36 years.

Abigail Marion Draper was born to George and Rosa Draper on May 4, 1880 near Ashland, Nebr. At the age of 5 years, they immigrated to Stratton, Nebr., by covered wagon and located in Burntwood township in Rawlins county, Kansas, where she grew to womanhood.

She was united in marriage to Fred F. Gerdes on Feb. 17, 1898. To this union seven children were born. She and her husband resided on the original homestead in Rawlins county, Kansas, until January of 1935 when they moved to Benkelman where she resided until September 22, 1956, when she fell and broke her hip and was taken to the Morehouse hospital. On September 27, 1956, she was taken to St. Luke's hospital in Denver, Colo., where the fracture was reduced. She was then transferred back to the Morehouse hospital where she remained until death on May 27, 1957, at the age of 77 years and 23 days.

She is survived by six children, Dewey D., Chester C., Foster F. Gerdes, and Leta L. Howard of Benkelman; Goldie G. Schwartz, Stotsbury, Missouri and Elsie E. Kentopp of Denver, Colo.; one sister, Jessie Barnaby of Longton, Kansas; one brother, Ora A. Draper of Hamilton, Montana; 22 grandchildren; eight great grandchildren and a host of other relatives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, the late Fred F. Gerdes; one son, Harold H., her mother and father and four sisters, Elizabeth, Cora, Lillian and Ruth Draper and six grandchildren.

Out-of-town relatives attending the service were Mr. and Mrs. Norval Schwartz of Stotesbury, Missouri; Mrs. Elsie Kentopp and Marlin of Denver; Mr. and Mrs. Virgil Schwartz and Richard of Colorado Springs Orlie Gerdes and son Mike of Seattle, Wash.; Mr. and Mrs. Lloyd Lunzmann, Imperial; Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Ruber, Beardsley; Mr. and Mrs. Lee Gerdes, Wauneta; Mr. and Mrs. Everett Gerdes, Palisade; Mr. and Mrs. Rex Gerdes, Stratton; Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur Hartman, McDonald; Mr. and Mrs. Ed Kniffen, Champion; Lillian Tyler, Madrid; Mr. and Mrs. Millard Pope and Millard, Jr., Wray; Mr. and Mrs. Duke Hoff and family of McCook.

Annie Marie Gunther Gerdes, daughter of August and Mary Gunther, was born May 22, 1902, in Cheyenne County, Kansas, and passed away November 22, 1985, while residing at the Rose Arbor Manor in Sterling, Colorado. She was reared near Benkelman, Nebraska, and was united in marriage to Dewey Daniel Gerdes on December 14, 1921. Their marriage was blessed with three sons and three daughters: Orlie, Glenard, Ellis, Iris, Neala and Deanna. Following the death of Annie's mother, Dewey and Annie accepted the care and responsibility of raising Annie's little sister, Ella, and raised her as one of their own.

The family farmed south of Benkelman during the 1920s and early '30s, then moved into Benkelman. At the onset of World War II, the entire family moved to Seattle, Washington, where Dewey entered the Boeing work force. During the war years, while all three of her sons were in the military, Annie spent her time maintaining a large house, caring for several roomers and boarders and her own family, and using her special talents as a professional seamstress.

In 1946, Dewey and Annie and the two younger daughters moved back to Benkelman where Dewey was self-employed as a plumber and electrician, and Annie continued her work as a truly fine seamstress. Her pride and joy was her yard. She loved the outdoors and always had a huge garden, abundant with all kinds of vegetables and prize-winning tomatoes, white hydrangeas, beautiful roses and peonies—and no weeds! She and Dewey enjoyed traveling and put many miles on their bright red '59 Rambler, visiting their children and other relatives and friends throughout the western United States.

Following the death of her husband in 1967, Annie continued living in her home in Benkelman where she spent her time sewing, gardening, crocheting and making beautiful hand-sewn quilts.

She was one of the originals when it came to walking for physical fitness. You could almost set your clock by her walks to town to "get her mail and get her exercise."

With the help of fine neighbors and relatives, she continued to live by herself until June of 1984. It was then that she moved to the Rose Arbor Manor in Sterling. As Alzheimer's Disease continued to take its toll, Annie still found pleasure in ceramics, exercise, dancing and even ventured into a swimming pool a time or two.

Although not a musician herself, she and Dewey had made sure that all their children were musically educated, and she did enjoy listening to music, particularly Lawrence Welk. She thoroughly enjoyed the "old-time music" played at Rose Arbor each week. In fact, her 83rd birthday was celebrated there with cake, ice cream, punch and an afternoon of dancing. She was the last one to quit!

Throughout Annie's life, some things remained constant: caring for her family, making things grow, and doing the best with what the good Lord had given her. There were some things she insisted upon:

And her kids had to study hard and get good grades—and they did, all six of them!

There were some things very close to her heart: her husband and family, horses, kittens and the feel of the good rich Nebraska soil in her hands. She lived in Nebraska 75 of her 83 years of life. Her spirit was strong, her morals high and true and her faithfulness unending.

She leaves to mourn her passing her six children and their families: Orlie and Evelyn Gerdes of Seattle, Washington, Glenard and Betty Jean Gerdes of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Ellis and Bettee Gerdes of Portland, Oregon, Iris and Fred Worthington of Garden Grove, California, Neala and Bill Carmichael of Sterling, Colorado, and Deanna Johnson of Burbank, California; one sister, Bertha Bacon of Bird City, Kansas; two brothers, Fred Gunther of Nampa, Idaho, and Carl Gunther of Benkelman; 15 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held Sunday, November 24, 1985, at the Hettinger Funeral Chapel in Sterling, Colorado. The Reverend Ivan E. Rundus, D.D., officiated. Organist Pat Lechman accompanied Brad Anderson as he sang "Abide With Me" and "God Be With You Till W e Meet Again."

Family services and interment were held in Floral Hills Cemetery, Lynnwood, Washington, on Tuesday, November 26, 1985, where Annie was laid to rest beside her husband. Dr. Wendt officiated and Stan Cole offered the vocal selections "Just A Closer Walk With Thee," "' The Garden" and "How Great Thou Art."

Casket bearers were Annie's grandsons, Michael Gerdes of Kennewick, Washington, Paul Gerdes of Lake Oswego, Oregon, Gregory Worthington of Garden Grove, California, Scott Carmichael of St. Francis, Kansas, Brent Carmichael of Sterling, Colorado, and Christopher Gerdes of Portland, Oregon.

Honorary bearers were George Larson of Seattle, Washington, and Robert Kramer of Seattle, Washington.

Louise Margaret Talmon, daughter of William and Theresia Talmon, was born Oct. 21, 1898 at Omaha, Nebr. She was baptized in the Lutheran faith and confirmed and a member of Zion Lutheran Church at Benkelman, Nebr.

She was united in marriage to Richard Gerdes Feb. 9, 1926. After her husband's death on Mar. 8, 1947, Lucy moved to Benkelman where she resided until Oct. 1977 when she was admitted to the Hester Home and remained there until Apr. 2, 1979 when she passed away at 12:30 a.m. Lucy was known for her generosity toward her friends and always welcomed visitors.

She was a member of Sheba Rebekah Lodge at Benkelman also a member of Benkelman Woman's Club.

Survivors include two step-daughters, Mrs. Glen (Vernice) Spears and Mrs. Albert (Fern) Cross; three step-grandchildren and eight step-great grandchildren. Also nieces and nephews.

Preceding in death were her parents, her husband, four sisters: Bertha, Madeline Jones, Caroline Jones and Anna Heyman; four brothers: Henry, William, Louis and John Talmon.

The community was shocked on Saturday by the sudden passing of Mrs. Chester Gerdes of Max, who succumbed to a heart attack. She was 47 years of age. She is survived by her husband, two sons and two daughters, and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted on Tuesday afternoon at the Methodist Church in Benkelman, with the Rev. John Grant and Rev. Jerry Elrod officiating. Mrs. Dale Bauer was the organist and Mrs. Royce Anderson the soloist. Bearers were Loren Mossburgh, John Talmon, Gayle Loker, Kermit Humphrey, Alvin Edwards and Edwin Deyle. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Helen Mae Gerdes, daughter of Harry and Belva Fae Clabaugh Tavenner, was born at Wray, Colorado, on December 20, 1917, and passed away at her home near Max, Nebraska, on August 21, 1965, at the age of 47 years, eight months and one day. She attended the Ash Grove country school and Max high school. She spent most of her life in Rawlins County, Kansas, and Dundy County, Nebraska.

On December 22, 1933, she was united in marriage with Chester Gerdes. To this union seven children were born, a set of twins died at birth, and another son died at the age of six months.

Besides her husband, Chester, she is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Dorothy Wood of Imperial Beach, California, and Mrs. Delores Becker, Lake City, Colorado; two sons, Rieke, Arvada, Colo., and Gary of the home; seven grandchildren; one sister, Mrs. Donna McClelland, Arvada, Colo.; five brothers, Cecil Tavenner, Walter Tavenner, Russell Tavenner, Darrell Tavenner, all of Denver, and Harold Tavenner of Albany, Oregon; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, five brothers, Ray, Verle, Wayne, Lawrence, Lloyd, and two sisters, Edith and Bethyl.

She was a kind and loving wife and mother and will be greatly missed by her family and her friends.

Archie L. Gerdes, 68, of Aurora, Colorado, died Wednesday, December 14, 1988, at his home in Aurora.

Mr. Gerdes was born May 8, 1920, in Benkelman, Nebraska, to Herman and Pearl (Smith) Gerdes. He received his education in the Benkelman Public Schools and for 40 years he was a truck driver.

On December 7, 1957, he was married to Josephine Braun Nelson in Seward, Nebraska. After their marriage, they resided in Aurora.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, Rex, Leroy and Fred; and one sister, Opal.

Survivors include his wife, Josephine of Aurora; two sons, Gary and Steve. both of Aurora; one stepson, Bob Nelson of Higgins, Texas; one daughter. Judy Davies of Ft. Morgan, Colorado; one stepdaughter, Sharon Fonda of Houston, Texas; two brothers. Lee of Holdrege and Everett of Benkelman; three sisters, Velda Hartman of McCook, Ethel Dubbert of Loveland, Colorado, and Lenamae Sloan of Pine Bluff, Arkansas; and four grandchildren.

Graveside services were held Friday, December 16, 1988, at 4 p.m. at the Aurora Cemetery. The Rev. David McCreary officiated. Hlgby Mortuary of Aurora was in charge of arrangements.

PLANO, Texas--Chris Gerdes, 17, of Plano, passed away Sunday, May 30, 1999, at his residence. Services were held at 2 p.m. on June 2 in Frisco, Texas, with interment in Ridgeview West Memorial Park in Frisco.

Christopher was born July 21,1981, in San Antonio, Texas. He was a December 1998 graduate of the North Texas Academy in Plano. Chris had a great interest in music and helping other people. Hiscompassion for others is his legacy.

The son of John and Marie Gerdes will be greatly missed at home and in the community.

He is survived by his parents; a sister, Meredith Knight-Gerdes of Irving; grandmothers Lucille Gerdes of Benkelman, Neb., and Adella Knight of San Antonio; an uncle, Bob Dorsey, of Bryan, Texas; uncles and aunts Jerrell and Charline Gerdes of Franklin, Neb., and Ed and Nancy Thielemann of North Richland Hills, Texas; several cousins and many friends.

A memorial has been established at Promise House, a facility for helping troubled youth, 224 West Page, Dallas, TX 75208.

PORTLAND, Ore.--Ellis Elroy "Eli" Gerdes passed away in Portland on Aug. 31, 2002, of natural causes. He was born in Cheyenne County, Kan., on May 28, 1925, the youngest son of Dewey and Annie (Gunther) Gerdes.

He attended schools in Cheyenne County and in Benkelman, Neb. In 1941 the family moved to Seattle, Wash., where he completed his high school education at Lincoln High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy where he served in the Pacific campaign during World War II.

After serving his country, he enrolled and was graduated from the University of Washington and received his law degree from Lewis and Clark School of Law in Portland. He practiced law in the Portland area until he retired.

Ellis married Bettee Jane Fuqua of Portland on Nov. 24, 1951. They were parents of three children: Claire, Christopher and Elisabeth.

Survivors include his wife; daughter Claire and son-in-law, Peter Quinton, and daughter Elisabeth of Portland; brothers Orlie and wife, Evelyn, of Kennewick, Wash., and Glenard and wife, Betty Jean, of Lake Oswego, Ore.; sisters Neala and husband, Bill Carmichael, of Sterling, Colo., and Deanna Johnson of Burbank, Calif., as well as a host of relatives and friends.

Services were held on Saturday, Sept. 7, 2002, at Colonial Heights Presbyterian Church in Portland, with interment at Green Mountain Cemetery in Rainier, Ore.

Everett Glen Gerdes, 88, died Monday, Jan. 25, 1999, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb. He was born March 23, 1910, in Dundy County, Neb., to Herman and Pearl (Smith) Gerdes.

His family was one of the original 100 families to settle in the Benkelman area.

On Jan. 1, 1936, he was united in marriage to Ethel Carter at the Lutheran Church in Benkelman where he was a life-long member. Everett spent his life on the farm, doing what he loved: tilling the rich soil and tending to his cattle until his retirement in 1975.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Shirley Simer; sisters Opal Amsbury, Ethyl Weber and Lena Mae Sloan, and brothers Lyle, Archie, Rex, Fred and Stewart. Those left to survive him include his loving wife, Ethel; a daughter, Melba Peake, of Long Beach, Miss.; a sister, Velda Hartman, of McCook, Neb.; a brother, Lee, of Holdrege, Neb.; 5 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and other relatives and friends.

Final rites for Everett Gerdes were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 28, 1999, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Chris Farmer officiating. Jackie Wilson was the organist and Richard Bartholomew, with guitar accompaniment, sang "The Old Rugged Cross," "On The Wings Of A Dove" and "Precious Lord, Take My Hand."

Casket bearers were Jim, Mark, Barry and James Carter and Stanley and Richard Gerdes. Honorary bearers were Verle Raichart, Earnie Carter, Mike Ohrman, Jim Simer, Wes Donohue and Rod Wiese.

Foster Finley Gerdes was born May 8, 1916, to Frederick Foster and Abigail M. (Draper) Gerdes in Burntwood Township, Rawlins County, Kan. He died Dec. 12, 1995, at the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Neb., after a lengthy illness.

Foster married Lucille M. Mulvany on Oct. 11, 1939, at Atwood, Kan., with Judge Donald Kyte and Chester and Helen Gerdes present. To this union a daughter, LaVera Darlene, and two sons, Jerrell Foster and John Leon, were born.

Foster loved farming, tilling the land his grandparents, Rieke and Gesche Gerdes, had homesteaded. He followed that love through most of his life, even after moving to "town" in 1958. He also worked as the caretaker for the Benkelman Cemetery, as a laborer for Dundy County Roads and owned a trenching, carpentry and custom harvest business.

He volunteered his services to assist with the Dundy County Fair, coached baseball and enjoyed his life as a husband, father, grandfather and more recently as a great-grandfather. Foster held family values dear to his heart.

He believed in education and encouraged his sons to pursue their education. He was especially proud when John completed an undergraduate degree and Jerrell completed a graduate degree. One of his dreams was to be a teacher. His granddaughter, Shelley, fulfilled this dream for him.

Foster always enjoyed working with his hands and grandsons Patrick and Brian share his joy with careers in the construction trades. He looked forward to seeing Meredith and Christopher pursue their dreams and careers.

He was confirmed at the Zion Lutheran Church on Nov. 27. 1960, by the Rev. W. J. Rossbach in Benkelman.

He entered the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home on June 21, 1995, and was hospitalized on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Foster was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, LaVera, on Sept. 29, 1943: brothers Dewey and Chester, and sisters Leta Howard and Gladys Schwartz.

Survivors include his wife, Lucille, of Benkelman; their sons, Jerrell and his wife, Charline, of Franklin, Neb., and John and his wife, Marie, of San Antonio, Texas: five grandchildren: Patrick Gerdes and wife, Christy, of Broken Bow, Neb., Shelley and her husband, Toby Kahrs, and Brian Gerdes, all of Franklin, and Meredith and Christopher Gerdes of San Antonio; three great-granddaughters: Courtney and Nicole Gerdes of Broken Bow and Latham Kahrs of Franklin; a sister, Elsie, and her husband, Frank Rossi, of Commerce City, Colo; sisters-in-law Berdeina Farrell of Benkelman and Lorene Sawdon of Atlanta. Neb., and several nieces and nephews.

Services were held Friday, Dec. 15, at 10 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman with the Rev. Douglas Allen officiating. Helen Lutz was the organist and Richard Bartholomew with guitar accompaniment sang “The Old Rugged Cross Made The Difference" and "His Eye Is On The Sparrow." Bearers were Verle Raichart, Vernon Beckman. Lyle Wiese, Brad Wiese, Marlin Gunther and Gene Hansen. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery with arrangements by Jones Funeral Home of Benkelman.

(Newspaper Editor's Note: The following was submitted by the family as additional information to the Foster F. Gerdes obituary which was printed Dec. 20, 1995.)

Foster Finley Gerdes was born May 8, 1916, and died Dec. 12, 1995. He had served several years on the Zion Lutheran Church board in Benkelman and assisted the church in service to God.

He attended a rural one-room school located near the family farm through the eighth grade. He then began working on the family farm and for area farmers with his work also including carpentry in Salt Lake City, Utah, ranching in Montana and peach harvesting in Colorado, but his roots always were in Benkelman.

Music also was important to this man and he greatly enjoyed his guitar and singing with the Gerdes family band.

He worked as the sexton at the Benkelman Cemetery for more than 20 years, as a laborer for Dundy County Roads and owned trenching, carpentry and custom harvest businesses. He always enjoyed working with his hands and, as a carpenter, built several houses, elevators and business buildings in the area and worked as a plumber with his brother, Dewey.

Fredrick Foster Gerdes was born in Springfield, Illinois, on October 7, 1877, and departed this life at the Morehouse hospital on October 25, 1953, at the age of 76 years, 2 weeks and 4 days, after a long illness of sugar diabetes, (which resulted in his falling and breaking an ankle on October 2, gangrene developing and thus causing death).

He was baptized in the Lutheran faith in childhood. He was an active member in the Odd Fellows lodge since 1912.

He moved to Dundy county with his paternal family in 1886 where they homesteaded near the Nebraska-Kansas line.

He was united in marriage to Abigail Draper on February 17, 1898, and to this union seven children were born: Dewey D., Leta L. Howard, Chester C. and Foster F. of Benkelman; G. Goldie Schwartz of Vona, Colo.; Elsie E. Kentopp of Denver, and Harold H., who passed away in. infancy. In addition to his wife and family he is survived by 21 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, one sister, Mrs. Gratha Schwartz, and one brother, Herman Gerdes. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Rieke Gerdes, and one brother, Richard Gerdes, preceded him in death.

Mr. Gerdes was active all his life in farming and threshing with the use of steam engines in earlier manhood. In later years he took up carpenter work in which he continued until 1943, when he fell and broke his hip. He later resumed his carpenter work until 1949. Since then he had been retired in his Benkelman home.

Funeral services were conducted by Rev. Raymond Sandsted at the Laughlin Funeral Home chapel on October 29th. The quartette consisted of Mrs. T. E. Maranville, Mrs. Wilber Borchert, Lloyd Boswell and John Baer. Pallbearers were Charles Deyle, Anson Walters, Jim DeWester, Miles Calkins, Anderson Hoff and H. J. Borchert. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

DENVER, Colo. -- Gary Gerdes, 60, died Dec. 12, 2007, after a long battle with cancer.

He was born Oct. 25, 1947, to Chester and Helen Gerdes of Max. He was raised on a farm south of Max and attended school in Max and later in Stratton. He graduated from Stratton High School in 1965.

He married his present wife, Sheri in 1987. He owned and operated Gary's Excavating Enterprises and lived in Denver where he remained until his death.

Survivors include his daughter, Kim Rasmussen and husband, Brent of Omaha; wife, Sheri of Denver; step-children, Heather, Monique and Michael, all of Denver; sister, Dorothy; and two step-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be Saturday at St. Joan of Ark Catholic Church, 12735 W 85th Avenue, in Arvada, Colo.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be sent to Denver Hospice, 501 S. Cherry No. 700, Denver, CO 80246.

From McCook Daily Gazette -- L. Dwayne Gerdes died Tuesday evening at the Great Plains Medical Center at the age of 44 years. He was born July 1, 1937 at Benkelman.

He grew up in the Dundy County area and attended country schools, graduating from Benkelman High School in 1954. He entered the Air Force in 1955 and served to 1959.

On June 8, 1958 he was married to Fran Bueoy at Ashland. He worked at the Federal Aviation Department in Wynette, Ill., before being transferred in 1962 to the Federal Aviation Long Range Radar Facility at Wellfleet where he was a technician in charge.

He was a member of the First Lutheran Church in North Platte, BPOE No. 95 and Knights Cage Club.

Survivors include his wife, Fran a daughter, Julie Ann, both of North Platte; and his step-father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Donohue of Benkelman.

Services were held at 11 Saturday at the First Lutheran Church in North Platte with the Rev. G. Van Boening officiating. Burial was in Floral Lawn Cemetery with Tabler Memorial Chapel of North Platte in charge of arrangements. Memorials are being accepted to Mid-Plains Community College or the Knights Cage Club.

HOLDREGE -- Lee A. Gerdes, 86, died Thursday (May 12, 2005), at the Christian Homes in Holdrege.

He was born July 22, 1918, to Herman and Pearl (Smith) Gerdes on a family farm south of Max in Dundy County. As a young boy, he attended school in Dundy County and later engaged in farming with his father and uncle.

On Dec. 18, 1940, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served for six years during World War II. He was stationed at the U.S. Navy Submarine Base at Pearl Harbor from March 1941 to June 1944.

On June 5, 1945 he married Beulah Lantis of Oberlin. The couple made their home at New London, Conn., where he was stationed, until his discharge on Dec. 17, 1946. They returned to Culbertson and Wauneta, and eventually settled in Holdrege. He owned and operated Lee's Frontier/Husky Station until his retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents; six brothers, Everett, Lyle, Archie, Rex, Freddie and LeRoy Gerdes; and three sisters, Opal Amsberry, Ethel Dubbert, and Lena Mae Sloan.

Survivors include his wife, Beulah; twin sons, Stanley Gerdes of Holdrege, and Richard Gerdes, and wife, Sheila of Omaha; one sister, Velda Hartman of McCook; one brother-in-law, Dale Lantis of Fort Collins, Colo.; two sisters-in-law, Ethel Gerdes of Long Beach, Miss., and Mariann Ogorzolka of Bartley; one grandson; and two step-grandsons.

Services will be Tuesday, 10 a.m., at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege with the Rev. Kenton Birtell officiating. Internment will be in the Benkelman Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. (MDT).

Visitation will be Monday from 1-9 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

BENKELMAN — Lyle Denby Gerdes was born July 9, 1912 in Dundy County to Herman and Pearl Smith Gerdes. He died Aug. 14, 1979 in Loveland, Colo., at the age of 67 years. He grew to manhood on his father's farm and was married June 18, 1937 to Marguerite Louch.

Survivors are a son Dwayne, North Platte; a granddaughter, Julie Anne, North Platte; three brothers, Everett, Benkelman, Lee, Holdrege, and Archie, Aurora; three sisters, Ethel Dubbert, Loveland, Colo., Lena Mae Sloan, Montrose, Ark., and Velda Hartman, McCook.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, Rex, Freddie and LeRoy and a sister, Mrs. William (Opal) Amsberry.

Services were held at the Jones Mortuary in Benkelman Aug. 17. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.

BIRD CITY, Kan. — Criminal charges may be filed against a Goodland truck driver following a fatal traffic accident on Highway 161, nine miles north of here Monday morning.

The three-vehicle accident, which occurred at around 11:15 a.m., claimed the life of Norman I. Gerdes, 58, of Johnson, Neb.

Cheyenne County Attorney Scott Condray said he is investigating to determine what the proper and appropriate charges would be to file against 23-year-old Daniel D. Knudsen.

Condray said he would probably file the charges in Cheyenne County District Court, later today or Wednesday.

According to Cheyenne County Sheriff Ray Lee, Knudsen was northbound on Highway 161. Lee said Knudsen started to pass a pickup truck towing a stock trailer. The pickup was driven by Russell D. Green, 32, of Holyoke, Colorado.

Lee said the portion of the roadway where the accident occurred is marked "no passing" with double-yellow lines.

According to Lee, Knudsen struck the pickup truck, sending Green's vehicle off the roadway and overturning the trailer, before striking Gerdes southbound vehicle head-on.

Gerdes died en route to Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, according to the sheriff.

Knudsen sustained minor injuries in the accident. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital where he was treated and released.

Rex Verle Gerdes, son of Herman and Pearl Smith Gerdes, was born October 1, 1921, at Benkelman, Nebraska, and passed away October 13, 1969, at the Hitchcock County Hospital in Stratton at the age of 48 years, 12 days.

Rex attended a country school and Benkelman High School. He entered the Army in February 1943, and was discharged December 13, 1945. He was united in marriage to Mariann Marquissee on November 14, 1945. Two sons were born to this union, Ronald Rex and Rodney Verle.

Rex was a loving and kind husband and father. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Eastern Star, American Legion and VFW.

He leaves to mourn his passing, his wife Mariann, two sons, , Rodney Verle at home, Lt. Ronald Rex of Fort Carson, Colorado, one daughter-in-law, Linda, of Fort Carson, Colorado; three sisters, Velda Hartman, McDonald, Kansas, Lena Mae Sloan, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. and Ethel Dubbert, Loveland, Colorado; five brothers, Everett and Freddie Gerdes, Benkelman, Lee Gerdes, Holdrege and Archie Gerdes of Aurora,

Nebraska, and Lyle Gerdes of Loveland, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother and one sister.

Funeral services were conducted at the United Methodist Church in Stratton at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, October 15th, with the Rev. Roger Monson officiating. The singers were Don Egle, Eugene Jones, Daniel Rite and Carl Philo, accompanied by organist Mrs. Mariel Kleinschmidt. Casket bearers were Virgil Watsoh, LaMoine Motter, Norris Miles. Loren Mossburgh, Henry Dicke and Eddie Stehno. Graveside services were conducted by Robert Burns Lodge No. 172 AF&AM. Interment was in the Benkelman cemetery under direction of the Jones Funeral Home.

Rieke Gerdes was born at Abichhafe in the county of Wittmund, Hannover Germany, on the 16th day of June, 1840, as the son of Hilka and Harm Gerdes. He was baptized In infancy. At the age of 14 he became a member of the Lutheran church after a thorough course in instruction in the teaching of God's Holy Word which he accepted and confessed. He remained a faithful member until his death.

The years of his youth were spent in the fatherland where he worked as a laborer until 1869 when he joined the army. As a soldier he took part in the Franco-German war of ‘70 and ‘71. He was wounded in the battle of St. Privat and Gravelotte and confined to the hospital for two weeks. Mr. Gerdes often spoke of these war days and of the strict discipline which prevailed in the German army. The victorious army was not allowed to take anything from the French villagers which was not willingly sold and honestly bought and paid for. A statutory offense was subject to court-marshal.

He was married to Miss Frieden Gresche Trauernicht on the 18th day of May 1873. A little over a month after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gerdes set sail for the shores of the new world to seek their fortunes here. They came to Springfield, Illinois where they lived for 5 years. In 1878 the: came to Edgar, Nebraska. Here they lived for 8 years. In 1886 they came in a covered wagon to Dundy county, taking up a homestead 7 miles southeast of Max. Two years later they purchased property just over across the Kansas-Nebraska state line, the land now owned by his sons Richard and Fred. Here he followed the occupation of a farmer until 1915 when he and Mrs. Gerdes moved to Benkelman. And this has been his home ever since.

Mr. Gerdes was of a robust constition. He was seldom sick. In his later years he experienced the infirmities of old age. Up to about two years ago he could still take his daily walks to town and to the depot to meet No. 9 of the Burlington. He became bedfast about two weeks ago, and it was becoming more apparent every day that the end was near. He fell asleep Tuesday morning at 10:30 o'clock. He reached the age of 88 years, 10 months and 2 8days.

He leaves to mourn their loss his four children. three sons and one daughter: Herman Gerdes. Fred Gerdes, Richard Gerdes. and Mrs. Edward Schwartz, all of Benkelman: 21 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

As an honest and upright citizen he enjoyed the respect of the whole community. The best tribute that we can pay him is this, that he lived and died a Christian. He had found grace in the blood of the lamb who died on Calvary's Hill. And so we have the assurance that he lives, where none do mourn and weep. And calmly all this body sleep till God shall death himself destroy, And raise it then In glorious joy. Then let us leave him to his rest. And homeward turn, for he is blessed. And we must well our house prepare, when death shall come to meet him there.

Funeral services were held last Thursday at the Lutheran church, being conducted by Rev. H. F. Meyer and interment was in the Benkelman cemetery.

(Researcher note: Burial records for the Benkelman cemetery show a birth date of 6-12-1846 and a death date of 5-14-1935.)

HARLAN, Ore.--Rieke Kenneth Gerdes, age 60, died as the result of a heart attack April 20, 1994, at his home in Harlan, Oregon.

He was born June 23, 1934, to Chester Conrad and Helen (Tavenner) Gerdes at the family home in Rawlins County, Kansas.

He attended schools in Rawlins County and at Benkelman (Nebraska) High School, graduating from McDonald (Kansas) High School in 1952.

As a young man he traveled quite extensively, worked at various trades and served a hitch in the U.S. Army.

Upon completion of his tour of duty, he returned to Colorado where he became a master plumber and later opened his own plumbing business in 1969.

He married Patricia Lela Turner, of Denver, Colorado, June 27, 1958. They were blessed with two sons, Kevin and Jeffery.

Following the death of Patricia, he married Lola Louise (Watt) Thompson in Parshall, Colorado, January 28, 1967.

He and Lola moved to Oregon in 1981, working in Portland and later in Harlan where he retired.

His great interests, besides his family, were genealogy, community affairs and fraternal organizations.

He was quite effective in all such activities. As an example, Gerdes was the prime mover for acquisition of the site for the Harlan Community Park from the U.S. Department of Forestry.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Patricia; his father, Chet; his mother, Helen; two brothers and a sister.

Survivors include his wife, Lola, of Harlan; two sons, Kevin and his wife, Mary, of Beaverton, Oregon, and Jeffery and his wife, Tara, of Harlan; a brother, Gary and wife, Sheri, of Golden, Colorado; two sisters, Dorothy Wood of Sequim, Washington, and Dolores and husband, Dan Becker, of Lawrenceville, Georgia; his adopted daughter, Teresa Faith Thompson Gerdes of Denver, four grandchildren, Victorianna, Vanessa, Kyle and Callista; 363 living relatives, and a host of friends, including approximately 150 genealogy contacts.

Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Joe Willis at the Fort Logan National Cemetery April 29, 1994.

Graveside services were supported by a U.S. Army Color Guard. He was interred beside his first wife.

Separate memorial services were conducted by the Rev. Donn Jibben at the Harlan Community Hall, situated in the new Harlan Community Park, May 21, 1994.

Howard "Joe" Gerih, 72, was born in Benkelman Feb. 16, 1920. He died at Imperial Wednesday, Nov. 25, 1992.

He came to Wauneta in 1936 at the age of 16. Joe was a World War II veteran and served in the European theater from 1943 to 1945. As a 1st Scout, he received three battle stars and a combat infantry badge. He was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Joe worked in the construction field as a heavy equipment operator. He retired from the city of Wauneta in 1983. He enjoyed his work and was good at his profession.

He also enjoyed everything that pertained to hunting. Over the years, he had trained hunting dogs for his friends. His love for guns branched into reloading his own shells to blue rock shooting.

He won several trophies in blue rock competition. He was most proud of the traveling trophy that he held title to for several years.

Joe was a great sportsman. He looked forward to the hunting season, getting up at the crack of dawn with his dog and gun, then to sit and "shoot the breeze" with his friends and family about his hunt.

He also did a little trapping. He liked to get outdoors to walk the river, listening to the birds and watching the wildlife.

Joe was an avid reader of American history. He loved his family and appreciated his private life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Irene, of 54 years; five children, Myrna and Jim Brown of Biloxi, Miss., Gerald and Bertha Gerih of New Braunfels, Texas, Joe Gerih of Denver, Colo., Barbara and Herbert Castalina of Marion, Texas, and Randy and Jan Gerih of San Antonio, Texas; 10 grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Mary McCoy of Eckley, Colo., Vada Jones of Wray, Colo., Sophie Parker of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Clyde Gerih of Sidney and Frank Gerih of Wauneta.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Barbara and Mike Gerih; brother, Mike; and sister, Josephine.

Funeral services were held Monday morning, Nov. 30 at the United Methodist Church in Wauneta with Rev. Carroll Plisek officiating. Music was provided by Lucille McBride, pianist, and Sharon Walgren, soloist.

Casket bearers were Bob Jones, Ron Cox, Bob Cox, Kerry Denker, Kent Steckman and Bob Walgren. Bill Jeffries was honorary casket bearer.

Interment was at Riverside Cemetery, Wauneta, with Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Mike Gerih, resident of Wauneta for the past 30 years, died apparently of a heart attack some time early Saturday morning. He was making his home with Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Lewis at the time of his death. He was 68 years old.

Mike was section boss on the Burlington Railroad at Wauneta for many years prior to his retirement, and had many friends in Wauneta who will remember him for his genial, kind-hearted nature and friendliness to everyone. He accepted his increasing ill health without complaint, and his sudden death came as a shock to the community.

Mike Gerih was born in Hungary May 4, 1896, and came to this country in the year of 1910 at the age of 14 years.

He was united in marriage to Barbara Josephine Sunline in 1917 at Benkelman, Nebr. To this union were born eight children, all of whom survive.

It was in 1935 that Mr. and Mrs. Gerih moved from Colorado to Wauneta where they remained.

Mike passed away at Wauneta April 24, 1965, at the age of 68 years, 11 months and 20 days.

He leaves to mourn his passing eight children: Mrs. Chester McCoy (Mary) of Eckley, Colo., Mrs. Eugene Jones (Vada) of Leadville, Colo., Mrs. Harry Parker (Sophie) and Josephine Gerih of Idaho Falls, Idaho, Mike of Hayes Center, Nebr., Clyde of Dix, Nebr., and Howard and Frank of Wauneta; 23 grandchildren; 13 great grandchildren and a host of friends.

Services were held Monday, April 26, 1965, at the Methodist Church in Wauneta at 1:30 p.m., Rev. Brooks officiating. Singers were Mae Grimm and Betty Maxfield with Mrs. E. R. Voorhees at the organ. Pallbearers were Arnold Mueller, Guy Barnes, Robert Walgren, Elmer Lewis, Cecil Steckman and LeRoy Jussel.

Interment was at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta, the V. B. Johnston Mortuary in charge of arrangements. — Wauneta Breeze.

Reul M. Gerver, known to his friends as "Pat," the son of Wesley and Jennie Gerver, was born in Danbury, Neb., September 28, 1887. He passed away at his home in St. Francis on December 12, 1964, at the age of 77 years, two months and 14 days. He spent his early life around Danbury, Nebraska, and Atwood, Kansas. When he was eight years old, he lived with Sandy Powell for two years. From there he went to Atwood, Kansas, and lived with Billy Kendall for eight years.

On July 2, 1909, he was united in marriage to Iva Clarissa Terwilleger. To this union 13 children were born. They are: Faye, Ervin, Agnes, Iva, Reuel, Velna Wayne and Vola. The others died in infancy. Little Reuel died at the age of 11 months and 22 days. Iva Elizabeth passed away June 1, 1943. He had three sisters, Mrs. Grace Krutsinger of Parks, Nebr., Mrs. Ivan McGowan, Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Agnes Smart, Rothwell, Canada, who passed away in March, 1952.

His father passed away in March, 1912, and his mother into Christ December 1, 1955.

Brother Gerver was baptized into Christ December 1, 195?. He and sister Gerver attended Wednesday evening worship, December 9, and he worded the opening prayer. One of the expressions that those of us who worshiped with him will remember that he used regularly was: “Give us strength to do Thy will.”

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, Iva; two sons, Ervin of McCook, Nebr., and Wayne of Bird City, Kans; four daughters, Mrs. Fay Cline, Victorville, California, Mrs. Agnes Carson, St. Francis, Kas., Mrs. Velma Newman, Denver, Colo., and Mrs. Vola Fenner, Goodland, Kan.; 27 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. His grandchildren and great grandchildren called him "Grand Dad." He lived in and around St. Francis about 40 years.

The pallbearers were all grandsons, Martin and Bill Cecil, Eugene Gerver, Steven Fenner, Norvin, Eddie, Glenn and Gary Carson.

The singers were Jim and Marilyn Flick, grandchildren of Pat, Willis Burr, Junior Breninger, Norma McCall, Doris Richards and Mrs. Thomas Bankhead.

RED CLOUD, Nebr.--Leona Regina (Reiman) Gestring, the daughter of Charles and Catherine (Bolte) Reiman, was born June 18, 1916, at Lawrence, Nebraska, and died Wednesday, May 8, 1991, at the Webster County Hospital in Red Cloud, Nebraska, at the age of 74 years, 10 months and 20 days.

She attended school at St. Stephens and Lawrence in Nebraska. She was united in marriage January 2, 1934, with Harvey C. Gestring in Lawrence. This marriage was blessed with three sons. Jay Dee, Ronald and Larry.

They made their home in Rosemont, Nebraska, until 1936. At that time they moved to a farm southeast of Lawrence. Then they moved to the Cowles area in 1942. While in this area they were engaged in farming, operated the Cowles grocery store and Cowles and Rosemont Grain Companies.

Leona was a devoted mother and grandmother and took great pride in her grandchildren. She also took great pleasure tending to her yard, flowers and garden.

They moved to Hastings, Nebraska, in June 1990. They recently moved to Red Cloud to make their home.

Preceding her in death were her parents; seven brothers, William, Joseph, William (Bill), Charles, Henry, Richard and Benjamin; three sisters, Mary Reining, Katherine Reiman and Angela Linenberger Braun; an infant son, Jay Dee, and her grandson, Charles Allen Gestring.

Leona is survived by her husband, Harvey, of Red Cloud; her sons, Ronald and wife, Mona, of Blue Hill, Nebraska, and Larry and wife. Tamara, of Red Cloud; five grandchildren, Ronda Gestring of Prague, Nebraska, Rick Gestring of Omaha, Nebraska, Robert Gestring of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Stephanie Stewart and husband, Kurt, of Lincoln, Nebraska, and Tara Gestring of Red Cloud; three sisters, Elizabeth Lemke and Caroline Kitten and husband, Martin, of Hastings, Nebraska, and Dorothy Stearn of Holbrook, Nebraska, many other relatives and friends.

Rosary was recited on Friday, May 10, 1991. Final rites were held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 11, 1991, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Red Cloud with the Rev. Father Stanley Schieffer officiating. Assisting as acolyte was Edmund Geibler. Lector was Alois Hubl and servers were Jerry Koler and Marcel English.

Dana Pegg sang "The Lord's Prayer" and "Pie Jesu," accompanied by Barbara Sprague.

Bearers were Rick, Robert and Mike Gestring, Kurt Stewart and Harold and Berdal Linenberger.

Robert S. Gibb, 65, one of Idaho's best-known and most-active educators, died Friday morning at a Boise hospital.

His death came the day he was to begin retirement from the assistant directorship of BSU's extended-day programs and summer sessions, a post he had held since 1972.

"We are all sorrowed by the passing of Bob Gibb," said Lyle Smith, BSU athletic director and a friend. "All who knew him admired and respected his many abilities as a coach and a man.

"He gave freely of his time and efforts and was genuinely concerned for his fellow man. He remained an avid sports fan while engaged in other endeavors. Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the family.

He served as administrative assistant to BSU's outgoing President John Barnes from 1969-1972.

In addition to a career in education, Mr. Gibb was active in church, charitable and civic organizations.

He had served as Idaho honorary chairman of the 1967 Easter Seal Fund Campaign, state vice president for the Crippled Children's Society from 1963-1966, president of the Idaho Easter Seal Society for Crippled Children and Adults, Inc., 1969-1970, and executive secretary from 1960-1966 of Inspiration Inc., a church-oriented development organization.

Mr. Gibb was born Feb. 5, 1912, in Sailor Springs, Ill. He received a bachelor's degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1933. He was a teacher and coach at several Nebraska high schools before assuming similar duties at Boise High School in 1942.

At Boise High, Mr. Gibb became the most successful football coach in the school's history, leading teams to 30 consecutive victories through the 1944, '45 and '46 seasons. Mr. Gibb also coached the basketball team to the state championship in 1947. In 1954 he became director of athletics at the University of Idaho, a position he held until 1960, when he became executive secretary of Inspiration, Inc.

In 1960 he received a master's degree in education from the University of Idaho with a major in public school administration.

Mr. Gibb returned to education in 1966 to become Idaho Department of Education coordinator of an eight-state project entitled, "Designing Education for the Future."

Mr. Gibb was honored by The Statesman as its distinguished citizen on Jan. 10, 1953, and on Feb. 14, 1965, he received a distinguished service award from the Idaho Junior Chamber of Commerce in 1945.

During his long career of community service, Mr. Gibb served as president of Boise Valley Methodist Men, Moscow Chamber of Commerce, Highlands Homeowners Association, Youth Employment Service, Boise Rotary Club, Beta Gamma Chapter of the University of Idaho education fraternity and Idaho Coaches Association.

He served on the boards of the United Fund in Boise, Ada County Visiting Nurses Association, Youth Advisory Council, Foundation on Youth, Salvation Army Advisory Board, American Red Cross, Boise Music Week, Idaho Public Employees Credit Union and Idaho Volunteers in Corrections, Inc.

He had served as chairman of the Governor's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped and Older Workers, and was a member of the executive committee of the 1970 White House Conference on Children and Youth.

He was a past charge lay leader of the First Methodist Church, Boise, a post grand chaplain of Masonic Lodge, No. 2, AF&AM, and post grand chaplain of the Idaho AF&AM

Surviving are his wife, Marjorie, whom he married Dec. 25, 1938, at Crete, Nebr.; two daughters, Mrs. Jerry (Julia Ann) Adams, San Diego, Calif., and Mrs. James (Jean) Lorraine Old, Campbell, Calif.; a brother, Dr. Gordon, Chico, Calif.; four sisters, Elizabeth Ough, Benkelman, Neb.; Barbaro Sinclair, Fresno, Calif., Jeanie Pierce, Long Beach, Calif., and Lillian Sawn, Santa Monica, Calif.; and four grandsons.

Services were conducted at 3 p.m. Tuesday at the First United Methodist Church by the Rev. Fred Venable and the Rev. Joseph Housh of the First United Methodist Church, under the direction of Alden-Waggoner Chapel.

The family suggests memorials to the Boise State University Scholarship Fund or to the Idaho Easter Seal Society.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo.--Margaret A. "Peggy" Caldwell was born April 27, 1926, in Detroit, Mich., where she lived with relatives until she was nine, at which time she returned to Belfast, Ireland, to live with her mother.

In 1943 she traveled to Manchester, England, and joined the British Royal Air Force, Later she met her GI boyfriend, Ralph. At the end of World War II, Ralph and Peggy were married and began their lives together in Nebraska.

Peggy was Irish. While she only returned to Belfast once as an adult, she fondly referred to Ireland as her homeland. Peggy invited her mother to live with her family in Englewood, Colo., during the early years in the 1960s. Victoria Caldwell was the matriarch of the household until it was learned that two Irish women under the same roof were "not recommended by the surgeon general's office." St. Patrick's Day was always celebrated in Peggy's home.

Peggy was a nurse at numerous Denver hospitals, a dog lover and enjoyed fishing. She was a member of Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church. She gardened, read mystery novels and cared a great deal for the sick and hungry. For several years, she was a caregiver to an elderly neighbor. She enjoyed shopping at Goodwill Industries and playing solitaire and canasta. She could solve any problem or advise anyone who would listen about the practical aspects of frugal living. She was a master pie maker, quilter, hot pad/tea towel craftsperson and possessed a strong work ethic.

She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Ralph; their children: David of Englewood, Lorraine Linder of Jacksonville, Ore., Dean of Duluth, Minn., and Laurie Erdman of Miniqua, Wis., and nine grandchildren.

A funeral service was held at Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church Friday, May 10, at 12:30 p.m. with Pastors Paul Rowold and Charles Berdahl officiating. Organist was Jaime Brown, John Camping was the vocalist and bagpipers were Molly McLean and Jim Randolph. Interment was in the Fort Morgan (Logan?) National Cemetery at Denver. Bearers were Jeff Erdman, Brian Gies, Perry Keen, Brad Linder, Terry Steinhoff and Rudy Zweygardt.

Graveside services for Harry LeRoy Gies, former Wray resident, were held Aug. 30 at Fort Logan Cemetery in Denver.

Mr. Gies was born Aug. 20, 1911, in Haigler, Neb., and passed away Aug. 25, 1982, in a Denver nursing home at the age of 71 years.

Survivors include his daughter, Alta Richards of Morgan City, La.; former wife, Mary Gies, of Wray; four grandchildren, Linda Welp of Vernon, Doyle Allen Richards of Benton, Mo., Don Richards of Wray and Francis LeRoy Bowker Richards of Denver; a brother, Ralph Gies of Denver, and a sister, Ailene Dexter of Haigler, Neb.

Last Monday morning at about the hour of 6:30 o'clock rain No. 76, under charge of an exceptionally reckless crew, passed through Benkelman at a terrific rate of speed and claimed for its victim Johnnie Giese, a 12-year-old German boy, who was attempting to save from death a cow which he was driving to the pasture.

A number along the street and near the depot noted the approach of the train and although it whistled through the speed under which it was moving was so terrible and such a cloud of dust followed the train that it was not known until after it had passed, the true extent of the damage resulting. Then it was found that the boy was dead with a fracture in the skull and several minor injuries, and that the cow which he was driving was lying close by and that death had been similarly instantaneous.

Coroner Fuqua was called and ordered the remains of the unfortunate boy removed to the home of his sister where a coroner's inquest was at once held and the jury found that death was caused from being struck by a train moving at the rate of 45 miles per hour, and their verdict was that of criminal negligence on the part of the railroad company and its employees.

Owing to the absence of the county attorney at Kansas City further action on the part of the authorities was deferred until his return but it is probable that legal steps will be taken at once to bring the ones so recklessly instrumental in causing the horrible accident to justice.

While the verdict of the coroner's jury indicated that speed of the train was only 45 miles per hour, those familiar with the speed of trains say that it was moving at a rate at from 60 to 70 miles an hour and that the engine was working steam at the time they struck the unfortunate lad.

In view of the fact that the practice of railroad men has been to run through small towns at breakneck speed regardless, not alone of the rules of the company but the laws of the state and city as well, which makes the limit of 10 miles per hour, it is certainly high time that those guilty of such practices should be punished to the full extent of the law.

Typewritten version of obituaries published in the Red Cloud, NE newspaper and the DeWitt, NE newspaper.

Mrs. John Gilbert died Tuesday morning at 3 o'clock. She was 67 years old at the time of her death. She was a native of Pennsylvania. Her husband, John Gilbert, has been a familiar figure in the vacinity of Red Cloud for the last fifteen years or more. He is one of the earliest residents of Nebraska, having been connected with the state since 1854.

Mrs. John Gilbert died at her home near Red Cloud, Tuesday, Dec. 22, of paralysis. John Gilbert and his wife were among the very earliest settlers in Nebraska, having been in the state some years before they located on their homestead south of DeWitt in 1865. The deceased was 67 years old. She was sister of Mrs. Frank Baker who, with her husband, is at Red Cloud for the funeral.

PARKS—Georgia Alice Gilbert, 84, former Morgan County, Colorado, resident, died Saturday, August 27, 1994, at the emergency room of the Dundy County Hospital in Benkelman, Nebraska.

She was born September 29, 1909, in Omaha, Nebraska, to George and Sarah Hardy. At the time of her death she had been living in Parks, Nebraska. She was a member of the Catholic Church.

She is survived by a daughter, Sarah Atwood of Parks; 3 sons, George and Dale Atwood of Benkelman and Thomas Atwood of Boyertown, Pennsylvania; 3 sisters, Helen Silknitter of Omaha, Margaret Starkey of Sun City, Arizona, and Frances Knauff of McCook, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edgar Atwood, a son, a daughter, three brothers and two sisters.

A graveside service was held Friday, September 2, at Brush Memorial Cemetery at 1 p.m. Heer Mortuary of Brush, Colorado, was in charge of arrangements.

Here is the story of her life as reviewed by the obituary published in the News-Telegraph of Atlantic, Iowa.

Mrs. Sarah Gilbert, 82, resident here for more than a half century, died at 6:10 Saturday evening at the home of her son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Virt Anderson, 405 Maple street. She had been a shut-in for several years and in failing health this summer, but had been bedfast only three days.

Mrs. Gilbert was born March 24, 1861, at Webster City, Iowa, the daughter of Baty and Hannah Martin Thompson, and when a small girl moved to Dexter, where she grew to womanhood. She was married to David Gilbert at Redfield March 17, 1878. In the early 80's the family and her parents moved in a covered wagon to western Nebraska, where they homesteaded a claim near Benkelman. The family returned to Atlantic in 1890, residing here since.

Mr. Gilbert died July 20, 1915. Surviving are two daughters, Miss Florence Gilbert and Mrs. Virt Anderson; two sons, D. 0. Gilbert of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Ralph Gilbert of Woodward, Oklahoma; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Five sons preceded her in death, two passing away in infancy. Horace Gilbert died June 14, 1941, Archie died October 16, 1930, and Charles passed away October 27, 1894.

Mrs. Gilbert was a life-long member of the Methodist church and was a member of the Royal Neighbors.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 at the Roland, Peacock & Baxter funeral home, the Rev. Lauren D. Thomas officiating. The Royal Neighbors lodge will attend the rites in a body. Interment will be in the Atlantic cemetery.

Typewritten version of an obituary published in the Red Cloud, NE newspaper, February 1926

John Gilbert, a well known and highly respected citizen of Red Cloud and vicinity for the past thirty-five years, passed away Friday at the general hospital after a very brief illness. Funeral services were held from the Methodist church Sunday afternoon, conducted by Rev. H.G. Wilcox. The Masons attended the services in a body, and a quartet from this organization, H.S. Foe, N.B. Bush, A.G. Goth and A.B. Crabill, had charge of the music. Interment was in the Red Cloud cemetery, the Masonic service being conducted by Past Master A.U. Kaley.

Mr. Gilbert was born in New York on February 5, 1837, being exactly 89 years of age at the time of his death. When six years of age he came to Wisconsin, and when twenty-two, to Nebraska. On November 28, 1864, he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Artist at Beatrice. Two sons were born to them, one of whom survives--Edgel Henry, a citizen of Red Cloud. Mrs. Gilbert died here in 1908.

Mr. Gilbert was made a Mason in Beatrice fifty-three years ago, and in 1916 transferred his membership to Charity lodge of this city.

In the early days, Mr. Gilbert was a prominent figure in pioneer life. For some years he drove a stage coach along the Oregon trail, and he was held in high repute for his courage and faithfulness to duty. His whole life was characterized by strict honesty in his dealing e with his fellows, and he was held in high esteem by all who knew him.

William L. Gilmore was born in Illinois on August 4, 1871, and departed this life on March 12, 1932 at 8 o'clock a. m., being 60 years, 7 months and 8 days old.

He was married to Grace Breeden in November, 1921. He affiliated with the Christian church a number of years ago and has lived an upright Christian life since.

He leaves to mourn his passing his wife, four sons and a number of brothers and sisters, besides a host of relatives and friends.

Services were conducted by Rev. C. E. Catlett, assisted by Rev. P. J. Kirk, at the M. E. church in Max Monday afternoon and burial was in the Benkelman cemetery.