Book of Memories Grand Island Central Catholic Development

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Book of Memories

• Grand Island Central Catholic
• Development Foundation2011

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Claudia Badura

• Claudine L. Claudia Badura, 80, of Grand
  Island died Tuesday, May 31, 2011, at University
  Medical Center in Omaha.
• Services were 930 a.m. Saturday at St.
  Leos Catholic Church in Grand Island. The Revs.
  Charles L. Torpey and Richard L Piontkowski
  concelebrated. Burial will be in the St. Francis
  Catholic Cemetery
• at Ashton with a 1 p.m. committal service.
• Visitation was from 4 to 730 p.m. Friday at
  Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island with a
  Catholic Daughters rosary at 4 p.m., parish
  rosary at 7 p.m. and a vigil service at 730 p.m.
• Mrs. Badura was born on August 4, 1930, on a
  farm northwest of Loup City to Frank and
  Constance (Gzehoviak) Larchick.
• Survivors of the immediate family include a
  son and daughter-in-law, Claude and Nancy Badura
  of Kearney, two daughters and sons-in-law,
  Adrianna and Robert l Davis of Grand Island and
  Rebecca and Larry B. Parker of Frazier Mont., a
  sister Cornelia Weiss of Cheyenne, Wyo.
• Others left to cherish her memory include
  her grandchildren, Christopher Badura, Clifton
  and Colleen Davis, Dedric and Jamie Davis,
  Michael and Jessica Parker, Jessica Lea Parker,
  great-grandchildren, Andrew, Ethan, Jacob,
  Samuel, Charles Davis, and Hayden Parker.
• Claudia attended school in Ravenna,
  Mooncreek School, St. Josephats Parochial School
  and Loup City High School, graduating in 1948.
  She married Ralph J. Badura on Sept. 14, 1948 at
  Loup City. They lived in Ashton where she was
  employed at Baduras Store and the Ashton State
  Bank. She was a charter member of the Ashton
  Legion Auxiliary, where she was the historian for
  15 years, and also held other offices. She was
  organist at the St. Francis Church for 18 years,
  taught CCD there and at St. Leos in Grand
  Island, was instrumental in organizing the 4-H
  Club, wrote the church history for the diamond
  jubilee, and organized the Ashton High School
  Alumni Association in 1967. She was a News
  Correspondent for the Sherman County Times for 15
  years. In 1967 they moved to Grand Island, where
  she volunteered playing music at Lakeview Nursing
  Home and the Grand Island Veterans Home and
  volunteered at St. Francis Medical Center. She
  loved traveling, having visited Fatima Portugal,
  Lourdes, Tomb of Padre Pio, Black Madonna in
  Czestahova, Poland, Sr. Faustina Shrine in
  Poland, and traveled extensively in the United
  States, Canada, Brazil, and South America. Her
  greatest joy was her faith and family.
• She was a member of St. Leos Catholic
  Church, Catholic Daughters of America Court Ave
  Marie 1263 and was a Past Regent of the Court.
• Claudia is welcomed into heaven by her
  husband Ralph, four sisters, Christine Kusek,
  Dorothy Kucera, Tillie Cannon and Sara Osantowski
  and one brother, Lambert Larchik, along with her
  parents.

3
Irene Bigley

• Irene Agnes Bigley, 89, of Grand Island died
  Tuesday, February 15, 2011, at the Nebraska
  Veterans Home.
• Services were 10 a.m., Saturday at St.
  Marys Cathedral. The Rev. Jonathan D. Sorensen
  officiated. Burial was in the Westlawn Memorial
  Park Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at
  Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil service at 7
  p.m.
• Mrs. Bigley was born April 1, 1921 at Cedar
  Rapids to George and Bridge (Mahoney) Farlee.
• She was preceded in death by her husband,
  Edward Bigley, on January 28, 2008.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  four sons and three daughters-in-law, James
  Bigley, Tom and Jackie Bigley, all of Grand
  Island, Bill and Cathy Bigley of Omaha, Leo and
  Sharon Bigley of Thousand Oaks, Calif. a
  daughter and son-in-law, Christy and Dave Jepson
  of Doniphan a brother, Paul Farlee of Grand
  Island seven grandchildren and two
  great-grandchildren.
• Irene lived in Cedar Rapids until she was
  four years old at which time the family moved to
  Wolbach. She received her education in the
  Wolbach Schools. She married Edward Bigley on
  January 15, 1946, in Grand Island. The couple
  lived in Grand Island where she worked as a
  waitress for Macs Coffee Shop for 5 years before
  raising her children.
• She was a member of St. Marys Cathedral,
  Catholic Daughters of Americas, Court Ave Maria,
  Past President of the Merry Maids Extension Club,
  and enjoyed bowling.
• She was also preceded in death by her
  parents, three brothers, Leo, Virgil and Francis
  Farlee.
• Memorials are suggested to Grand Island
  Central Catholic Foundation.

4
Richard L. Bixenmann

• Richard L. Bixenmann, 86, of Omaha, formerly of
  Grand Island, died Tuesday, February 8, 2011, at
  Immanuel Medical Center in Omaha.
• Services were 10 a.m. Saturday at Blessed
  Sacrament Catholic Church, with the Rev. Todd K.
  Philipsen officiating. Burial was in the
  Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at
  the church, with a rosary at 7 p.m. Kleine
  Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
• Mr. Bixenmann was born on August 25, 1924,
  at Grand Island to Aplhonsus Al and Georgia
  (Carl) Bixenmann.
• He was preceded in death by his wife,
  Evelyn, and an infant daughter, Michaela Anne.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  two daughters and sons-in-law, Michaela Marie and
  Pat Dougherty and Rhonda and Steve Bishop, all of
  Omaha two sons and daughters-in-law, Jerry and
  Kathleen Bixenmann of Lincoln and Jeff and Angela
  Bixenmann of Omaha seven grandchildren, four
  great-grandchildren and a sister, Adeline
  Kutschkau of Grand Island.
• He is also survived by several nieces and
  nephews.
• Dick graduated from St. Marys High School
  in Grand Island and attended Grand Island
  Business School. After his tour of military duty
  in the Army Air Corp. he married Evelyn Ganow at
  Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church on April 15,
  1950. Dick was a dental technician and owned
  Star Dental Laboratory, retiring in 1999.
• He enjoyed being chairman of the GI Open
  Handicap Bowling League for 42 years. He also
  enjoyed woodworking and dogs.
• Dick was member of Blessed Sacrament
  Catholic Church and Honorary Life Member of the
  Knights of Columbus Counsel 1159. He was also a
  member of the Platt-Duetsche Society and the
  American Legion.
• He was also preceded in death by his parents,
  sisters, Evelyn I McPhillips and Delores Dee D.
  Bartz, and brothers, Donald and George.

5
Ben Czaplewski

• Benjaman Ben Czaplewski, 87, of Grand Island
  died Sunday, March 20, 2011, at Tiffany Square
  Care Center.
• Services were 10 a.m., Thursday at Blessed
  Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Mark A.
  Maresh officiated. Burial was in the Grand
  Island City Cemetery with military honors
  provided by the United Veterans Honor Guard and
  the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Team.
• Visitation was from 530 to 7 p.m. Wednesday
  at the church, with a vigil service at 7 p.m.
  Curran Funeral Chapel assisted the family.
• Mr. Czaplewski was born on June 28, 1923, at
  Loup City to Ben and Angeline Nellie (Mendyk)
  Czaplewski.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  his wife, Muritta five daughters and three
  sons-in-law, Kathleen Beran, Deborah and Patrick
  Maloy, all of Lincoln, Lori and Shawn Albert of
  Holdrege, Kimberly and Ron Bender, Mary Lynne
  Czaplewski, all of Grand Island four sons and
  daughters-in-law, Wayne and Ginny Czaplewski of
  Lincoln, Brian and Lori Czaplewski of Quincy,
  Ill., Jeffry and Mary Czaplewski, Bradley and Sue
  Czaplewski, all of Grand Island a sister,
  Dorothy Wackjus of Fresno, Calif. three brothers
  and six sisters-in-law, Alfred of Lincoln,
  Anthony and Vonnie of St. Paul, Thomas and Sandy
  of Lincoln, Loreen and Arvada Czaplewski of Grand
  Island, Betty Czaplewski of Loup City, Diane
  Czaplewski of Houston, Texas.
• Additional survivors include 23
  grandchildren, Gregory, Julia, Jill, Stephanie,
  Benjamin, Daniel, Logan, Rachel, Rocky, Jared,
  Marisa, Tyler, Tiffany, Aleece, John, Ilyssa,
  Lauren, Kendra, Jessica, Heather, Bradley, Carly
  and Scott 11 great-grandchildren, Danyel,
  Mckenzie, Kristin, Jaden, Garen, Kadin, Quinn,
  Cloey, Layne, Gideon and Kendall.
• Mr. Czaplewski attended the Loup City Public
  School, St. Josaphats Parochial School and
  graduate from Loup City High School in 1941. He
  them attended Vocational School in Kearney.
  After graduation, he worked for the Armour
  Packing Plant in Omaha. On November 18, 1942,
  during WWII, he enlisted in the United States
  Marine Corps and served with Headquarters, Fleet
  Marine Force, Pacific (FMF-PAC) until his
  discharge on Oct. 25, 1945. He re-enlisted in
  the United States Marine Corps and served during
  the Korean Conflict from 1949 to 1951. He
  married Muritta Borowiak on September 3, 1949, at
  St. Josaphats Catholic Church in Loup City.
  They lived in Loup City, San Francisco and Grand
  Island. In Loup City, he worked for the H L
  Company (John Deere) and then for the Sherman
  County Times. Upon moving to Grand Island in
  1960, he worked for commercial printers, the
  Augustine Printing Company and the Albee Printing
  Company until his retirement in 1992.
• Ben was a member of Blessed Sacrament
  Church, Blessed Sacrament Perpetual Adoration,
  served on Blessed Sacrament Parish Council,
  Co-Editor of Blessed Sacrament parish newspaper,
  Life Honorary Member of the Third Fourth Degree
  of the Knight of Columbus, Past Faithful
  Navigator of the Knights of Columbus, Grand
  Island. Life Member of the United States Marine
  Corps Association, Life Member of Disabled
  American Veterans, Life Member of the Veterans of
  Foreign Wars, Post 1347, Member of the American
  Legion Post 48, past Sergeant at Arms American
  Legion Post 48, Loup City, member of the
  Fraternal Order of Eagle and the Platt-Duetsche
  Society.
• He was preceded in death by his parents, Ben
  and Angeline Czaplewski, five brothers, Robert,
  Louis, Richard, James and Ronald brother-in-law,
  Mike Wajckus two sisters-in-law, Bonnie and Ruth
  Czaplewski and his wifes parents, Leo and Mary
  Borowiak.
• Memorials are suggested to Blessed Sacrament
  Church, Central Catholic High School or Aseracare
  Hospice.

6
Pat DeBacker

• Patricia M. Pat DeBacker, 87, of Coeur
  dAlene, Idaho, formerly of Grand Island, died
  Thursday, March 10, 2011, at her home surrounded
  by four generations of her family.
• Services were 10 a.m. Friday at St. Marys
  Cathedral. The Rev. Harold R. Kurtenbach
  officiated. Burial was in the Grand Island City
  Cemetery. Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m.
  Thursday at Curran Funeral Chapel with a vigil
  service at 7 p.m.
• Pat was born February 7, 1924, at Heartwell
  to Chester and Cecelia Lynch.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  her children and spouses Susie and George Crump
  of Port Republic, Md., Patrice and John Mike
  Downey of Deer Lodge, Mont., Jerry and Ellen
  DeBacker of Bellingham, Wash., Jan and Jim
  Facciano of Bellingham, Wash., Donna (Mrs. John)
  DeBacker of Grand Island, Bill and Ann DeBacker
  of Shoreview, Minn., Dianne and Patrick Sullivan
  of Coeur dAlene, Idaho, Laura and Tom McAloon of
  Spokane, Wash., Julie and Kelly Wolfe of Lincoln,
  Joyce and Jack Schmoll of Charlotte, N.C. and
  one brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Joseph and
  Terri Lynch of Omaha.
• Others left to cherish her memory include 32
  grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
• Pat grew up in Hastings and received her
  education there.
• She married Richard L. DeBacker at St.
  Cecelias Church on September 4, 1946, and they
  started their life together in Omaha. The family
  moved to Grand Island in 1955 where they lived
  until Dicks death in 2000 after 54 years of
  marriage.
• Pat was proud of her World War II work as a
  Navy bookkeeper in California. After raising 11
  children, she began a new career teaching life
  skills to developmentally disabled adults at
  Mid-Nebraska Mental Retardation Services and
  continued lifetime relationship with many of her
  clients.
• Pat was an active member of St. Marys
  Cathedral parish in Grand Island with her
  life-long friends in the Altar Society, Christian
  Mother, Bible Study, Bridge group and she enjoyed
  volunteering at Stuhr Museums Prairie Town
  Mercantile. She continued her active church
  involvement at St. Pius X parish in Coeur
  dAlene, and is loved by many parishioners as
  their Grandma Patsy.
• Pat celebrated her life in her faith, her
  family, and her friends new and old, with
  laughter, a grin and a twinkle in her Irish eyes.
• She is welcomed into heaven by her husband,
  Dick daughter, Mary Miner and son, John.
• Memorials are suggested to Grand Island
  Central Catholic Foundation..

7
Rene Des Laurier

• Rene D. DesLaurier, 96, of Grand Island died
  Monday, April 18, 2011, at Wedgewood Care Center.
• Services were 1030 a.m. Monday at Blessed
  Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Mark A
  Maresh officiated. Private family inurnment was
  at a later date in Winner Cemetery, at Winner,
  S.D.
• There was no visitation, Mr. DesLaurier was
  cremated. Curran Funeral Chapel was assisting
  with the arrangements.
• Mr. DesLaurier was born July 2, 1914, on the
  family farm at Vermillion, S.D., to Vetal and Eva
  (Gregoire) DesLaurier.
• He was preceded in death by a son, Greg.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  his wife of 63 years, Darlene DesLaurier of Grand
  Island two sons, Bob DesLaurier and Ron
  DesLaurier, both of Grand Island two daughters
  and sons-in-law, Charla and Steve Thuernagle of
  Johnson Lake and Dawn and Randall Wilhelmy of
  Omaha a sister, Olive Blain of Waitesburg, Wash.
• Others left to cherish his memory include
  his granddaughter, Dakota DesLaurier.
• Rene grew up on the family farm in South
  Dakota receiving his education in Jordan, SD. He
  entered the U.S. Army on October 20, 1942,
  serving until his honorable discharge on Jan. 19,
  1943. He returned to South Dakota to the family
  farm. He married Darlene Christensen on November
  25, 1947, at Winner, S.D. They moved to Grand
  Island in 1967. He was an excellent mechanic and
  was employed by Paul Frauen, Ditch Witch,
  Boughton Equipment, Ag Services, and Country
  General in the mower repair shop before retiring
  at 80 in 1994.
• He enjoyed working on small engines, working
  in his shop, puttering in the yard and going to
  auctions.
• He was a member of Blessed Sacrament
  Catholic Church.
• Rene was welcomed into heaven by his
  parents, a brother, Lauren DesLaurier, and two
  sisters, Yvonne Maurice and Marie Mathews.

8
Greg Durning

• Greg A. Durning, 56, of Ord, formerly of Grand
  Island, died unexpectedly on Thursday, January
  13, 2011, at St. Francis Medical Center.
• Memorial services were 130 p.m. Monday at
  Curran Funeral Chapel in Grand Island. The Rev.
  Scott Taylor officiated.
• Mr. Durning was born on February 26, 1954,
  in Grand Island to Troy B. and Iris E. (Layher)
  Durning.
• Survivors of the immediate family include a
  stepdaughter, Heather Brodsky of Grand Island,
  and a brother and sister-in-law, Brian and Deb
  Durning of Grand Island.
• Also surviving are nieces and nephews,
  Nikki, Brandi and Sydney Durning, Troy and Jeff
  Tesmer his special friend, Barb Lyions of Ord
  Barbs children and their spouses, Mike and Tammy
  Lyions of Grand Island, Shawn and Lara Lyions of
  Hastings, Greg and Kim Lyions of Greeley, T.J.
  and Molly Lyions of Greeley and several of
  Barbs grandchildren.
• Greg grew up in Grand Island, graduating
  from Grand Island Senior High School in 1972. He
  was a car lift salesman for Hunter, after which
  he began over-the-road trucking for several
  trucking firms in the area. He was a music lover
  and a NASCAR racing fan. He touched the life of
  everyone he met in a special way with his caring,
  faith-filled words and will be missed by all.
• In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested
  to the Nebraska Humane Society.
• He is welcomed into heaven by his parents
  and sister, Deb Tesmer.

9
Susan (Cunningham) Foster

• Susan E. (Cunningham) Foster, 53, of Grand
  Island died Tuesday, May 17, 2011.
• Services were 1030 a.m. Friday at All
  Faiths Funeral Home. The Rev. James C. Schmitt
  officiated. Burial was in the Grand Island
  Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at
  the funeral home.
• Ms. Foster was born August 17, 1957, at
  Grand Island, the daughter of Benjamin James
  B.J. and Norma (Aden) Cunningham.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  two daughters and a son-in-law, Katy Foster of
  Loveland, Colo., and Emily and Jon Jones of Grand
  Island her parents of Grand Island two brothers
  and a sister-in-law, John and Sarah Cunningham of
  Grand Island, Mark Cunningham of Philadelphia,
  PA. two sisters and a brother-in-law, Ann and
  Stan Brondel of Grand Island and Jane Cunningham
  of Minneapolis, Minn.
• Those also left to cherish her memory are
  two grandchildren, Jase and Lauren Jones.
• She was preceded in death by a sister,
  Mary Beth Anderson.
• Susan was raised in Grand Island where she
  graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High
  School, Class of 1975. She received a dental
  assistant degree from Central Community College
  in Hastings. Susan has worked for the Grand
  Island Veterans Medical Center for the past 29
  years.
• She enjoyed golfing, fishing, her flower
  garden and spending time with her family.

10
Len Hupf

• Leonard Carl Len Hupf, 84, of Grand Island
  died Sunday, April 10, 2011, at the Nebraska
  Veterans Home surrounded by his family.
• Services were 10 a.m. Friday at Blessed
  Sacrament Catholic Church. The celebrant was the
  Rev. Mark Maresh. Burial was in the Westlawn
  Memorial Park Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at
  the church, with a vigil service at 7. Curran
  Funeral Chapel was assisting the family.
• Mr. Hupf was born April 7, 1927, at Holstein
  to Henry A. and Elizabeth (Miller) Hupf.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  his wife of 62 years, Pauline Hupf of Grand
  Island a son and daughter-in-law, Thomas and
  Linda Hupf of Rosedale, N.J. three daughters and
  two sons-in-law, Debra and Roger Sweley of Grand
  Island, Barbara and Larry McGowan of Schuyler,
  Mary Hupf of Omaha a brother, Herb Hupf of
  Hastings a sister-in-law, Gladys Hupf of
  Hastings.
• Others left to cherish his memory include a
  brother-in-law, Leo Jack Malone of Missouri
  grandchildren, Thomas Hupf Jr., Jaffrey Hupf,
  Laura Sweley and fiancé, Dale Buettner, Valerie
  Sweley, Josh and Sara (McGowan) Kucera, Luke
  McGowan, Andy and Molly (McGowan) Cada and Erin
  McGowan five great-grandchildren, Ella, Brenna
  and twins, Elijah and Joseph Kucera and Maura and
  Levi Cada many cousins, nephews, nieces and
  other relatives.
• At the age of seven Len moved with his
  family to a farm near Assumption, NE. He
  attended grade school at Assumption until 1937
  when the family moved to Kearney. Len attended
  St. James School in Kearney and one semester at
  Whittler Jr. High. The family moved to Hastings,
  and he attended St. Cecilias High School,
  graduating in May of 1945. He was a member of
  St. Cecilias 1944 6-man State Championship
  Football Team.
• Right after highs school graduation, Len was
  drafted into the U.S. Army and was inducted at
  Fr. Leavenworth, KS on July 9, 1945. He spent
  time at Fort Knox, Kent, Camp Edwards, and Fort
  Devens, Mass. He was discharged at Fort Dix,
  N.J., on Dec. 1, 1946 and returned to Hastings.
  He was employed at Cushing Wholesale Company in
  Hastings, and later for Thompson Wholesale
  Company in Hastings.
• Len married Pauline Malone on Sept. 10,
  1949, at St. Cecilias Catholic Church in
  Hastings. They lived in Hastings, until 1957
  when they moved to Grand Island. He continued
  his employment with the Thompson Wholesale
  Company working for 28 years as a salesman and
  wholesale distributor for Tommy and Evelyn
  Thompson. He then worked for ten years for
  Cash-Wa Distribution of Kearney in sales and
  later as Sales Manager.
• Len enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, and
  was a Nebraska football fan, attending the home
  games with Polly for many years. Lens faith and
  family were his life treasures.
• He was a member of Blessed Sacrament
  Catholic Church, serving as an usher at St.
  Marys Cathedral and Blessed Sacrament both for
  many years. He was a member of the Knights of
  Columbus in Hastings and later Grand Island. He
  is a lifetime member of the American Legion Club,
  and long time member of the Liederkranz and
  volunteered there after his retirement.
• He was welcomed into heaven by his parents,
  a sister, Rita Costanza, brothers, Don and Paul.

11
Pat Janulewicz

• Patricia A. Pat Janulewicz, 68, of Kansas
  City, Mo., formerly of Grand Island, died
  peacefully, Monday, March 14, 2011, at Cherry
  Hills Nursing Home in Kansas City.
• Services were 1030 a.m. Monday at St. Leos
  Catholic Church. The Rev. Charles L. Torpey
  officiated. Burial was in the Westlawn Memorial
  Park Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the
  church, with a vigil service at 7 p.m. Curran
  Funeral Chapel was assisting with the
  arrangements.
• Ms. Janulewicz was born August 22, 1942, at
  Grand Island to Stephen M. and Cashmere
  (Spotanski) Janulewicz.
• Survivors of her immediate family include a
  brother and sister-in-law, Richard and Connie
  Janulewicz of Platte City, Mo.
• Additional survivors include a niece, Shawn
  Janulewicz.
• Pat grew up in Grand Island and attended St.
  Marys Grade School and graduated from Central
  Catholic High School in 1960. She continued her
  education at Walklin Pharmacy School. She began
  working for First National Bank in 1966 as a
  proof operator. In 1991, she began working for
  United Nebraska Bank, retiring in 1997 to care
  for her mother. Pat moved to Missouri in 2009 to
  be near her brother.
• She enjoyed gardening and visiting with her
  many friends. She was a member of St. Leos
  Catholic Church.
• Pat is welcomed into heaven by her parents.

12
Jane Kamper

• Jane M. Kamper, 80, of Grand Island died on
  Tuesday, February 1, 2011, at Tiffany Square Care
  Center.
• Mass of Christian Burial was 1030 a.m.
  Friday at St. Marys Cathedral. The Rev. Mark
  Maresh officiated.
• Burial was in the Grand Island City
  Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday at
  Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home with a 7 p.m.
  vigil service.
• Mrs. Kamper was born on April 4, 1930, on a
  farm near Ashton to Peter and Anna (Lewandowski)
  Waskowiak.
• On November 21, 1959, she was united in
  marriage to Robert D. Kamper in Grand Island.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  her husband a son and daughter-in-law, William
  T. and Susan Kamper of Papillion and a daughter
  and son-in-law, Susan E. and David Marx of Omaha.
• Also surviving are four grandchildren,
  Danielle, Allison and Amanda Kamper of Papillion
  and Nathan Marx of Omaha.
• She received her early education at St.
  Josephats Parochial School in Loup City. Her
  family moved to Grand Island in 1942 and she
  attended St. Marys grade school and high school,
  graduating in 1947. Following high school she
  was employed by the city treasurers office until
  1963.
• She and Robert made their home in Grand
  Island where they raised their two children,
  William and Susan.
• Jane was a member of St. Marys Cathedral
  where she was active in the Ladies Society.
• She was preceded in death by her parents a
  brother, Richard Waskowiak two sister, Harriet
  Smolla and Irene Rademacher..

13
Al Kosmicki

• Alfred J. Al Kosmicki, 67, of Grand Island
  died on Saturday, December 25, 2010, at Good
  Samaritan Society, Wood River, surrounded by his
  family, after suffering a stroke six years ago
  and a short bought with cancer.
• Services were at 1 p.m. Saturday at St.
  Leos Catholic Church. The Reverends Harold R.
  Kurtenbach, Charles L. Torpey, James J. Janovec
  concelebrated.
• Visitation was from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at
  the church, with a vigil service at 6. Curran
  Funeral Chapel assisted the family.
• Mr. Kosmicki was born February 7, 1943, at
  Loup City to Steve and Alice (Lewandowski)
  Kosmicki.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  his wife of 47 years, Judy of Grand Island three
  sons and two daughters-in-law, Jim and Amy
  Kosmicki, Eugene Kosmicki, all of Grand Island,
  Jacob and Andrea Kosmicki of Topeka, Kan., two
  daughters and sons-in-law, Rosemary and Mike
  Holmberg of Central City, Jodi and Steve Stauffer
  of Phillip a brother and sister-in-law, Larry
  and Chris Kosmicki of Boelus three sisters and
  two brothers-in-law, Marlene and Richard Schmidt,
  JoAnn Oseka, all of Grand Island, Rose and Bill
  Dixson of St. Paul.
• Others left to cherish his memory include
  his grandchildren, Anthony and Rachel Winget,
  Monica Winget, Erica Burton, Ethan Winget, Nathan
  and Elliott Kosmicki, Emma, Henry and Charlie
  Kosmicki, Steven, Melinda, Alexa and Kyla
  Stauffer great-grandsons, Andrew and Brett
  Winget and numerous nieces and nephews and
  in-laws.
• Al grew up and received his education in
  Sherman and Howard County, graduating from Boelus
  High School in 1961. He attended Kearney College
  for 1 year. He married Judy James on Dec. 28,
  1963, at North Platte. They lived in Cairo for
  18 years before moving to Grand Island in 1981.
  Al was a self employed carpenter throughout his
  life. He was also employed at the Ordinance
  Plant, Grand Island Veterans Home in the
  Occupational Therapy woodworking program and was
  a custodian for Grand Island Central Catholic.
  He continued his education at Central Community
  College completing his degree in 1994. Al was
  instrumental in the construction of Resurrection
  Catholic Church as was lifelong blood donor.
• Al loved attending his childrens and
  grandchildrens school and sport functions. He
  enjoyed playing the accordion and dancing,
  especially to polkas. Als Caring Bridge site
  can be viewed at http//caringbridge.org/visit/alf
  redkosmicki.
• He was a member of St. Leos Catholic
  Church, Knights of Columbus, Cursillo, and taught
  Teen Group CCD for several years. He was a card
  club member for over 30 years and he and Judy
  were the first couple in Hall County to make
  Marriage Encounter.
• He was preceded in death by a
  brother-in-law, Ray Oseka.
• Memorials are suggested to Grand Island
  Central Catholic Middle/High School, the American
  Red Cross, Make A Wish Foundation or the familys
  choice.

14
Mary Labenz

• Mary F. Labenz, 89, of Grand Island died
  Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2010, at St. Francis Medical
  Center.
• Services were 10 a.m. Monday at Blessed Sacrament
  Catholic Church with the Rev. Todd K. Philipsen
  officiating. Co-celebrants were the Revs. Mark
  A. Maresh and Harold R. Kurtenbach. Burial was
  at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell.
• Visitation was from 6 to 7 p.m. Sunday at the
  church, with a rosary at 7. Kleine Funeral Home
  was in charge of the arrangements.
• Mrs. Labenz was born May 18. 1921, at Cornlea to
  John and Emma (Bender) Ternus.
• She was preceded in death by her husband, Alfred
  Labenz.
• Survivors of the immediate family include two
  sons and a daughter-in-law, Patrick of Omaha and
  Rich and Janet of Lincoln three daughters and
  two sons-in-law, Mary and Tom Miller, Barbara
  Labenz, all of Grand Island, Jean and Stan Hoge
  of Woodridge, VA. and a sister, Esther Ternus of
  Chicago.
• Additional survivors included a sister-in-law,
  Darlene Turner of Cornlea nine grandchildren,
  Lesa White, Tracy Turechek, Jessica Hoge, Stuart
  Hoge, Lewis Hoge, Janice Labenz, Chris Labenz,
  Corey Labenz, and Jeff Vokoun and six
  great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and
  nephews.
• Mary was also preceded in death by her parents,
  grandchild, Jennifer Vokoun, four brothers and
  three sisters.
• She grew up and went to school in Cornlea where
  she attended Sacred Heart School. On Oct. 25,
  1943, she married Alfred Labenz in Cornlea. They
  moved to Grand Island in 1950 and raised their
  family.
• Mary was a member of Blessed Sacrament Catholic
  Church and a church volunteer. She enjoyed
  cooking, reading, and doing crossword puzzles.

15
Elizabeth B. Lomasney

• Elizabeth B. Lomasney, 63, of Grand Island died
  on Thursday, April 7, 2011, at Wedgewood Care
  Center, surrounded by her family.
• Services were 10 a.m. Monday at St. Leos
  Catholic Church. The Rev. Charles Torpey
  officiated. Burial was in the Westlawn Memorial
  Park Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday at
  the church, with a Christian wake service at 5
  p.m. All Faiths Funeral Home was in charge of
  the arrangements.
• Mrs. Lomasney was born on May 27, 1947, at
  Newark, N.J., to Walter and Helen Becker.
• She married George Lomasney on September 27,
  1975.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  her husband two sons and a daughter-in-law, Paul
  Lomasney and his friend Angie Meister, of Grand
  Island, and Chris and Jena Lomasney of Aurora
  and a daughter, Samantha Lomasney and her fiancé
  Josh Lambertus of Grand Island.
• Those also left to cherish her memory are
  her grandchildren, Breonna, Kelsi, Zachary, Kobe,
  Tylan, Kaleb and Shaylee.
• Elizabeth was raised in New Jersey, where
  she graduated from high school. She attended
  Beckely Community College in West Virginia.
• She and George made Grand Island their home
  and she did in-home day care and worked at
  Mid-Nebraska Individual Services.
• She was a member of St. Leos Catholic
  Church. Among some of her enjoyments were
  bowling, watching car races and playing bingo,
  but, most of all, spending time with her family.
  She was preceded in death by her parents.

16
Bill Meister

• William J. Bill Meister, 87, of Grand Island
  died on Monday, May 2, 2011, at Grand Island
  Nebraska Veterans Home.
• Services were 10 a.m. Friday at Blessed
  Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Todd
  Philipsen officiated. Burial was in the Grand
  Island City Cemetery with military honors
  provided by the United States Army and United
  Veterans Honor Guard.
• Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at
  the church, with a Christian wake service at 7
  p.m. All Faiths Funeral Home was serving the
  family.
• Mr. Meister was born March 7, 1924, in
  Greeley County to Peter and Mary (Nealon)
  Meister.
• He was united in marriage to Esther Rose
  Smollen on August 23, 1952, in OConner.
• Those left to cherish his memory include his
  wife of 58 years, Esther Sally two brothers
  and a sister-in-law, John Meister of Wood River
  and Francis
• and Lois Meister of Grand Island and a sister
  and brother-in-law, Anne and Alex Maser of Green
  River, Wyo.
• He is also survived by brothers-in-law, Gene
  Nelson of Cheyenne, Wyo., and Leonard Deschene of
  Lincoln sister-in-law, Eileen Meister of
  Laramie, Wyo. and many nieces, nephews, great
  nieces and great nephews.
• He was preceded in death by his parents
  brothers, James Meister and Robert Meister
  sisters, Marie Smollen, Marcy Deschene, Emma
  Krafczik and Roberta Nelson.
• Bill grew up and received his education at
  Elsie. He entered the United States Army on June
  20, 1946, serving in Korea. He was honorably
  discharged on May 7, 1947.
• He was employed by the REA before moving to
  Grand Island in 1952, after which he was employed
  at the Ordinance Plant and later drove a truck.
  Bill and his brothers bought and began their own
  business, Meister Brothers Sand and Gravel.
  After selling the business, Bill worked for the
  Hall County Highway Department, retiring in 1989.
  After his retirement, Bill and his brother,
  Frank and John, began their own old-timers
  band, which they called Meister Brothers,
  playing for nursing homes, hospitals, etc. Bill
  had played the guitar since he was seven and
  always enjoyed playing.
• Bill was a member of Blessed Sacrament, the
  Fraternal Order of Eagles and Knights of
  Columbus. One of his hobbies after his
  retirement was the upkeep of his immaculate lawn.
• Memorials are suggested to Central Catholic
  High School or Blessed Sacrament Church.

17
Carol A. Petersen

• Carol A. Petersen, 68, of Grand Island died
  Monday, December 27, 2010, at the Madonna
  Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln.
• Services were 11 a.m. Monday at St. Leos
  Catholic Church. The Rev. Harold Kurtenbach
  officiated.
• Family greeted friends from 5 to 6 p.m.
  Sunday at All Faiths Funeral Home, with a
  Christian wake service at 6 p.m.
• Mrs. Petersen was born April 22, 1942, at
  St. Louis, Mo., to Raymond and Mary (Michells)
  Rupp.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  her husband, Lee two daughters and a son-in-law,
  Lori and Kevin Coen of Grand Island and Tracy
  Petersen of Pasadena, Calif. three brothers,
  Michael Rupp of Clinton, Iowa, Gregory Rupp of
  San Jose, Calif., and David Rupp of Phoenix and
  a sister, Kathleen Tyler of Green River, Wyo.
• Those left to cherish her memory are her
  grandchildren, Jaden, Blake and Carly Coen.
• She was welcomed into heaven by her parents.
• Carol was raised in St. Louis, Mo., and
  Clinton, Iowa, graduating from St. Marys High
  School in 1960, at Clinton. She attended Webster
  College in St. Louis. On September 22, 1964, she
  was united in marriage to Lee Petersen at
  Clinton, Iowa. They lived in Newton, Iowa and
  Chicago, before moving to Grand Island in 1968.
• Carol was a member of St. Leos Catholic
  Church and very active with the Newcomers Club
  serving as an officer. She was a stay at home
  mom that enjoyed her childrens many activities.
  She was involved in the Seedling Mile PTA,
  Resurrection Catholic Church CCD and St. Leos
  CCD. Carol enjoyed playing bridge, being a
  volunteer, decorating for the holidays and most
  of all being a grandmother and caring for her
  family.
• Her memory will be treasured by many.

18
Mary Kay (McGowan) Redman

• Mary Kay (McGowan) Redman, 46, of Kearney died
  Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at Clarkson Medical
  Center in Omaha.
• Mass of Christian burial was 1030 a.m.
  Monday at Kearney High School Auditorium, with
  the Rev. Joe Hannappel officiating.
• Visitation was from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday at
  St. James Catholic Church, with a vigil service
  at 7 p.m. Visitation continued one hour prior to
  the mass at Kearney High School. Interment was
  at the Kearney Cemetery. OBrien Straatmann
  Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
• Mrs. Redman was born August 28, 1964, in
  Grand Island to Paul and Wauneta (Burns) McGowan.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  her husband, Matt Redman of Kearney two sons,
  Josh and Jake Redman and a daughter, Maggie
  Redman, all of Kearney her mother of Grand
  Island two sisters, Sister Mary Margaret McGowan
  and Sister Carlene Headrick, both of Grand
  Island six brothers and four sisters-in-law, Jim
  and Jan McGowan of Puyallup, Wash., Larry and
  Barb McGowan of Schuyler, John McGowan of Denver,
  Mark and Kim McGowan of Grand Island, Steve
  McGowan of Windom, Minn., Matt and Jen McGowan of
  Iowa City, Iowa.
• Additional survivors include father-in-law
  and mother-in-law, LeRoy and Lois Redman of Grand
  Island, sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law,
  Connie and Don Bennett of Kansas City, Mo., Mary
  Redman of Grand Island, Mike and Jen Redman of
  Grand Island, Colleen and Stu Girard of Castle
  Rock, Colo., and many nieces and nephews.
• She was raised in Grand Island and received
  her education at Grand Island Central Catholic
  graduating in 1982. Mary Kay was a 1987 graduate
  of Kearney State College. She was united in
  marriage to Matthew A. Redman on August 20, 1988,
  in Grand Island. She started her teaching career
  with Kearney High School in the fall of 1988.
  Mary Kay was a member of St. James Catholic
  Church, the Nebraska Educators Association,
  Co-founder of Kearney Tackles Cancer and a board
  member of Kearney Legion Baseball. Mary Kay had
  a passion for education and working with kids.
  She will be missed by many of her past and
  present students.
• Mary Kay was preceded in death by her
  father, Paul McGowan.

19
Douglas H. Riedy

• Douglas Harold Riedy, 68, of Grand Island died
  on Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at the National
  Institute of Health Clinical Center in Bethesda,
  Md., with his family by his side.
• Services were 1030 a.m. Monday at Blessed
  Sacrament Catholic Church. The Rev. Michael F.
  McDermott officiated. Burial was in the Westlawn
  Park Cemetery. Classic cars were welcomed to
  join the procession to the cemetery to honor
  Dougs passion.
• Visitation was from 4 to 6 p.m. Sunday, with
  a Christian wake service beginning at 6, at the
  church. All Faiths was in charge of the
  arrangements.
• Mr. Riedy was born on December 17, 1942, at
  Grand Island to Harold and Mary Belle (Roberts)
  Riedy.
• He married Marcia J. Steffes on March 5,
  1966.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  his wife, Marcia two sons and a daughter-in-law,
  Robert and Kristin Riedy of Grand Island and
  Brett Riedy of Lincoln two brothers and
  sisters-in-law, John and Julie Riedy of Sioux
  City, Iowa and Edward and Valerie Riedy of
  Oakland and a sister and brother-in-law, Deb and
  Mike Kuhlmann of Papillion.
• Those also left to cherish his memory are
  his grandchildren, Amber, Andrew and Ashton
  uncle and aunt, Harold and Jackie Bunge of Grand
  Island sisters-in-law and spouses, Karen and
  Arnie Boyd of Monroe and Maurine and Richard
  Fitzsimmons of Primrose brothers-in-law, Jack
  Steffes of St. Paul and Fred Walker of Grand
  Island nephews, nieces, cousins and many
  friends.
• His father, mother, stepfather, Frank
  Robertson sister and her husband, Marjorie and
  Joe McKinley and sister, Susan Gion preceded him
  in death.
• Doug graduated from Grand Island Senior
  High, class of 1959. He attended the Nebraska
  Vocational Technical School in Milford graduating
  in 1964. Doug served in the Nebraska Army
  National Guard from 1963 to 1971.
• Doug enjoyed his time spent on his
  grandparents farm in his early childhood and
  later in life. In 1966, he began with DM
  Automotive Performance, which later became DMB
  Automotive Performance. Later, his passion for
  cars continued with Motor Works, Inc., followed
  by Dougs Fuel and Fire Automotive Performance.
  He enjoyed teaching a college automotive class
  from 2006 to 2010.
• He was a Boy Scout leader and helped with
  his church youth group. Doug enjoyed racing
  cars, having helped with the local race track,
  and had a great love for the sport of racing. He
  was a member of Resurrection Catholic Church,
  Knights of Columbus and Grand Island Area Chamber
  of Commerce, having helped with the classic cars
  for the Harvest of Harmony Parade. He was
  blessed with many friends with his membership in
  the Island Area Cruisers and Vintage Classic Cars
  and Wheels.

20
Betty Torpey

• Elizabeth Ann Betty Torpey, 88, of Grand
  Island died Tuesday, June 14, 2011, at Tiffany
  Square.
• A mass of Christian burial was 1 p.m.
  Saturday at St. Leos Catholic Church. The Very
  Rev. Charles L. Torpey presided along with Bishop
  William J Dendinger and priests of the Diocese of
  Grand Island concelebrating. Burial was in the
  Grand Island City Cemetery.
• Visitation was from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at
  St. Leos Catholic Church, with a vigil service
  at 7 p.m. Curran Funeral Chapel was assisting
  the family.
• Mrs. Torpey was born December 17, 1922, in
  Omaha to Dan B. and Elizabeth M. Hannon.
• She was preceded in death by her husband,
  Charles L. Torpey.
• Survivors of the immediate family include
  six sons and five daughters-in-law, The Rev.
  Charles L. Torpey, Jr. of Grand Island, John and
  Ana Rauch Torpey of Oakland, Calif., Michael and
  Dr. Margaret Torpey of San Francisco, Calif.,
  James and Teresa Torpey of Asheville, N.C.,
  Richard and Krista Torpey of Kennesaw, Ga.,
  William and Carol Torpey of Hutchinson, Kan.
  four daughters and sons-in-law, Maureen and Bob
  Rosene of Hilton Head Head Island, S.C., Cathleen
  and Dennis Abels of Amherst, Jane and Mike Ray of
  Billings, Mont., and Marcia and Dr. Michael
  Gonzalez of Oshkosh, Wis. one sister, Mary Jo
  Brady of Grand Island and one brother, Ed Hannon
  of Lincoln 23 grandchildren and 15 great
  grandchildren.
• She graduated from St. Marys High School
  in 1940, and left shortly afterwards to work in
  Washington D.C., during the war. She married
  Charles Torpey in Waco, Texas on April 21, 1943.
  She returned to Grand Island where she waited for
  his safe return from Europe. In 1956, the family
  moved to Willcox, Ariz., and then returned to
  Grand Island, in 1960 where they made their home
  on 1st and Broadwell. The family moved to Ogden,
  Utah in 1963, where she continued her consummate
  and passionate hobby of playing bridge, duplicate
  bridge, and entertaining friends and family. She
  was Ogdens Mother of the Year in 1966, the same
  year she made a hole in one while golfing. The
  family moved to Salinas, Calif., in 1967 and onto
  Roswell, N.M., where she became a real estate
  broker, and then returned to Grand Island in
  1989.
• Betty was a very industrious seamstress that
  served the entire family well. She was a
  fabulous cook and baker, and taught her children
  how to take care of themselves and each other.
  She was a devoted church volunteer serving as
  Eucharistic Minister, reader, and Stephens
  Minister, Parish Council member, Altar Society
  and Catholic Daughters.
• Most of all, she was a proud and loving
  mother who cherished time will spent with all of
  her large extended family. Her contagious laugh
  and outspoken nature will be forever remembered
  as just a few of her gifts that she extended to
  all that she met during her lifetime.
• She was also preceded in death by two
  brothers, Jim Hannon and Dan Hannon. Memorials
  are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic
  School.