Obituaries | The Ord Quiz (2024)

OBITUARIES

June
19
2024

Marjorie Grace Petersen • Loup City, NE Resident, 66

Marjorie Grace Petersen went to her heavenly home, surrounded by family, on Sat., June 15, 2024 at Rose Lane Home in Loup City, NE at age 66 of Lewy Body Dementia. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wed., June 19, 2024 at Bethel Baptist Church in Ord, NE with Pastor Kyle Campise officiating. A lunch will follow the service at the church and then burial will be held at the Oak Ridge Cemetery in Dannebrog, NE.
Memorials are suggested to the Lewy Body Dementia Association (lbda.org) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org). Higgins Funeral Home in Loup City is in charge of arrangements. Condolences for the Petersen family can be left at higginsfuneralhomelc.com.
Marjorie was born in Roseville, MN on March 20, 1958 to Roger Ettel and Lenore (Huwe) Ettel. She grew up in Roseville, MN and attended college at Bethel University and graduated with a degree in Elementary Education.
While in college, she met her husband, Bill Petersen, and they married on June 7, 1980 and shortly after moved to Nebraska. To this union three children were born, Betsy, Dane, and Ann. She then fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher starting at one room school houses Sunnyside Elementary in Dannebrog and Fairplay near Comstock, before moving to Loup City schools and taught many things including elementary music for 16 years.
Marjorie came to faith in Jesus Christ at an early age and was very involved in church including playing organ, Tuesday afternoon Bible studies at Bethel Baptist church, and teaching Sunday school with her husband. She was known for her sweet disposition and enjoyed sharing her famous Snickerdoodle cookies with friends and family. Margie was an avid reader. She especially enjoyed Laura Ingalls Wilder books and served on the Loup City Library Board. She loved classic movies, musicals, and radio shows, and some of her childrens’ favorite memories include singing along with her to tunes from ‘Meet me in St. Louis.’ Margie played piano beautifully and was artistically gifted. She loved to send beautiful hand drawn cards to her grandchildren. She also enjoyed quiet afternoons fishing with Bill and dinner on Friday nights at the Golden Nugget with Bill and friends.
Margie is survived by husband, Bill Petersen of Loup City, NE; daughter, Betsy (Pete) Wall of Rochester, MN; son, Dane of Lewisburg, WV and youngest daughter Ann of Minneapolis, MN and grandchildren Grace and Zachary Wall. She is also survived by her father, Roger Ettel Sr., brother, Roger (Diana) Ettel, sisters, Sue LaTona and Diane (Jim) Aufderhar. She is preceded in death by mother, Lenore Ettel.

Bill Riley • United States Air Force Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 86

William J. “Bill” Riley, 86, passed away on Tues., June 11, 2024 at the CHI Good Samaritan Health System in Kearney, NE.
A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Mon., June 24, 2024 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. The Rosary will be recited at 10 a.m. Father Scott Harter will be the Mass Celebrant. Inurnment will be in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by the Ord VFW Post #7029 and American Legion Post #38. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice for future designation. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
William John Riley and his twin sister, Wilma Jane were born Sept. 22, 1937, at Trenton, NE to Lloyd R. and Edna Mae (Schmale) Riley. He was raised in Trenton where he received his education and graduated from Trenton High School in 1956.
Bill served in the United States Air Force from 1956 to 1960. He was stationed in Texas and California. Following the service he returned to Trenton and was united in marriage to Frances Earlene Slade on July 7, 1962, at the Catholic Church in Palisade, NE.
Bill’s career in the printing field began as a teen. He worked at newspapers in Trenton and McCook, NE and St. Anthony, ID before settling in Ord in 1964. Bill began working at The Ord Quiz in 1964. He held many positions during his 49 years of employment and retired in 2013.
His memberships included, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, American Legion and was the treasurer for the Ord Boxing Club.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Earlene of Ord; a son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Karen Riley of Prior Lake, MN; a daughter, Rebecca Riley of Omaha; son-in-law, Tim Musgrave of Omaha; four beloved grandchildren, Courtney and Nikki Musgrave and Elliott and Jameson Riley; a brother and sister-in-law, Francis and Bonnie Rotter of Sun City, AZ; a sister, Mary Downey of Scottsbluff, NE; and numerous dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Vicki Musgrave; and three sisters, Wilma Jane Rubenthaler, Theresa Gill and Marcella Frakes.

June
12
2024

Bonnie Ruth Alloway • Burwell, NE Resident, 95

Bonnie Ruth (Nichols) Alloway, 95, of Burwell, NE peacefully passed from this life surrounded by loved ones on June 8, 2024, in Burwell.
Bonnie Ruth was born on Feb. 24, 1929, in Smith Center, KS to Clarence and Elva (Rogers) Nichols. In 1930, Ruth's parents moved their family to the outskirts of Bartlett, NE, where they began ranching during the Great Depression. The second of four children, Ruth shared her childhood with two brothers, Marvin and Kenneth, and one sister, Shirley. The era's challenges undoubtedly forged her ever resilient and resourceful character.
Ruth graduated from Wheeler County High School in 1946, and then began teaching at a rural school on the Calamus River in North Central Nebraska. It was during this time she met the love of her life, Lyle Alloway; they married on Aug. 5, 1949, at the Methodist Church in Burwell. Together, they pursued their college and post-graduate degrees, with Ruth earning her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1952, and Lyle earning his M.D. in 1956. They joined the Salvation Army, became officers in 1958, and thereafter served as medical missionaries around the world. They spent over 20 years in India, five years in Africa, and at various times lived in Chicago, San Francisco, New York City and Labrador, Canada. During their marriage, Ruth and Lyle traveled to almost 30 countries before retiring to Burwell. A life-long learner, Ruth would later go on to earn her master’s degree in counseling.
She is survived by daughter, LeAnn Rowse of Burwell; son, Wayne (Analise) Alloway of Lincoln; daughter, Lizbeth (Chris) Eberhardt of Lincoln; daughter, Lenore (Mike) Bellamy of Maryville, MO; 12 of her 13 grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren (with another great-granddaughter due this fall); and her sister, Shirley Hess.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Lyle; an adopted daughter, Sukumarie; two brothers, Marvin and Kenny; son-in-law, Jim Rowse; and grandson, Nicholas Rowse.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Sat., June 15, 2024; at the Calamus Trinity Methodist Church in Burwell. Pastor Michael Loy will officiate. Burial will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery.
Ruth’s legacy of love, faith, compassion, kindness, and service will be cherished by all who knew her. Her life was an inspiring testament to the power of living one’s faith. She helped make this world a better place. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army or UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief).
Still Waters Funeral Parlor is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at stillwatersfuneralparlor.com.

Vivian J. Wajda • Former Ord, NE Resident, 97

Vivian J. Wajda, 97, of Grand Island, NE formerly of Ord, NE passed away on Mon., June 10, 2024 at Tiffany Square Care Center in Grand Island.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Fri., June 14, 2024 at the Ord Memorial Chapel. Pastor Doug Olson will officiate. Burial will be in the Arcadia Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. until service time. Memorials are suggested to VFW Auxiliary. Ord Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Vivian Josephine was born March 15, 1927 (according to her birth certificate) to Guy and Ana (Hodgson) Drake at Cheyenne, WY. At the age of 18 months, Vivian and her sister, Joyce (two months old) lost their mother due to illness. The kids left Wyoming to live with their aunt and uncle, Asa and Dora Hodgson in Arcadia, NE. Along the way, Joyce became sick and later passed away from complications of pneumonia.
Vivian grew up on the Arcadia farm with her “brothers,” LeRoy and Dewey Hodgson. Vivian loved riding horses and rode her horse seven miles to high school.
On May 18, 1945, Vivian was united in marriage to Louis L. Wajda at Ord. The couple first lived on Louie’s family farm and then lived in Chicago for three years. The couple returned to Nebraska and farmed northwest of Ord. They lived on the farm for 14 years where they raised their three children, Larry, Connie and Rowena. In 1958, Vivian purchased the Ord Rest Home that she operated for 30 years.
Following retirement the couple enjoyed traveling. It was during one of their trips to Wyoming that Vivian discovered her birth certificate stated her date of birth as March 15; however she continued to celebrate on May 15.
In 2010, the couple sold the homestead west of Ord and moved to Elba to be closer to family. Louie passed away on Jan. 31, 2014. The couple spent 68 wonderful years of marriage together.
Vivian liked music, singing and dancing. She hosted card parties and family gatherings at their home outside of Ord. She enjoyed spending time with her family and playing Hi & Lo Pinochle. She was a member of the VFW Auxiliary; volunteered at blood drives and was involved in the Red Hats.
Survivors include two daughters, Connie John of Grand Island and Rowena Wajda of Elba; six grandchildren, Dawn (Jim) Phillips, Leah (Quentin) Kolar, Kare (Cory) Wolinski, Jenise Graves, Erin (Chad) Ackerson and Adam (Jolene) John; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; aunt and uncle, Asa and Dora Hodgson; her son, Larry Wajda; two brothers, LeRoy and Dewey Hodgson; and sons-in-law, Lonnie John and Gerald Gydesen.
The family expresses their gratitude to the staff at Lebensraum Assisted Living Center for the loving care over the past nine years.

June
05
2024

Elva “Jean” Shonka • Grand Island, NE Resident, 93

Elva “Jean” Shonka, age 93, of Grand Island, passed away Mon., May 27, 2024 at Tabitha at Prairie Commons.
A Memorial Service was held on Sat., June 1 at All Faiths Funeral Home with Father Mark Maresh officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, a local food pantry or to the family for future designation. Condolences can be left at giallfaiths.com.
Elva was born on Jan. 24, 1931 in Ord, NE to Stefan and Barbara (Suminski) Papiernik. She attended Rural Valley County Schools and graduated from Ord High School in 1949. After graduation, she worked for the PMA for a number of years. When her children were older, she became a certified food service manager and worked for 10 years at Ord Public Schools and St. Mary’s. She moved to Columbus in 1982, and worked in the cafeteria at Scotus for 10 years and then Schuyler High School part-time for five years.
On May 9, 1953 she was united in marriage to James Finley and to this union four children were born. James passed away in 1977. On Jan. 8, 1988 she was united in marriage to Martin Shonka. He passed away in 2002.
Elva was a member of the Ladies VFW Auxiliary, American Legion Auxiliary and the National Rural Letters Courier Auxiliary.
Elva is survived by her daughters, Linda (Mike) Follmer and Christine (Kurt) Bogus, both of Grand Island; grandchildren, April, Autumn, Andy (Jill), Aaron (Mia) and Alison Follmer and Josh (Sarah), Spencer (Susie), Nathan (Tina) Bogus and Jef (Krista) Finley and Rhiannon Sanford; stepchildren, Doug (Michelle) Shonka and Marta Gilson; step grandchildren, Aaron and Nathan Gilson and Chelsea (Joe) Gilson Meduna; numerous great-grandchildren; brother, Don (Janet) Papiernik and nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Preceded in death by her parents; husbands, James Finley and Martin Shonka; sons, James and Steve Finley; infant grandson, Jospeh Finley; sister, Evelyn Kusek and stepson, Danny Shonka.

Bette JoAnn Karre • Lincoln, NE Resident, 79

Bette JoAnn (Wilson) Karre, 79, of Lincoln, NE, passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous battle with breast cancer.
Bette was born on Sept. 28, 1944, to Lucille A Schroer and Floyd Howard Wilson in Lincoln. She spent her childhood in Lincoln and Ord, NE, and graduated from Ord High School.
An accomplished typist, Bette held various positions in data entry, working from home, local banks, and eventually retiring from State Farm Insurance Company in 2000.
Bette is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, David Karre; her devoted children, Karen Randall, Linda Larson (Lance), and Steven Karre; as well as her cherished grandchildren, Angeline Randall, Jay Randall, Sarah Larson, and Jennifer Larson.
Bette enjoyed knitting and crocheting, often creating beautiful blankets and hats for her family. Her talents were a testament to her love and care for those around her. Bette was often found working on a jigsaw puzzle on a card table in the living room. She also enjoyed traveling, particularly on cruises with dear friends, and spending time bowling with loved ones. However, her greatest passion was music. Bette had an unwavering love for oldies music and could often be found singing along to her favorite tunes. She was a proud member of the Sweet Adelines for 43 years, singing with both her daughters and granddaughter in the chorus. Her melodious voice brought joy and inspiration to the community.
Bette was a dedicated parishioner of St. John’s Catholic Church, where she lent her voice to the choir for many years. Her spirit of service extended beyond the church walls, as she was always eager to volunteer and even worked in the school cafeteria at one point.
Bette will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Her kindness, warmth, and love will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched.
A visitation and Rosary were held Tues., June 4 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be on Wed., June 5 at 11 a.m. at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine St, Lincoln, NE 68505. Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Sweet Adelines Education Fund, Bryan Foundation, or Project Pink’d. Condolences can be left at lincolnfh.com.

Marlion Bruha • Ord, NE Resident, 86

Marlion L. Bruha, 86, of Ord, NE passed away on Mon., May 27, 2024, at the Arbor Care Center in Ord.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Fri., May 31, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Mass Celebrants were Father Scott Harter and Father Mark Maresh. Burial was at the National Bohemian Cemetery west of Ord. Memorials are suggested to the Family’s Choice to be designated as per Marlion’s request. Ord Memorial Chapel was in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Marie Leona “Marlion” was born March 15, 1938, at Elyria, NE, to Lloyd and Velma (Palu) Konkoleski. She was raised on the family farm north of Elyria with her seven siblings. Marlion attended District #60 Country School from kindergarten to the fourth grade and District #63 Country School through the eighth grade. She completed her education at Ord High School, graduating in 1955. While attending high school, Marlion boarded in Ord and following graduation she worked at Cliff’s Grocery and the Ord Café.
While attending a dance, Marlion met Edward O. Bruha, the man who would become her husband of 59 years. The couple was married on May 11, 1957, at St. Mary’s Church in Elyria. They spent their entire married life farming and raising their family in Valley County, 11miles west of Ord. In February of 2011, they retired and moved into Ord. Edward passed away on Jan. 19, 2017. Marlion continued to make her home in Ord until her passing.
Marlion was devoted to her church and rosary. She was a member of the St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Geranium Township where she was instrumental in the meal preparation for the parish’s annual bazaar. After the closure of the church, she became a member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, and also volunteered at St. Mary’s School.
Marlion was an original member of the Helping Hands Extension Club, was a leader of the Trying Our Best 4-H Club, and was a FFA supporter.
Marlion worked hard her entire life; she had a strong and diligent work ethic. She taught her offspring to show respect and hospitality to others and to value family and neighbors.
Marlion was an avid reader, especially the Bible. She kept a daily journal, and collected recipes and newspaper clippings. She was an exceptional seamstress and sewed clothing for her family. She also enjoyed music, including Czech and Gospel, and loved attending Polka dances. She learned the Czech language to be able to share her husband’s ancestry and also enjoyed genealogy.
Quilting was one of her favorite pastimes and she found solitude in embroidery work. Never one to waste anything, she used scraps to sew many quilts and blankets for her family and quilted them on the quilting frame that was made for her by her husband.
A large garden was a must for her. She also did a lot of canning and freezing vegetables and making jellies. She had a beautiful yard full of flowers and spent time watching the birds and raising chickens.
Marlion was an accomplished cook. She was known for baking cinnamon rolls and kolaches. All of her children and grandchildren had “favorites” which they frequently requested, from her pumpkin pie to her poppyseed kolaches. She always had the coffee pot on and would make a meal in minutes for anyone who stopped by.
Survivors include three sons, Steve Bruha of North Loup; Martin (Jolene) Bruha of Burwell, Anthony (Cathy) Bruha of Comstock; five daughters, Sandy (Darrell) Fischer of Burwell, Joann (Tim) Laible of Atkinson, Janet (Dave) Setlik of Ord, Ann (Ed) Hajek of Odell and Mary Wagner of Wood River; a daughter-in-law, Michelle Bruha of Kearney; grandsons, Nick Fischer, Joseph Bruha, Dylan and Evan Laible, Alan Setlik, Zachary Hajek, Lane Wagner, Christopher Bruha, and Tye Bruha; granddaughters, Kelly Schumacher, Melanie Satorie, Melissa Neville, Kelsey Skinner, Kaci Bruha, Dani and Jordyn Laible, Nichole Sutton, Annie Lawton, Samantha Lienemann, Madison and Jaedyn Hajek, Megan Bernt, Jessica and Ashley Bruha, and Ashley Olivas; 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, Daryl (Carol) Konkoleski of Lincoln; a sister, Louise Suchanek of San Dimas, CA; a brother-in-law, Harold Boyce of Ord; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Laddie E. and Darlene Bruha of Ord.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Velma Konkoleski; her husband, Edward O. Bruha; infant son, Paul Bruha; son, James Bruha; daughter, Carol Bruha; granddaughter, Jessica Gutierrez; four brothers and a sister-in-law, David, Michael, Wayne and Larry and Judy Konkoleski; a sister, Virginia Boyce; and two sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law, Wilma and Leonard Hruby, Bill and Mildred Kolar and Lonnie Suchanek.

Shirley T. McKinney • Hastings, NE Resident, 88

Hastings resident Shirley T. McKinney, 88, passed away Fri., May 24, 2024, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings, NE.
Services were held Wed., May 29, at Grace United Methodist Church in Hastings with Rev. Benjamin Hanne officiating. Burial was at Kearney Cemetery in Kearney. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.lbvfh.com. Livingston Butler Volland Funeral Home & Cremation Center was serving the family.
Shirley was born Oct. 18, 1935, in Goodland, KS to Roy A. and Mary (Tauscher) Bretz. She graduated from Winona High School in Winona, KS and attended Kansas State College in Manhattan, KS for two years. Shirley married G. Darrel McKinney on May 29, 1955, in Winona, KS;. He preceded her in death on Sept. 16, 1998.
Shirley was a homemaker and farmwife. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church, B-Sharp Club, and United Methodist Women. Shirley loved spending her time making quilts and playing cards. She enjoyed telling stories and had many friends at Good Samaritan Village.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents; husband, G. Darrel McKinney; daughter, Paula Lewis; grandson, Ryan Franzen; granddaughter, Denisha McKinney; sister, Mary Glad and Roma Boschowitzki; brothers, Lindy Bretz and Tauscher Bretz; sisters-in-law, Edna Morgan and Mary Ann Duggan; and brother-in-law, Richard Duggan.
Survivors include: children and spouses, Gwenda and Mark Horky, Sargent, NE; and Tom and Michel McKinney, Juniata, NE; grandchildren and spouses: Teal and Steve Smith , Hastings, NE; Cori and Trent Kobbeman, Hastings, NE; Amy McKinney, Kearney, NE; Brent and Kim McKinney, Juniata, NE; Tammy and Dan Gangwish, Juniata, NE; Chase and Jody Horky, Sargent, NE; and Ridge Horky, Arcadia, NE; great-grandchildren: Slade Smith; Oaklyn Smith; Jenssen Gangwish; Rowan Gangwish; Jace Gangwish; Rory Gangwish; Maverick Gangwish; Ella McKinney; Emily McKinney; Aaron McKinney; Cora McKinney; Breckyn Horky; Nellie Gangwish; Bexley Horky; and Nicklynn Horky; sister, Lois Siemers, Wichita, KS; sister-in-law, Lola Bretz, Wallace, KS; brother-in-law, Gary Morgan, Las Vegas, NV; and many nieces and nephews.

Regina Marie Rohan • Ord, NE Resident, 74

Regina M. Rohan, 74, of Ord, NE, died Sun., Sept. 17, 2023 at Arbor Care Center in Ord.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Fri., Sept. 22 at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating. Inurnment will take place at a later date at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Spalding.Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday at the church with a 7 p.m. wake service.
Levander Funeral Home of Spalding is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at levanderfuneralhome.com.
Regina Marie Rohan, daughter of Charles and Anna Marie (Ringlein) Haggerty, was born Feb. 26, 1949 at Spalding, NE. She attended a rural Greeley County School, prior to attending Spalding Academy where she graduated from in 1967.
On Dec. 23, 1967, Regina was united in marriage to Louis George Rohan at St. Michael’s Church in Spalding. They made their home in Columbus, Spalding, and Benkelman, NE while raising their children Mark, Ed and Michaela, before settling in Ord in 1986. Regina worked as a custodian at various employers over the years.
She was a member of St. Michael’s Church from 1949-1984, St. Joseph’s in Benkelman from 1984-1986 and Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Ord from 1986-present. She was a long-time member of St. Anne’s Altar Society and American Legion Auxiliary Post 299 in Spalding. She enjoyed camping, bowling, crocheting, and sewing. She was an excellent cook and loved spending time with family and friends.
Regina is survived by her husband Lou of Ord; three children: Mark (Melanie) Rohan of Ord; Ed Rohan of Arcadia, NE; and Michaela (Michael) Mallery of Waverly, NE; five grandsons: Tynan and Connor Mallery of Lincoln, NE; Randy Rohan of Springdale, AR; Willam Rohan of Ord; and James Rohan of Arcadia; three great-grandchildren: Damien, Deakin and Hailey; two siblings: Tim (Maureen) Haggerty of O’Neill, NE; and Angela Buhrman of O’Fallon, IL; sister-in-law Colleen Haggerty of Minden, IA; sisters-in-law: Margaret (Jack) Glassmaker of Navato, CA; and Connie Rohan of Superior, NE; brother-in-law Dennis (Sue) Rohan of Willaimsville, NY; along with nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Michael Haggerty; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George and Pauline Rohan; and brother-in-law, Jim Rohan.