Merle J. Schwarten, 86, of Wakefield NE


Merle J. Schwarten, 86, of Wakefield, Nebraska died on Friday, August 14, 2015 at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield; Pastor Barbara Hansen will be officiating. The visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m, with a brief prayer service at 7:00, at the Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield. Burial with military honors will be in the Wakefield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Merle was born on August 6, 1929 in Wakefield, Nebraska, the son of Charles and Anna (Gradert) Schwarten. He attended Wakefield High School, graduating in 1947. On August 17, 1951, he was united in marriage to Lois Stipp at Papillion, NE. In 1951, Merle entered the United States Army serving during the Korean War. Merle and Lois lived in Wakefield where Merle owned and operated a gas station and a tank wagon service, delivering fuel to farmers. He later drove school bus, worked at CVA, Salmon Well, helped many farmers, and was the church custodian. On September 13, 1996, Lois passed away. On November 14, 1998, he was united in marriage to Mae (Salmon) Pearson.

Merle was an avid fisherman, hunter, bowler, loved to play baseball in his younger years and watch Legion baseball. He enjoyed baking and was known to have the best rye bread in town. He enjoyed traveling, watching Husker volleyball and football, spending time with family and friends, visiting and playing cards. He was a member of the American Legion Anton Bokemper Post #81, a lifelong member of Salem Lutheran Church, and an active community member.

He is survived by his wife Mae of Wakefield, sons, Randy (Christine) Still of Denver CO, Doug Schwarten of Lincoln, NE, and a daughter Kathy (Randy) Bird of Wayne, NE, seven grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law, Vickie (Mike) Loofe of Wakefield and sister-in-law Betty Schwarten of Wakefield.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents, wife Lois, son Brad Schwarten, granddaughter Megan Schwarten, and his brother Weldon Schwarten.

Merle Schwarten

Merle Schwarten

Irma L. Powley, 92, of Pender NE


Irma L. (Tiege) Powley, 92, of Pender, Nebraska died on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, NE. Funeral services will be Tueday, August 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Church of Pender in Pender, NE; Pastor Steven Breazier will be officiating. Visitation will be Monday, August 17, 2015 at the United Church of Pender from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be in the Rosehill Cemetery in Pender. Memorials may be directed to the United Church of Pender and Twin Creeks Golf Course in Pender, NE. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Irma was born August 6, 1923 to Julius and Edna (Gunsolly) Tiege. In 1947, she married Darroll Powley in Lincoln, NE. The couple had one son. Irma was a member of the United Church of Pender and was a founding member of Twin Creeks Golf Course in Pender. In her free time, Irma enjoyed golfing, crocheting, and league bowling.

Irma is survived by her son, Raymond R. Powley of Celina, Ohio, three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her husband, parents, daughter-in-law, Patricia Powley, two sisters, and one brother.

Irma Powley

Irma Powley

Dylan Jean Parsons, infant from Lyons NE


Dylan Jean Parsons, infant daughter of Shannon Parsons and Cheri Doyal, went to heaven on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska. She was born on June 30, 2015 in Pender, Nebraska and resided with her parents and siblings in Lyons, Nebraska.

Survivors include her parents; brother, Isiah; sisters, Madison and Jasmyne all of Lyons; grandparents, Charlie and Peggy Smith, of Beemer, NE, Bob and Lynette Paine of Woodbine, IA; great grandma, Margaret Schultz of Beemer, NE; a host of family.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Monday, August 17, 2015, 11:00 a.m. at Beemer Mennonite Church in Beemer, Nebraska.

MEMORIAL VISITATION: One hour prior to service at the church.

BURIAL at a later date.

MEMORIALS: To the family for designation at a later date.

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

Dylan Parsons

Dylan Parsons

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Erwin Groth, 93, of West Point NE


Erwin Groth, age 93, of West Point, NE passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2015 at Premier Estates of West Point. Funeral services will be on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Minnick Funeral Home with burial in the Mount Hope Cemetery. Visitation will be on Monday, August 17th from 5:00 -8:00 p.m. with family present. Pastor Steve Hoden of Salem Covenant of rural Oakland is officiating. Memorial are suggested to the West Point Fire Department or the Cuming Co. Fair Foundation in Erwin’s name for improved handicap accessibility. Arrangements by Minnick Funeral Home in West Point.

Erwin Groth was born on August 25, 1921 on the farm northeast of West Point to Bill and Minnie (Wickert) Groth. He would have been 94 in a couple of weeks. Erwin attended Cuming Co. Rural School through the 8th grade. He entered the Army on September 13, 1946 at Ft. Crook, NE as a truck driver. He was honorably discharged April 27, 1947 and received the World War II Victory Medal.

Erwin married Ruth Grunke, an avid bowler he met at his bowling alley, on June 15, 1952. He was engaged in farming and trucking. Four children were born to this union.

In 1963, Erwin lost both arms in a farm accident. He learned to persevere through using prosthetic hooks and could do just about anything except put on his socks. He never used this accident as a handicap, although he was classified as 100% disabled.

One of his great passions was the West Point Fire Department and continued to serve on the department after the accident. He had served for over 50 years and for some of that time with two of his sons, Jim and Scott.

In their retirement years, Erwin and Ruth enjoyed attending sporting events of all kinds. They loved Nebraska Cornhusker football, attending games when they could and never missed a game on the television.

Erwin is survived by sons, Jim (wife Marilee) of Oakland; Scott Groth of West Point; Stan (wife Jean) of Pilger; and daughter Mary Groth of Ashland City, TN. He has two grandchildren, Tyler Groth of Lincoln and Emilee Groth of Norfolk, along with three nephews and two nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Ruth, in 2002, brother-in-law-Warren Grunke, brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Clinton and Ardene Grunke, and a nephew Richard Grunke.

Erwin Groth

Erwin Groth

Burt County Cattlemen’s Barbecue is a Tradition at the Burt County Fair


Many workers provide a delicious meal of barbecued beef sandwiches along with side dishes to several people after the fair parade. This has been a tradition for years! All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Many workers provide a delicious meal of barbecued beef sandwiches along with side dishes to several people after the fair parade. This has been a tradition for years! All photos credit of Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Participants at the Hypnotist Show have Crowd Laughing at Burt County Fair


This group of young adults had the crowd laughing at the hypnotist show held at the Burt County Fair. Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

This group of young adults had the crowd laughing at the hypnotist show held at the Burt County Fair. Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Brew Masters Competition at Burt County Fair


Many people attended the Brew Masters Competition at the Burt County Fair, sampling many adult beverages made by local residents. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Many people attended the Brew Masters Competition at the Burt County Fair, sampling many adult beverages made by local residents. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Donald F. Potter, 83, of Pender Ne


Donald F. Potter, 83, of Pender, Nebraska passed away Thursday, August 13, 2015 at Legacy Garden Living Center in Pender, Nebraska. Funeral services will be Monday, August 17, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Church of Pender; Pastor Steven Breazier is officiating. Visitation will be Sunday, August 16, 2015 at the United Church of Pender from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. Burial will be at Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill, NE. Memorials may be directed to the Nebraska Heart Institute or Hospice of Siouxland. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Donald was born August, 30, 1931 to Wilmer and Louisa (Novak) Potter near Pender, NE. He received his high school diploma while serving in the Army in Germany. On November 22, 1952, Donald married Glenda Nelsen in Winnebago, NE. The couple had three children.

Donald worked on the family farm until he retired. Donald was an amateur inventor and also enjoyed taking on projects, many with carpentry and electrical work. In his free time, he attended music festivals, played pool, and took pictures which were made into videos. Donald adored cherry pie and chocolate. Donald loved to tease people and spend time with his family.

He is survived by his wife; Glenda of Pender, NE, son; Ray (Pam) Potter of Thurston, NE, daughters; Julie Dunn of Omaha, NE, Wanda (Donovan) Kleinschmit of Crofton, NE, sister; Della Mahon of Sioux City, IA, five grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Donald is preceded in death by his parents, and sisters; Hazel and Glora Mae.

Donald Potter

Donald Potter

Merle J. Schwarten, 86, of Wakefield NE


Merle J. Schwarten, 86, of Wakefield, Nebraska died on Friday, August 14, 2015 at the Wisner Care Center in Wisner, NE. Memorial services will be held on Tuesday, August 18, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Salem Lutheran Church in Wakefield; Pastor Barbara Hansen will be officiating.

The visitation will be held on Monday from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. at the Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield. Burial with military honors will be in the Wakefield Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Irma Powley, 92, of Pender NE


Irma Powley, 92, of Pender, Nebraska died on Saturday, August 15, 2015 at Legacy Garden Rehabilitation and Living Center in Pender, NE.

Funeral services for Irma are pending at this time with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender,