Dennis Daniel Gatzemeyer, 66, of Bancroft NE


Dennis Daniel Gatzemeyer, 66, of Bancroft, Nebraska passed away Friday, June 5, 2015 at Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Paul Ortmeier celebrating Mass. Visitation will be held 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft. Burial with military honors will be in the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.

Dennis was born on September 27, 1948, in Pender Nebraska to Lawrence and Hazel (Castor) Gatzemeyer. He was baptized and confirmed at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bancroft. He attended and graduated from Bancroft High School and soon after enlisted in the US Army serving for 2 years. After returning from war, he married Nancy Ann Kohl on July 10, 1971 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Beemer, NE. To this union they had 5 children, Matthew, Jason, Jeremy, Jessica, and Joshua.

In 1990, he attended Cheyenne Areo Tech where he received his diploma in Aviation Mechanics. Dennis loved working on tractors, tractor pulling and playing cards with family.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Nancy Gatzemeyer of Bancroft, NE; sons, Matthew Gatzemeyer, Joshua Gatzemeyer, and Jason (Jenny) Gatzemeyer all of Bancroft, NE, Jeremy Gatzemeyer of West Point, NE; daughter, Jessica (Justin) Brichacek of Bancroft, NE; 10 grandchildren; brothers, Jim Gatzemeyer of Bellevue, NE, and Gary Gatzemeyer of Bancroft, NE; sisters, Myra (Kent) Bunderson and Deloise (Delwyn) Pearson both of Oakland, NE; and sisters-in-law Erma Gatzemeyer of Bancroft, NE, and Janice Gatzemeyer of Omaha, NE.

He is proceeded in death by his parents Lawrence and Hazel, his brothers Loren “Shorty” Gatzemeyer, and Pat Gatzemeyer.

Dennis Gatzemeyer

Dennis Gatzemeyer

Eugene W. Jussel, 72, of Laurel NE


Eugene W. Jussel, 72, of Laurel, Nebraska passed away Thursday, June 04, 2015 at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, NE after a long battle with cancer. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at the United Lutheran Church in Laurel, NE; with Pastor Lynn Qualm officiating.

Eugene Jussel

Eugene Jussel

 Burial will be in the Laurel Cemetery in Laurel, NE. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Wakefield, NE.

Eugene was born May 27, 1943 to Clarence, Sr. and Florence (Thompson) Jussel in Benkelman, NE. He graduated from Stratton High School in 1961. Shortly after graduating, Eugene joined the United States Army being honorably discharged in 1964. On November 26, 1965, he was united in marriage to Marlene Umberger in Burke, SD.

The couple lived in Winner, SD, where he was employed with a NAPA Auto Parts Store. They moved to Laurel, NE in 1978 opening G&M Auto Parts. In 1989, Eugene and Marlene sold the business. From 1998-2008 he worked at the High School as the head custodian. The couple loved to travel, working with Motel 6 doing relief work as managers in six states. Eugene loved going to garage sales, and antique and pawn shops. He recently began collecting old tools. Eugene loved to spend time with his family, friends and walking “the girls” Rosie and Lola. Eugene is survived by his wife, Marlene Jussel of Laurel, NE; daughter, Brenda (Russell) Konwinski of Seguin, TX; sisters, Dorothy Lambert of Trenton, NE, Betty Younkers of McCook, NE, Delores (Richard) Stahly of Stratton, NE; sister-in-law, Shirley Jussel of Wagner, SD; brother, Keith (Bernie) Jussel of Casper, WY; grandchildren, Tyrel Whalen of Laurel, NE, and Ethan Whalen of Seguin, TX, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his son, Michael Jussel, parents, brother, Clarence Jussel, Jr., and brother-in-laws Dale Lambert and George Yonkers.

Douglas Arvid Samuelson, 62, of Lincoln NE


Douglas Arvid Samuelson, 62, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 in Lincoln. Visitation begins at 12:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (501 Park St., Bancroft, NE) in Bancroft, with funeral services at 2:00 p.m. on Monday; with Pastor Philip Hale officiating. Burial will be in the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.

Doug was born April 29, 1953 to Arvid, Jr. and Imogene (Burhoop) Samuelson in Pender, NE. He was baptized June 7, 1953 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft, NE and confirmed June 1967 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church rural Wakefield, NE. Doug graduated from Wakefield High School in 1971 and received a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln in 1975. While in college, he was a member of Beta Sigma Psi fraternity. Doug married Wilma Oberdieck August 16, 1975 in Nebraska City, NE. The couple later divorced. Following graduation from UNL, he began working for KMMJ Radio in Grand Island, NE. His commitment to service and outgoing personality led to his election to the Grand Island City Council from 1997-2000. He later moved to Lincoln where he was elected to the Lower Platte South Natural Resources District Board in 2004. He served as Chairman of the Board from 2012 – 2013, and was currently in his third consecutive term. He also worked for the State of Nebraska Tourism Commission, and the State Capital Building, which allowed him to share his knowledge and passion for Nebraska history. In 2003, Doug became the Public Address Announcer for Husker Wrestling, a position which he held until his passing. In May 2014, he accepted a position in Guest Relations and Security with the University of Nebraska where he was able to combine his love for sports, the University, and connecting with people. In addition, he spent many evenings umpiring area American Legion and high school baseball games. Most of all, Doug loved to spend time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren.

Doug is survived by his mother, Imogene Samuelson of Wakefield, NE; sons, Eric (Brandy) Samuelson of Omaha, NE, Casey Samuelson of Omaha, NE; brother, Galen (Amy) Samuelson of Wakefield, NE, five grandchildren, Taylor, Ethan, Kaylee, Caden, and Elynn; niece, Brianna; nephews, Caleb and Dawson; and many aunts and uncles.

Doug is preceded in death by his father, Arvid “Sonny” Samuelson, Jr.; brother, Brian Samuelson, grandparents; and aunts and uncles.

Douglas Samuelson

Douglas Samuelson

Trees and Branches Down in Oakland from Last Night’s Storm


Very strong winds came through Oakland late last evening, taking down branches and trees around town. Between an inch to an inch and a half of rain fell during the storm. Chain saws can be heard around town, cutting up the branches and trees to haul to the dump. It was definitely a strong spring storm.

Trees and branches are down in the Oakland park and throughout Oakland as a result of a storm that produced strong winds, rain and small hail later last evening. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Trees and branches are down in the Oakland park and throughout Oakland as a result of a storm that produced strong winds, rain and small hail later last evening. All photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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National Weather Service Issues Severe Thunderstorm Warning


The National Weather Service in Omaha has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Warning for… central Monona County in west central Iowa… southeastern Stanton County in northeastern Nebraska… northwestern Dodge County in east central Nebraska… Cuming County in northeastern Nebraska… southeastern Thurston County in northeastern Nebraska… Burt County in east central Nebraska… * until 1115 PM CDT * at 1051 PM CDT…severe thunderstorms were located along a line extending from near Decatur to near Lyons to near Howells…moving east at 45 mph. Hazard…60 mph wind gusts. Source…radar indicated. Impact…expect damage to roofs…siding and trees. * Locations impacted include… West Point…Onawa…Tekamah…Wisner…Lyons…Beemer…Dodge… Bancroft…Decatur…Snyder…Uehling…Craig…Macy…Oakland… Blencoe…Rosalie…Turin…the Highway 15 and 32 Junction…10 miles west of West Point and Lewis And Clark State Park. This includes the following highways… Highway 275 in Nebraska between mile markers 106 and 127. Highway 75 in Nebraska between mile markers 135 and 159. Highway 77 in Nebraska between milemarkers 135 and 159. Interstate 29 between mile markers 100 and 118. Precautionary/preparedness actions… For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 300 am CDT for west central Iowa and northeastern Nebraska. Lat…Lon 4202 9581 4186 9607 4187 9613 4186 9612 4184 9611 4175 9626 4165 9690 4174 9691 4174 9705 4192 9724 4200 9678 4216 9635 time…Mot…loc 0351z 290deg 38kt 4205 9630 4188 9655 4179 9697 Hail…<.75in wind…60mph Boustead

Poultry Events Cancelled Across Nebraska


Today the Nebraska Department of Agriculture cancelled all poultry events across Nebraska through January 1, 2016. This cancellation comes as an effort to prevent the spread of highly pathogenic H5N2 avian influenza. The decision was made following discussions with Nebraska Extension and poultry industry leaders.

 

The ban will include all events where birds are co-mingled including: local and county fairs and festivals, the Nebraska State Fair, Ak-Sar-Ben, swap meets, exotic sales and live bird auctions.

 

Protecting the physical and economic health of Nebraska’s poultry sector is a priority as the virus spreads. Nebraska joins more than 10 states that have taken similar steps to protect their poultry flock.

 

While the ban will prevent Nebraska 4-H members from taking their birds to the Nebraska county and state fairs this season, youth are still encouraged to complete their projects. Nebraska Extension is working to identify options for youth enrolled in poultry projects to showcase their learning and participate in fairs in other ways than having their birds present.

“We know 4-H’ers statewide have been learning about the science of animals through their poultry projects; we will help them showcase that work and celebrate their successes in other ways,” says Nebraska Extension associate dean Kathleen Lodl.  More information will be available at4h.unl.edu.

 

All bird owners, whether commercial producers or backyard enthusiasts, should prevent contact between their birds including wild birds, and report sick birds or unusual bird deaths to state/federal officials. Additional information about H5N2 avian influenza can be found online atwww.nda.nebraska.gov.

Dennis D. Gatzemeyer, 66, of Bancroft NE


Dennis D. Gatzemeyer, 66, of Bancroft, Nebraska passed away Friday, June 5, 2015 at Pender Community Hospital in Pender, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, with Father Paul Ortmeier celebrating Mass.

Visitation will be held 5:00 until 8:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft. Burial with military honors will be in the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft.

Bertha Katherine (Phillips) Ross, 97, of Scottsdale AZ


Bertha Katherine (Philips) Ross, 97, of Scottsdale, Arizona passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Sunrise Assisted Living in Scottsdale, AZ.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, June 13, 2015 at the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft, NE; with Father Paul Ortmeier officiating. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, NE.

Kenneth “Kenny” L. Larsen, 94, of Decatur NE


KENNETH “KENNY” L. LARSEN was born April 29, 1921 to George and Marie (Peterson) Larsen in Decatur, Nebraska. He passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015, at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 94 years.

Kenneth attended grade school at Deman Country School. He attended Blackbird High School for two years, and graduated from Decatur High School in 1938. Following graduation he spent two years working in California, until World War II, when he enlisted in the Civil Air Patrol. He was in training at Brookings, South Dakota. He was honorably discharged, to help his father with his farming operation, after his brother James died serving in the war.

He was married to Lauretta Beard on July 15, 1944. To this union were born two children, Larry and LeAnn. Kenny and Lauretta lived their entire lives on the home farm place; four miles West of Decatur, farming and raising registered Polled Hereford cattle.

Kenneth was baptized and confirmed into the Trinity Lutheran Church. He served as an elder and chairman of the church board for several years. He was very active in many organizations. He served on the District 32 School Board, 4H Extension Board, Burt County Fair Board, Decatur Township Board, Citizens State Bank Board, was a 4H leader, a member of the Burt County Feeders Association, and was Director of the Nebraska Polled Hereford Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Lauretta; his parents; his brothers, Paul and James.

Survivors include his son, Larry (Janice); daughter, LeAnn (Paul) Richards all of Decatur; sisters-in-law: Fran Beard of Oakland, Kay Smilie of Loveland, CO; brother-in-law, Bill Beard of Rockford, IL;  five grandsons: Rodney (Stefanie) Larsen of Omaha, NE, Keven (Pam) Larsen of Lincoln, NE, Jason (Linda) Richards of Omaha, Justin (Billie Jo “BJ”) Richards, Joshua (Skye) Richards all of Onawa, IA; three great granddaughters and nine great grandsons; several nieces and nephews, many cousins and a host of friends.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Saturday, June 6, 2015, 10:00 am, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Walthilll, Nebraska

BURIAL WITH MILITARY HONORS: Hillcrest Cemetery, Decatur

VISITATION: Friday, 6:30 – 8 pm with family receiving friends at Pelan Funeral Services Lyons. Visitation will also be held at the church one hour prior to service.

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

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

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com

Work on Roundabout Progressing, Should be Complete at end of July


The roundabout at the junction of highway 32/77 south of Oakland NE is progressing nicely, with activity increasing this week. “The paving contractor is mobilizing and will be starting the subgrade stabilization work. The project should be completed by late July,” stated Jeff Francis, Highway Project Manager.

Stay tuned to Kat Country Hub for further updates.

Work is progressing nicely on the roundabout, with the projected date of completion being the end of July. Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Work is progressing nicely on the roundabout, with the projected date of completion being the end of July. Both photos credit of Denise Gilliland/Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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