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

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.

Eugene W. Jussel, 71, of Laurel NE


Eugene W. Jussel, 71, of Laurel, Nebraska died on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Providence Medical Center in Wayne, Nebraska after a long battle with cancer.

Funeral services for Eugene are pending at this time with Bressler – Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Wakefield.

Douglas Samuelson, 62, of Lincoln NE


Douglas Samuelson, 62, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at his home in Lincoln.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church (501 Park St., Bancroft, NE); with Pastor Philip Hale officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Roper and Sons Funeral Services (4300 ‘O’ St., Lincoln, NE), visitation will resume 12:00 – 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft.

Burial will be in the Bancroft Cemetery in Bancroft, NE. 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.

Walter Pierce, 52, of Rosalie NE


Walter (Wally) Franklin Pierce, 52, passed away Friday, May 22, 2015 at his home in Rosalie, NE. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Walthill; Father Dan Wittrock and Father Dave Korth will be officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, May 26, 2015, 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Walthill. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill with a luncheon to follow at the Rosalie Town Hall. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Walter was born November 23, 1962 to Donald Pierce and Rosemary (Bouchal) in Alta, IA. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Gerald Nelson. Wally attended Rosalie Public Schools where he graduated in 1981. He coached t-ball in 1978-1979, was homecoming king in 1980, and was named an “All State” football player in 1981. Wally worked as a mechanic and farm hand. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing, hunting and giving his children, nieces, and nephews rides on the tractor. He also enjoyed drawing, music, Steven Seagul movies, and working on cars. Wally enjoyed many family BBQs and dances where he was the life of the party and was loved by everyone. He will be missed by many.

He is survived by his daughter, Cherry (Mark) O’Connor, and grandson, Oliver, of Omaha, NE; son, Cory Pierce of Omaha, NE; parents, Rosemary and Gerald Nelson of Rosalie, NE; siblings, Elizabeth (Gary) Fletcher of Omaha, NE, Joan (Jeff) Hultquist of Rosalie, NE, Dawn Nelson of Pender, NE, James (Kami) Pierce of Walthill, NE, Warren Nelson of Rosalie, NE, Ben Nelson of Rosalie, NE, Chuck Nelson of Omaha, NE, stepsister DeeDee Carpenter of Logan, OH, and 32 nieces and nephews.

Wally is preceded in death by aunts and uncles, Paul Bouchal, John Bouchal, Betty Jo Bouchal, and Leland Nelson; and grandparents.

Walter Pierce

Walter Pierce

Patricia Raun Samuelson, 89, of Pender NE


Patricia Raun Samuelson, 89, died Monday, May 11, 2015 at her home in Pender, NE. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 18, 2015 at the United Church of Pender, in Pender, NE; with Pastor Steven Breazier officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE. Burial will be in Evergreen Cemetery in Walthill, NE. Memorials are suggested to Bread for the World and the United Church of Pender. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE

Pat was born to Alfred D. Raun and Marie (Philpot) Raun on November 29th, 1925. She spent the early years of her life in Walthill, where she was active in Girl Scouts, Job’s Daughters, and Girls State, graduating from Walthill High School in 1943 as Valedictorian. She attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she was in the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, graduating in 1947 with a degree in Fine Arts. She worked as a commercial artist for the Miller and Paine department store for five years, during which time she married Ronald Kent Samuelson, who was then attending the University of Nebraska Law School. In 1952, the couple moved to Walthill, where Ron went into law practice with his father-in-law, Alfred Dreyfus Raun, and later moved to Pender in 1955, where she remained until her death.

Pat and Ron raised two sons, Drey and Matt, who couldn’t have been more loved. She started teaching art out of her home in 1971, and touched the lives of many area children and adults. She was a very warm, caring, empathic person, someone who would do anything for anyone she saw in need. She loved traveling with Ron, art, Cornhusker football, game shows, crossword puzzles, and gardening.

She is survived by her son, Matt, who lives in Pender; her son and daughter-in-law, Drey and Lisa, who live in Washington, D.C.; her step-grandchildren, Sarah, of Philadelphia, and Nick, of New York City; her sister, Luanne Smith, and brother-in-law, Ronald, of Denver; her nieces Shelley Smith of San Pedro, California, and Zoanne, of Denver; and her nephew, Bob Samuelson, of Bella Vista, Arkansas.

Ruth Lillian (Binkley) Brehmer, 87, of Bancroft NE


Ruth Lillian (Binkley) Brehmer, 87, of Bancroft, Nebraska passed away Monday, May 11, 2015 at the Good Samaritan Home in Scribner, Nebraska. Funeral services will be held10:30 a.m. Friday, May 15, 2015 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft, Nebraska; with Pastor Philip Hale officiating. Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Thursday, May 14, 2015 at Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, Nebraska. Burial will be in the Bancroft City Cemetery in Bancroft, Nebraska. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home in Bancroft, Nebraska.

Ruth was born June 4, 1927 in Emerson, Nebraska to Charles and Lillian (Cook) Binkley. She was baptized on February 23, 1933 in Emerson, Nebraska and confirmed in her faith on April 6, 1941 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. She graduated high school in 1945 and started working for the Bell Telephone Company in Sioux City, Iowa and the Ben Franklin Store in South Sioux City, Nebraska. In 1949 she moved to Pender, Nebraska. On November 27, 1949 Ruth married Marlin Brehmer at the First Lutheran Church in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The couple farmed together until they purchased Shorty’s Bar in 1959. Together they ran the bar until Marlin retired in 1978, Ruth continued running the bar until she retired in 1988.

Ruth was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bancroft. She enjoyed baking, shopping, working on puzzles and spending time at the Bancroft Senior Center.

Ruth is survived by her daughters, Lynn (Gail) Bovee of Lyons, NE, Connie (Rick) Going of Lyons, NE; son, Rick (Sandra) Brehmer of Kearney, NE; 7 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; sister, Judy Hoch of South Sioux City, NE; brothers, Ron Hirsch of South Sioux City, NE, Stanley Binkley of Hubbard, NE

Ruth is preceded in death by her parents, husband Marlin, son-in-law Norm Hayes and sister, Janet Garrett.

Ruth Brehmer

Ruth Brehmer

Patricia A. Samuelson of Pender NE


Patricia A. Samuelson, of Pender, Nebraska died on Monday, May 11, 2015 at her home with her family by her side.

Funeral services are pending at this time with Munderloh – Smith Funeral Home of Pender.