Harold Lee “Swede” Hawkins, 85, of Oakland NE

December 13, 2017 Leave a comment


Harold Lee “Swede” Hawkins, age 85, of Oakland, Nebraska passed away December 11, 2017, at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha, Nebraska. Memorial services will be on Saturday, December 16, 2017, 1 p.m. at the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Gymnasium with Military Honors to be be conducted following the service. Burial will be held in the Oakland Cemetery, Oakland, Nebraska at a later date. Memorial visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 p.m. with family receiving friends, at First United Methodist Church in Oakland. Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Pelan Funeral Services in Oakland in charge of arrangements.

Harold Lee “Swede” Hawkins was born to Harold and Ileta (Kate DeVasure) Hawkins September 19, 1932, on a rural farm outside of Tekamah, Nebraska. Attending grade school in Decatur, he moved to Tekamah in the seventh grade where he remained through his high school graduation. He then attended Doane College, where he played football. In January 1951, he enlisted in the Marine Corps. He was deployed to Pusan, Korea as a soldier in the Korean War. On June 14, 1952 he sustained injuries from a grenade blast that resulted in his discharge in January 1954.

Upon returning to the United States, he enrolled at Midland College, met MaryAnn Wesely, later playing football in the fall. They married June 4, 1955. After marriage and graduation, he taught school for 37 years (8 years at Creighton and 29 years at Oakland/Oakland-Craig), retiring in 1994.

Over the years, he was a teacher, coach, athletic director and principal. Swede was probably most proud of his successful career as a golf coach, which will culminate in his induction into the NHSACA Hall of Fame in June 2018.

Swede and MaryAnn enjoyed their later years exploring the 50 states, visiting National Parks, the Czech Republic and enjoying their ever-growing family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Betty, Gerald, Tom, Jean and Patty.

He is survived by his wife, MaryAnn; five children: Kirk (Gail) Hawkins, Carol (Dave) Krick, Robin Hawkins, Lee Anne (Brad) Simpson and Spencer (Laura) Hawkins all of Omaha; three sisters, Ila (Gary) Davis of Springfield, Harriet (Pat) Schafer of Tekamah and Peg (Randy) Doncheski of Lincoln; 13 grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews.

Swede Hawkins

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Dixon is August Artist of the Month

July 29, 2015 Leave a comment


The featured Artist of the Month for August is Natalie Dixon, a senior at Oakland-Craig high school.

In April, Natalie participated in the Nebraska Young Artist Awards Day at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. Come visit her at the Swedish Heritage Center, 301 N Charde Ave in Oakland, August 2, 2015, 11:00-1:00

Natalie Dixon is the August Artist of the month. Photo courtesy of Betty Dixon.

Natalie Dixon is the August Artist of the month. Photo courtesy of Betty Dixon.

p.m.

A Mexican fiesta bar will be available. For more information, contact Julie Johnson at 402-685-5652.

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Donald Lee “Donnie” Modlin, 57 of Craig NE

September 13, 2014 Leave a comment


DONALD LEE “DONNIE” MODLIN, 57 years, of Craig, Nebraska, passed away Monday, September 8, 2014, at St. Rita’s Medical Center in Lima, Ohio, after and unexpected illness.

Donnie was born March 1, 1957, in O’Neill, Nebraska, the son of William “Bill” and Doris (Lindberg) Modlin. He graduated from Oakland Craig High School in 1975.  Donnie served in the U. S. Navy from 1976 to 1979 and was stationed in San Diego California and Cleveland, Ohio.

On May 17, 1985, Donnie married Judy G. Tomasek of Garrettsville, Ohio.

Donnie owned and operated Best Mesquite Smoked Meats in Tucson, Arizona, before returning to Craig in June 1987 and was employed by Gustafson Plumbing. During this time he served his community as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). He began his career with DTZ in 2001 and was promoted to Quantitative PM Planner, a new cutting edge position, during which time he developed PM Programs that continue to be used at multiple Cargill facilities and business units today. He then assumed the role of project crew manager and most recently continued in this role as well as served in a support role for facilities in Dalhart and Bovina, Texas and Spiritwood, ND.

One of Donnie’s loves was cooking. He and his family also owned and operated “The Library” in Craig for 13 years. In addition to his love of cooking, he enjoyed golf, car racing, motorcycles, fishing, the outdoors, Husker football and spending time with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; father, Bill; brother, Charles Modlin; sister-in-law, Geri-Ann Dietz; great niece, Sierra Wilcox; and many aunts and uncles.

Survivors include his wife, Judy of Craig; three children and their families including two grandchildren, Brandon (Alyssia) Modlin and their children, Hayden and Brooklyn of Bancroft, NE, Jordon (Sachia) Modlin of Craig and LaDona Modlin of Craig; mother, Doris Modlin of Craig; sisters and brothers, Lorri (Don) Steffen of Sunrise Beach, MO, Kim Ford of Thorsby, AL, Janice (Keith) Magill of Tekamah, NE, Cyns (Mike) Johnson of Oakland, NE, Mark (Sylvia) Johnson of Tekamah, NE, Jeff (Marcie) Johnson of Lincoln, NE; brothers-in-law, Dale (Jennifer) Tomasek of Hiram, OH; Henry Dietz of Cary, NC; 13 nephews; 10 nieces; 17 great nephews; 10 great nieces; an aunt, Betty Modlin of Fremont, NE; and several cousins.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, September 15, 2014, 2:00 p.m. at the Craig Community Center, Craig, Nebraska.

VISITATION: Monday one hour prior to the service

BURIAL: Craig Cemetery

MEMORIALS: To the Family

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

Donald Modlin

Donald Modlin

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Dedication of the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Addition

August 19, 2014 4 Comments


All of Oakland-Craig elementary students are finally under one roof, thanks to citizens passing a bond to build a new addition onto the current elementary building.

Sunday, August 17th was the Oakland-Craig Elementary School Dedication and an open house, providing those in attendance with an opportunity to view the new addition.

Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier began the ceremony by welcoming those attending the dedication. He also introduced guests involved in the planning and building of the addition.

Curtis Johnson, a graduate of Oakland-Craig High School, also was the architect from DLR group, in charge of designing the new elementary addition. He spoke at the dedication, thanking everyone involved in making the project a reality. He became a bit teary eyed when speaking of one room, the band room. “I wish Mr. Johnson (Bryan, former band director, deceased) were here to see the band room,” Curtis said.

Curtis then presented Oakland-Craig School Board President Don Wallace with a plaque commemorating the occasion. The plaque will be placed on display at the school.

Don Wallace also spoke after accepting the plaque, thanking everyone, including past and present school board members that sought to make this day possible.

Rachel Wise, President of the Nebraska School Board, spoke to those in attendance, congratulating them for such a great addition to the school in support of a education.

Following the speeches, Don Wallace cut the ribbon, officially dedicating the new addition to the Oakland-Craig Elementary School.

Following the dedication, people toured the building, with assistance from Oakland-Craig Student Council members. Many comments were made on the larger sized classrooms. “This is very nice. I am impressed with what they have done,” stated Jill Johnson.

If you were unable to attend the dedication/open house of the new addition and would like to take a look at it, contact the elementary school.

O-C Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier gives the opening speech, welcoming everyone to the dedication of the elementary school addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Superintendent Joe Peitzmeier gives the opening speech, welcoming everyone to the dedication of the elementary school addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska State Board of Education President Rachel Wise congratulated the school and citizens on their new addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Nebraska State Board of Education President Rachel Wise congratulated the school and citizens on their new addition. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C School Board President had the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C School Board President had the honors of cutting the ribbon at the dedication ceremony. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Architect for the project, and graduate of Oakland-Craig School, Curtis Johnson, commemorates the event by presenting a plaque to the school. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Architect for the project, and graduate of Oakland-Craig School, Curtis Johnson, commemorates the event by presenting a plaque to the school. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Oakland-Craig Against Cancer

April 18, 2014 Leave a comment


The Oakland-Craig Student Council has put together a Relay For Life Team to walk in the Burt County Relay on June 20th at the Lyons-Decatur Northeast track from 6:00 p.m. until midnight. They have been running a money drive contest, Coins for a Cure, to see which teacher will get a pie in their face. The results were revealed on Wed., April 16th at the Oakland-Craig Elementary Gymnasium. Each teacher had a bucket in their classroom to place coins in. They raised a total of $300. “The Oakland-Craig Agains

O-C Student Council members: right to left Seniors Heath Stromquist Emily Weitzenkamp Juniors Ashleigh Carr Joel Johnson Cameron Kiner Josh King Heather Riedy Bryce Uhing Sophomores Cole Mitchell James Moseman Brianne Peterson Conner Thiele. Photo Credit/ Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Student Council members: right to left
Seniors
Heath Stromquist
Emily Weitzenkamp
Juniors
Ashleigh Carr
Joel Johnson
Cameron Kiner
Josh King
Heather Riedy
Bryce Uhing
Sophomores
Cole Mitchell
James Moseman
Brianne Peterson
Conner Thiele. Photo Credit/ Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Student Council: Seniors Faith Gatewood Shelby Hinman Kameron Shelley Heath Stromquist Emily Weitzenkamp Juniors Ashleigh Carr Joel Johnson Cameron Kiner Josh King Heather Riedy Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

O-C Student Council: Seniors
Faith Gatewood
Shelby Hinman
Kameron Shelley
Heath Stromquist
Emily Weitzenkamp
Juniors
Ashleigh Carr
Joel Johnson
Cameron Kiner
Josh King
Heather Riedy
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Student Council and Teachers: from Left to right People standing: Hannah Brudigam (in white coat) Conner Thiele Joel Johnson Heath Stromquist Cole Mitchell Emily Weitzenkamp Brianne Peterson Shelby Hinman Cameron Kiner James Moseman Jesse Wallerstedt People in the chairs Sandy Pearson Mike Selk Bonnie Kreikemeier Tara Miller Aaron Meyer Thomas Glinski Nicco Salvador Kris Reinert Elyce Josephson Chris Long Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Student Council and Teachers: from Left to right
People standing:
Hannah Brudigam (in white coat)
Conner Thiele
Joel Johnson
Heath Stromquist
Cole Mitchell
Emily Weitzenkamp
Brianne Peterson
Shelby Hinman
Cameron Kiner
James Moseman
Jesse Wallerstedt
People in the chairs
Sandy Pearson
Mike Selk
Bonnie Kreikemeier
Tara Miller
Aaron Meyer
Thomas Glinski
Nicco Salvador
Kris Reinert
Elyce Josephson
Chris Long
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

from Left to right People standing: Hannah Brudigam (in white coat) Conner Thiele Joel Johnson Heath Stromquist Cole Mitchell Emily Weitzenkamp Brianne Peterson Shelby Hinman Cameron Kiner James Moseman Jesse Wallerstedt People in the chairs Sandy Pearson Mike Selk Bonnie Kreikemeier Tara Miller Aaron Meyer Thomas Glinski Nicco Salvador Kris Reinert Elyce Josephson Chris Long Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

from Left to right
People standing:
Hannah Brudigam (in white coat)
Conner Thiele
Joel Johnson
Heath Stromquist
Cole Mitchell
Emily Weitzenkamp
Brianne Peterson
Shelby Hinman
Cameron Kiner
James Moseman
Jesse Wallerstedt
People in the chairs
Sandy Pearson
Mike Selk
Bonnie Kreikemeier
Tara Miller
Aaron Meyer
Thomas Glinski
Nicco Salvador
Kris Reinert
Elyce Josephson
Chris Long
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Pie in the face time: Student Council members had fun putting a pie in the face of Annie Magnusson, Sandy Pearson, Mile Selk and Bonnie Kreikemeier. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Pie in the face time: Student Council members had fun putting a pie in the face of Annie Magnusson, Sandy Pearson, Mile Selk and Bonnie Kreikemeier. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

More pies in the face: OC teachers: Aaron Meyer Thomas Glinski Nicco Salvador Kris Reinert Elyce Josephson Chris Long Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

More pies in the face: OC teachers: Aaron Meyer
Thomas Glinski
Nicco Salvador
Kris Reinert
Elyce Josephson
Chris Long
Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

t Cancer Team has raised $1235 so far, including a $200 anonymous donation if all of the teachers agreed to get a pie in the face,” stated Oakland-Craig Guidance Counselor Annie Magnusson.

Oakland-Craig Guidance Counselor Annie Magnusson begins the Oakland-Craig Against Cancer program at O-C School. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

Oakland-Craig Guidance Counselor Annie Magnusson begins the Oakland-Craig Against Cancer program at O-C School. Photo Credit/Denise Gilliland, Editor and Chief, Kat Country Hub.

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Oakland-Craig Against Cancer

April 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Join the Team, be a Part of the Dream!

    

 

 

 

Oakland-Craig Against Cancer

 

Þ   All students, parents, staff, and community members are invited to join Anytime Fitness and the OCAC Team to walk Relay For Life of Burt County! Our goal is to get 70 people signed up on our team to show students how they can make a difference by walking in support of a loved one and support the American Cancer Society.

 

Þ   TO SIGN UP RETURN THE FORM OR SIGN UP ON LINE.

o  Go to relayforlife.org and type in 68038 in the search bar.

o  Click on Relay for Life for the Burt County Area.

o  Click on Sign Up & register under an existing team (OCAC).

o  Fill out the questions until you are fully registered.

o  It is $10 per person – the fee can be paid on-line or you can choose to pay later. (Make checks payable to O-C and turn the information into Holly or Marilee)

 

Þ   Please plan to be at the walk on Friday, June 20, 2014 @ 6:00 p.m. on the Lyons-Decatur NE Track for a team picture. Relay For Life is a family-oriented event, where participants can walk on a track relay style from 6:00 p.m. to midnight. Team participants can camp around the track, and when they are not taking their turn, they take part in fun activities. Groups of people are fighting back against cancer, and we will raise money so one day there will be a cure.

 

Þ   A free T-shirt sponsored by Anytime Fitness is given to each team member.

 

Þ   Luminaria bags will be lit and lining the track during the walk. If you would like to purchase a bag in honor or in memory of someone, please send the name of the person you would like written on the luminaria and $10 (checks payable to O-C) to Marilee or Holly.

 

Þ   Students are welcome to raise money on their own, but are not obligated to. The Oakland-Craig Student Council will facilitate fundraising. Cancer touches so many people in our community, and Relay For Life is a great way to help fight this terrible disease. Don’t miss out in being a part of this great community service opportunity. Please contact Annie Magnusson at 402-685-5661 or amagnusson@esu2.org with any questions.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Please complete this form and return it with $10 to Holly or Marilee if you would like to be a part of the OCAC Relay For Life team. Duplicate the form or provide the needed information if more than one family member would like to join.

 

Name ______________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________

 

Phone _____________________________________ Email __________________________________________________________________

 

T-shirt Size: YS   YM   YL AS AM AL AXL AXXL

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Coins for a Cure at Oakland-Craig School

April 16, 2014 Leave a comment


Coins for a Cure

 

Have you ever wanted to throw a pie in your

teacher’s face? Well here is your chance!

 

Running March 28th – April 17th, the newly formed Student Council Relay for Life, team will be sponsoring this annual’s Coins for a Cure. The competition will raise funds for the student lead, Community Relay for Life team.

 

How to do you play? Ten lucky members of the Oakland-Craig staff have volunteered to enter the competition, Mr. Rexroad, Mrs. Kreikemeier, Mrs. Pearson, Ms. Josephson, Mr. Selk, Mrs. Magnusson, Mr. Meyer, Mr. Glinski, Mr. Salvador, Mrs. Reinert, Mr. Long, Mrs. Miller. Any day during these 3 weeks students may bring spare change to dump into these teachers’ buckets. Buckets will be located in the elementary and the jr/sr high offices. But WAIT!

 

Scoring goes as follows:

  • Pennies = 1 Positive Point
  • Nickels = 5 Negative Points
  • Dimes = 10 Negative Points
  • Quarters = 25 Negative Points
  • One Dollar Bill = 100 Positive Points

 

The teacher with the MOST POSITIVE POINTS by the end of the

3 weeks will WIN a pie in the face!

 

How do I get to throw the pie? See Mrs. Magnusson

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Sidney Glen Lindstrom, 60 of Oakland, NE

April 15, 2014 Leave a comment


Sid Lindstrom

Sid Lindstrom

SIDNEY GLEN LINDSTROM was born May 14, 1953, in Oakland, Nebraska, to Sidney R. and Helen (Nielsen) Lindstrom. He passed away peacefully, at the age of 60 years on Friday, April 11, 2014, at Logan Valley Manor in Lyons, Nebraska, surrounded by his loving family.

Sid attended District 64 and graduated from Oakland-Craig High School in 1971. He was baptized and confirmed in the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. Sid belonged to   4-H, FFA, international order of Vikings and ABATE of Nebraska.

Sid married Julie Buell in 1976 at Fremont, Nebraska. To this union four daughters were born, Diane, Christina and twins, Sara and Anna.

Sid was engaged in farming southeast of Oakland on the family farm most of his life. Early in his farming career he also was a trucker for Holmquist Grain & Lumber, he feed cattle and hogs. Later he was a self-employed trucker hauling grain in the Oakland area.

Sid enjoyed spending time with family, visiting with his many friends, camping, fishing, playing his guitar and riding his motorcycle. What he loved most were his daughters.

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Anna; and parents.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Diane (Dante) Manor of Gilbert, AZ, Christina (Adam) Morley of Lincoln, NE, Sara (Josh) Wallerstedt of Oakland; sister and brother-in-law, Mary (Richard) Strom of Oakland; brother, Harold (Carol) Lindstrom of Oakland; seven grandchildren, Leyten, Mia, Kade and Krew Morley, River, Grace and Emma Wallerstedt; many relatives and a host of friends.

MEMORIAL SERVICE: Thursday, April 17, 2014, 10:30 a.m. at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Oakland. The family would like to encourage family and friends to dress in Harley Davidson attire.

MEMORIAL GATHERING: The family will receive friends Wednesday, April 16th from 5 – 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland.

BURIAL: Oakland Cemetery

MEMORIALS: To the Family

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

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