Obituaries

Marna Lynn Porath, 77, of Dannebrog, died Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the Grand Island Regional Medical Center in Grand Island. Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Dannebrog. Pastor Sheri Lodel will be officiating.

Anna Belle Bachelor was born to Perry and Daisy (Potter) Miller at their home in the Simeon area of rural Cherry County on September 25, 1931. She was the first Jobs Daughter Honored Queen when they built the Bethel in Valentine and was elected to attend Girls State, where she made many new friends. Anna Belle was offered two full scholarships and graduated as Valedictorian of her class in 1949.

Tyler Joshua Reagle, aged 41, passed away July 7, 2024. Born January 8, 1983, Tyler was a son, brother, uncle and friend.

A Celebration of Life for Doug Drueke, age 70, of Valentine, formerly of O’Neill, were held Friday, July 19, 2024 at Biglin’s Mortuary. Doug passed away Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at Bryan LGH West Medical Center in Lincoln.

Delbert Frank Kudrna “Smiley” was born June 28, 1943 to Frank and Christine Kudrna of rural Dawes county Nebraska. He went to the Lord on July 13, 2024 at age 81. Smiley graduated from Hay Springs High School in 1961. He served in the Army before moving to Valentine in the early 1970’s. In November 1973, he married Betty Lou Brotherson. To this union one daughter, Kayla was born. Smiley enjoyed his many years in Valentine before moving back to Hay Springs in 2020, to be closer to his grandchildren. He enjoyed hunting, fishing/waterskiing, vintage tractors, and watching his grandkids grow and play.

Our Dear Mother, Katherine Ann Kramer passed away June 26, 2024, at the Cherry County Hospital at the age 74. She was born July 26, 1949 to Leona and Herman Tappe in Dubuque, IA.

Maedeane ( Neumeyer) Rodgers was born October 23, 1943 in rural Garfield County near Burwell/Sargent, to Vernon “ Tude” Neumeyer and Treva L. (Ballard) Neumeyer. The middle of three children, she moved from Sargent to Valentine in 1953 where she was raised and graduated from Valentine High School in May of 1962.

Terry Lee Snyder was born, March 22, 1946, in Valentine, to Ronald and Mary (Linenbrink) Snyder. He passed away July 5, 2024, at his home in Valentine at the age of 78.

Lifelong cattlewoman and rancher, Lila Churchill, of Valentine, passed away at home on June 26, 2024. Born August 15, 1932, to Wilbur and Celia Drybread, and married to Kenneth Churchill, Lila raised two sons of her own, Brad and Linn. There were countless other “children” that passed through her life on the ranch; she played an integral role in their upbringing too. Some went on their way, many kept in touch through the years, and a few are considered family.