Obituaries

Donna Schroeder was born in Meadow Grove, NE March 5, 1938, to Raymond and Ella Mae O’Banion. She passed away January 29, 2024, at the age of 85 at the Parkside Manor in Stuart.

JoAnn June Williams, 73, of Kearney, passed away January 26, 2024. She was born February 7, 1950 in York, NE to Robert and June (Stahr) Knipfel. JoAnn was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church of Kearney.

Joyce Ann Engel was born on August 17, 1934, at the Engel Ranch south of Valentine. Her parents were Joseph and Mary (Boltz) Engel. Joyce passed away January 31, 2024, at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth.

Rich Flannery, 78, was born August 4, 1945 in Pasadena, CA. Rich died January 27, 2024 with Hilda, the love of his life by his side. Rich lived a full life and will be forever remembered by his family and friends as a hardworking man. He learned from an early age the importance of a hard day’s work and strong family values. He believed that sleeping past 7:00 a.m. was a sin. He spent his childhood on the family farm south of Atkinson working in the family hog operation. He attended country school south of Atkinson and attended St. Joseph’s Catholic High School graduating in 1963. During high school he was an avid basketball player and track star. He was also known for getting in some trouble here and there during his high school days.

Shawn Darren Gothard peacefully passed away on January 19, 2024 in Nenzel, surrounded by family and loved ones. He was born March 29, 1962 in Las Cruces, NM to Jack Patterson Gothard and Yvonne Elaine (Galloway) Gothard. He is survived by his father Jack; wife Theresa (Lutter) Gothard; two children, Jessica and husband Gregg Tickle and Trey Gothard; adopted son Jack Marty and wife Rhonda; brother Joel Gothard and wife Renee; two sisters, Kate and husband Leroy Songer and Charity Turpin; and six grandchildren, Shayla Tickle, Isaac Tickle, Jamie Ticke, Kolby Watkins, Jaxon Marty and Dravin Gothard.

Doris Marie (Schaefer) Flohr died January 24, 2024 at home, surrounded by her family, at the age of 92. Doris was born June 20, 1931 to Helen (Harms) and Fred Schaefer in Valentine. At a young age the family moved to Scottsbluff. The family operated the West End Grocery Store until it closed. Doris graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1949.

Cynthia Jane Williams was born July 25, 1940 to Relly and Dorothy (Madison) Williams. She passed away December 19, 2023 at the Rock County Hospital in Bassett.

Russel Darold Lurz, age 56, of Fremont died January 15, 2024. He was born February 19, 1967, in Valentine.

Norma Jean Porath passed away Monday, January 8, 2024 surrounded by her loving family and the caring staff at Harbor Senior Care in Lincoln. Norma was born November 29, 1935, and baptized May 9, 1937, in Millboro SD.

Ivy Michelle Hawkins passed away Monday, January 8, 2024. She was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece, girlfriend, and friend. She could be very serious but so fun loving. She loved art, music, photography, sunsets, animals, sushi, and cheese! She loved her siblings and family very much. Cooking was a big part of her life. Her smile was contagious. She recently started a job as a med-aide that she was proud of. She will be sorely missed by all those that loved her including her parents, Ryan and Tara Kay; her brothers, Riley Hawkins and Zachary Kay; grandparents, aunts and countless friends that cherished the privilege of knowing her.