WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 17, 2020

  The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. 

The following Board Members were present for roll call: Dan Shipman  by Zoom, Trevor Karr , TJ Vance , Keith Buschow and Gary Ratzlaff .

 Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. 

Motion was made by Vance, seconded by Karr to approve the minutes of the November 3rd, meeting. All voted in favor . Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to pay claims and payroll. All members voted in favor.

 Brian Pederson met with the Board. The Board went over Pedersons review from the NDA. The Board thanked Brian for all his good work. Brian also notified the board that his fall conference has been cancelled.

 At 8:45am, the Board reconvened their meeting from November 3, 2020 on Monday, November 9, 2020 with a motion by Vance, seconded by Ratzlaff. All members present voted in favor: The Board completed their interviews and motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to hire Patrick Calkins as the new Webster County Attorney. All voted in favor.. The Board was appreciative for Henry Schenker for his time filling in as interim County Attorney. 

Motion by Ratzlaff seconded by Karr to Transfer of $195,000.00 from the General Fund to the Bridge/Bond Fund was approved with all voting in favor.. 

 At 9:10am, Transfer of $150,000.00 from the General Fund to Capital Construction was done by motion from Vance, seconded by Karr. 

, The Board discussed the annual certification of the County Highway Superintendent. Motion by Vance, seconded by Karr to appoint Lance Harter. All voted in favor.

 Paul Stoner met with the Board and gave an update on Road 1900 and Road L. The road crew has put in a lot of work repairing this area and are now working on cleaning the ditches . He also gave an update on future projects they would like to get done throughout the county. Including a few bridges that need attention. 

Commissioners discussed and agreed that the Webster County Courthouse will be closed on Thursday, December 24th, 2020 and reopen for regular business on Monday, December 28th .

 At 10:07am, motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Karr to go into Executive Session. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, and Karr. Voting no: Shipman. Motion carried. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance to go out of Executive Session at 10:20am. Voting in favor: Buschow, Ratzlaff, Vance, Karr and Shipman. Motion carried. No action was taken.

 GENERAL FUND: Adams County Sheriff’s Dept (Fees)-$20.50; Kelli L Albin-Conway (Elect Offcl)-$187.90; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$6397.73; Beyke Signs (Supply)-$240.00; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$119.99; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)- $17,025.65; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$1292.02; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$1200.86; CVSOAN (Fee)-$50.00; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fees)-$225.52; DATASPEC, Inc (Fees)-$449.00; S.S. (Fica)-$6734.44; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)- $134.57; First Concord Benefits Group (Fees)-$15.00; First Concord Benefits Group (Health)-$334.83; Glenn Plumbing & Heating (Repairs)-$46.80; Barbara Goebel (Elect Offcl)-$165.15; Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$712.77; Marvin Hartman (Elect Offcl)-$153.00; Charleen M Himmelberg (Elect Offcl)-$178.75; Thomas L Hitchler (Elect Offcl)-$159.00; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Supply)-$107.79; Brenda Knehans (Elect Offcl)-$159.65; LuAnn Kosse (Elect Offcl)-$143.00; Carol Kugler (Elect Offcl)-$186.65; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$31.79; Margaret Anne Meline (Elect Offcl)-$175.75; Mips, Inc (Support)-$2285.22; John Ord (Elect Offcl)-$165.65; Marcia Parr (Elect Offcl)-$164.83; Quadient Finance USA, Inc (Postage)-$1000.00; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)- $868.42; Marlys Schmidt (Elect Offcl)-$145.75; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premiums)-$2623.00; Jerry T Shaw (Elect Offcl)-$183.75; Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$1811.50; Janice Skrdlant (Elect Offcl)-$174.85; Debra Thayer (Elect Offcl)-$143.00; Dennis L VanWey (Elect Offcl)-$165.15; Ken VanWey (Repairs)-$1137.63; Village Pharmacy (Medical)-$85.82; Webster County Hospital (Health Fair)-$270.00; Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$195,000.00; Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$150,000.00; Lisa Whitmer (Elect Offcl)-$187.15; Arlene Wiley (Elect Offcl)-$158.00; Debra Winslow (Elect Offcl)-$162.78; Penny Witte (Elect Offcl)- $145.75. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: ACE/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$1374.32; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$2632.48; Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$155.15; Village of Bladen (Utility)-$59.69; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health/Life)-$10,231.08; Blue Hill Leader (Publish)-$28.48; C&D Service Center (Repairs)-$11.17; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$2556.98; Country Corner (Fuel)-$74.85; S.S. (Fica)-$2925.73; First Concord Benefits Group (Fe)-$5.00; Glenwood Telecommunications (Phone)-$157.78; Village of Guide Rock (Utility)-$81.95;Hometown Market (Supply)-$9.68; J&A Auto Supply (Repairs)-$633.53; Jim’s OK Tires (Tires)-$13,125.08; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center (Repairs)-$20.46; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$4.10; Mips Inc (Support)-$108.98; Nebraska Machinery Company (Dozer)-$227,980.00; Oak Creek Engineering, LLC (Repairs)-$2122.40; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$4736.15; Overhead Door (Repairs)-$50.55; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)-$25.24; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$918.00; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$125.85; Timm’s Service (Fuel)-$1463.91; Webster County Hospital (Testing)-$42.00. MODERN RECORDS FUND: Mips Inc (Support)-$138.00. SELF-INSURED DENTAL FUND: Steven Swenson, DDS (Dental)-$120.00; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$1561.60; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$209.92. NOXIOUS WEED FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)- $233.10; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$430.32; S.S. (Fica)-$264.18; Madison National Life Ins Co, Inc (Life)-$3.15; Self-Insured Dental Fund (Premium)-$34.00. AMBULANCE FUND: Black Hills Energy (Utility)-$112.61; Cooperative Producers, Inc (Fuel)-$120.97; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$49.08; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$29.00. Total Wages - $133,733.76. Being no further business, Chairman Buschow adjourned the meeting at 10:25am. The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 1st, 2020 at 8:30am. 

A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us.

Kurt Allen September 8, 1968 to November 15, 2020

 Kurt Allen, 52, of Blue Hill died on Monday, Nov. 16, 2020 at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings.

Services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 2 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Blue Hill with Rev. Jeffrey Kuddes officiating. The service will also be live streamed to the Blue Hill High School gymnasium and broadcast on FM 103.5.

Burial will be in Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Blue Hill. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 20, from 1-8 p.m. with family present from 6-8 p.m. at Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill.

Memorials can be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill FFA, Webster County Beef Show, and Blue Hill Golf Course. For the health and safety of others face masks are required for those attending the visitation and funeral, your cooperation is appreciated.

Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com. Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, is in charge of arrangements.

Kurt was born on Sept. 8, 1968 in Milwaukee, WI. He graduated from St. Paul High School (Nebraska) in 1986 and served in the U.S. Air Force immediately after. He then received his diploma in air conditioning and refrigeration from Central Community College, Hastings.

Kurt married Kristi A. (Kort) Allen on July 1, 1995 at Trinity Lutheran Church, Blue Hill. Kurt was confirmed into Trinity Lutheran in September of 1995.

Kurt had a strong work ethic that led him to a successful career at Glenwood Telecommunication. In 1998, he began working at Glenwood as a technician and worked his way up to the Project Manager position. Along with this, Kurt was involved in the cattle industry. He worked many years at the Blue Hill Livestock and started his own cattle herd, K4cattle, with his wife and two daughters. Prior to working at Glenwood, Kurt worked at Pepsi and Lyle Peterson Construction. Kurt served on the Stewardship Board at Trinity Lutheran.

Kurt was very proud of his children, Kortney, a teacher and coach at Sandy Creek and Kacey, a student at Kansas State studying Animal Science/Pre-Vet. His greatest enjoyments were watching his daughters succeed in athletic activities, academics, and livestock shows. Kurt was also active at the Webster County Fair, as a Beef Superintendent. Besides spending time with his family, golf and cattle were his favorite pastimes. Kurt, alongside his wife, coached their daughters in coach pitch softball for many years. After his daughters graduated high school, Kurt started refereeing and line judging home volleyball games.

Kurt is survived by his wife of 25 years, Kristi of Blue Hill; two daughters, Kortney and Kacey; brother-in-law, sister-in-law, niece, and nephew, Brian, Shelly, Reghan, and Peyton Kort of Grand Island; his mother, step-father, and half sister, Sherry, Greg, and Pam Roach of St. Paul; his uncle and aunt, Neil and Marlys Kort of Blue Hill; and numerous cousins and friends.

Kurt was preceded in death by his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Keith and Shirley Kort; his grandparents; and his faithful companion, Kooper Ace.

Iva June Beach June 14, 1935 to November 14, 2020

 Blue Hill resident, Iva June Beach, 85, passed away Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020, at her son’s home in Colorado.

There will be no viewing or visitation as her wishes were to be cremated. The family wishes for you to join them Monday, Nov. 23 at 7 p.m. on the Blue Hill United Methodist Facebook page to celebrate Iva's life. https://www.facebook.com/bluehillbladenumc

Iva June Beach, the daughter of Ralph and May (Churchhill) Worley was born on June 14, 1935 in Campbell. She graduated from Campbell High School.

She was united in marriage with Clifford Beach on March 19, 1955 in Smith Center, KS. This union was blessed with three children, Susan Ann, David Eugene and Dennis Jay. She was a member of the Blue Hill United Methodist Church.

Throughout the years she served many people in the Blue Hill area, at Clifford and Iva’s restaurant called Red’s Drive Inn, different restaurants in Blue Hill and the Blue Hill Care Center dining room. Throughout her life she enjoyed traveling with her husband, spending time with her family, and playing cards with the ladies on Wednesdays.

She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; two sisters; and three brothers.

Left to cherish her memories are her three children: one daughter, Susan (Neil) Johnson of Blue Hill; two sons, David (Rosie) Beach of North Carolina, and Dennis (Veronica) Beach of Colorado; two brothers, Les Worley of Blue Hill, Ivan (Bonnie) Worley of Grand Island; sister, Doris Dallmann of Franklin; brother-in-law, Jordan (Sharon) Beach of California; 11 grandchildren; and many great-grandchildren.

James Lynn Soucek December 10, 1937 to November 3, 2020

 

James Lynn Soucek

December 10, 1937 ~ November 3, 2020 (age 82)

James Lynn Soucek, the son of Alice (Kvasnicka) and John Soucek, was born December 10, 1937 at Bladen, Nebraska. He departed this life on Thursday, November 3, 2020 at the Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska at the age of 82.

He grew up in the Bladen community and received his formal education attending the Bladen schools. He was united in marriage with Joan Wratten and this union was blessed with four children. A lifelong farmer, they lived and farmed in the Bladen area until 2000. In the early 1980’s he was burned in an accident.  In his leisure time, he enjoyed tinkering with his cars and pickups and also had a collection of BB guns.  He loved having the constant companionship of his dog, Fetch, who went everywhere with him.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sons, Timothy Alan Soucek on July 13, 1970 and Jeffery Vaughn Soucek on January 19, 2019; his daughter, Holly Lynn Soucek Timm on February 28, 2018; and a brother, Dr. Charles Dean Soucek and wife, LaVaun.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Joan, of Hastings, Nebraska; a son and daughter-in-law, Mitch and Cindy Soucek of McCook, Nebraska; four grandchildren; great grandchildren; other relatives and his many friends.

Graveside services will be Tuesday 11:00 AM November 17, 2020 at the East Lawn Cemetery in Bladen with Rev. Dan Albers officiating.

Sasse Statement on Vaccine Cyber Attacks

 

U.S. Senator Ben Sasse, a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, issued the following statement after three actors from Russia and North Korea continually attempt to disrupt the development of a COVID-19 vaccination through repeated cyber-attacks. 

"The future of war is no longer solely physical combat – it will also be in cyberspace. We cannot mistake that these cyber-attacks are an act of aggression towards the United States and the greater health of our citizens and economy. These Russian and North Korean actors are attempting to steal American IP and delay vaccine development. The folks in the private sector are doing a great job exposing and combatting these malicious attacks, and our government must find better ways to leverage this kind private sector work and bring our cyber defenses into the future." 

Chester John Kohmetscher March 22, 1927 to November 8, 2020 (Age 93)

 

Lawrence, Nebraska resident, Chester J. Kohmetscher, 93, passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at his home in Lawrence.  Rosary will be Thursday, November 12, 2020, 8:00 p.m. and Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 13, 2020, 10:30 a.m. both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Lawrence, Nebraska with Father Corey Harrison officiating.  Burial with Military Rites by Kent Kailey American Legion Post #45 of Lawrence, Nebraska and the Army National Guard Honors Team, will be in Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, Lawrence, Nebraska.  Visitation will be Thursday, November 12, 2020 from 3:00-9:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Visitation Chapel, Lawrence, Nebraska.  A memorial has been established to be designated at a later date.  For the health and safety of others, face masks are required for those attending the visitation and funeral.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten-Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Chester was born on March 22, 1927 to Alois J. and Helen M. (Lemke) Kohmetscher in Webster County.  He graduated from Sacred Heart School and then Lawrence High School in 1945.  Chester served in the United States Army from Sept. 18, 1951 to June 17, 1953 during the Korean War and was wounded in action near Soho-Dong, North Korea.  He received the Purple Heart.  On April 24, 1956 he married Helen K. Hubl at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He farmed near Lawrence and worked at P.W. Pipe in Hastings, Nebraska for fifteen years.  He had been a 4-H leader and American Legion Commander.  He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was a lector for many years, Kent Kailey American Legion Post #45, Lawrence, Nebraska, V.F.W. Post #10045 of Deweese, Nebraska and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a big sports fan, especially of the Huskers, where he and his wife Helen had season tickets for many years.  He enjoyed doing puzzles and framing them and playing cards. He especially enjoyed his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Chester is survived by his wife of 64 years; Helen, Lawrence, Nebraska, four sons and one daughter; Tom (Pat Hagan) Kohmetscher, McCook, Nebraska, John (Laurie) Kohmetscher, Fairfield, Nebraska, Frank (Marilyn) Kohmetscher, Doniphan, Nebraska, Larry (Suzie) Kohmetscher, Lawrence, Nebraska, Marlene Kohmetscher, Lincoln, Nebraska; nine grandchildren; Laura and Betsy Kohmetscher, Nathan Kohmetscher, Josh (Megan) Kucera, Brian (Amy) Kohmetscher, Eric (Rachel) Kohmetscher, Mollie Kohmetscher, Elyssa Kohmetscher, Lexie Kohmetscher; seven great grandchildren, Dawson, Collin, Carson and Rowan Kucera, Kinsley, Macy and Jett Kohmetscher; two sisters, Doloris Kucera and Patricia Kucera, Lawrence, Nebraska; one sister-in-law, Marie Schroer, Hastings, Nebraska; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.  He is preceded in death by his parents, daughter-in-law, Cindy Kohmetscher; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Gerald (Alice) Kohmetscher, Robert (Kathleen) Kohmetscher; brothers-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank J. (Arlene) Hubl, Irvin Schroer, Edmund and Clement Kucera.

WEBSTER COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS November 3 2020

 The Webster County Board of Commissioners met at 8:30am on Tuesday, November 3rd, 2020 for a regular business meeting at the Courthouse in Red Cloud. 

All  Board Members were present : Dan Shipman, Trevor Karr , TJ Vance , Keith Buschow  and Gary Ratzlaff . Chairman Buschow gave notice of the Nebraska Open Meetings Act Laws. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to approve the minutes of the October 20th meeting. All voted in favor of paying all claims and payroll.. 

Paul Stoner met with the Board by telephone. The Board discussed a Resolution for the Board to approve vacating and abandoning a portion of Road 1800 that Highway Superintendent Lance Harter had done a road study on. Public hearing for this matter was set for December 1st 2020 meeting to be held at 9:00am. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Karr to approve Resolution 45-2020. All voted in favor.  Resolution 45-2020 was approved. 

The Board discussed price quotes sent by Lance Harter on the Bladen Road and Showboat Road. Crews have been working on tubing and bridge work and a culvert has been ordered for Road 500 near Inavale. Feedlot road is needing repairs also., Bids were opened for a motor grader. Bids were sent from Murphy Tractor of $249,630.00 and Cat Nebraska Machinery for $227,530.00. This would replace 1998 machine driven by Monte Garvin that had the transmission go out and had 23,000 hours on it. Motion was made by Shipman, seconded by Ratzlaff to go with bid from CAT/Nebraska Machinery for a new 2019 Caterpillar 140M3 that will be available as soon as possible. All voted in favor..

 The Board is looking into the sale of their old excavator.

     Treasurer Janet Knehans, met with the Board on public hearing to amend Budget and Levies concerning the Blue Hill Swimming Pool Bond for $40,000.00 that was not previously listed in their budget. Motion was made by Ratzlaff, seconded by Shipman to go into Board of Equalization Hearing to amend the Budget. All members voted in favor. Motion carried. Motion was made by Karr, seconded by Vance to approve this amendment. all voted in favor. . 

 Treasurer Knehans presented 16 Distress Warrants totaling $8,400.06 for the Board to review. 

A letter was received from Sheriff Troy Schmitz certifying these Distress Warrants had been received from Treasurer Knehans.

 Sheriff Schmitz presented his annual Jail Report for 2020.

 Commissioner and Veteran Service Officer, Gary Ratzlaff informed the Board the Veteran Service Committee had replaced Roger Mans with William Goosic and that Michael Barton has agreed to a term of another 5 years on this committee. The Board accepted these appointments.

 Clerk Louise Petsch submitted the Ambulance Report for July 1, 2020 through September 31, 2020. Report was favorable. There was also discussion on the Red Cloud EMTs filling in occasionally for the Blue Hill Squad when no one is available. Board agreed this was okay.

 Transfer of $40,000.00 from Inheritance Fund to Hospital Bond Fund was done by motion from Ratzlaff, seconded by Vance. all voted in favor. 

The Board went over applications received for County Attorney Position. One applicant was reviewed and the other two will be interviewed at a later time, Monday November 9th.

The Board discussed opening the courthouse again. They decided it was time to reopen the Courthouse again starting, Wednesday, November 4th . 

GENERAL FUND: Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$538.13; Katie Bolte (Expense)-$11.60; Ron Brumbaugh (Contract)-$1766.67; Business World Prod/Hastings (Supply)-$31.86; DAS State Accounting/Central Finance (Fee)-$448.00; Dell Marketing, L.P. (Supply)- $137.69; Duncan, Walker, Schenker & Daake, LLO (Counsel)-$3752.50; S.S. (Fica)-$603.13; Eakes Office Solutions (Supply)-$492.59; First Concord Benefits (Health)-$39.19; First National Bank Omaha (Supply)-$85.57; Franklin County Memorial Hospital (Fee)- $125.00; Great Plains Communications (Phones)-$1163.40; Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$2202.33; Elizabeth Janning (Expense)- $128.81; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$143.24; Kenny’s Lumber & Home Center)-$52.86; Sonja L Krueger (Expense)-$148.66; Leaf (Lease)-$424.45; Mips, Inc (Supply)-$61.00; Alexa Pedersen (Expense)-$77.09; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)-$949.50; City of Red Cloud (Utility)-$1768.67; Revive Ministries/Horizon Recovery (Funding)-$2000.00; Skalka & Baack Law Firm (Counsel)-$1439.80; South Central Pub Power Dist (Utility)-$24.80; Theobald Law Office (Counsel)-$3397.45; Web Co Clk of Dist Crt (Fees)-$36.00; Web Co Sheriff-Petty Cash Fund (Petty Cash)-$74.10; Webster County Crt (Crt Costs)-$69.00; Webster County Hospital (Test)-$90.00; Williams Exterminating, Inc (Pest Control)-$88.00; WJE Consulting LLC (Fees)-$1095.00; Woodward’s Disposal Service (Utility)- $20.00; Zee Medical Service (Med. Supplies)-$66.80. ROAD/BRIDGE FUND: ACE/Eaton Metals (Culverts)-$10,049.20; Ameritas Life Insurance Corp (Retire)-$99.02; Blue Cross/Blue Shield (Health)-$6358.24; City of Blue Hill (Utility)-$104.62; Country Corner (Fuel)- $205.20; S.S. (Fica)-$112.22; Great Plains Communications (Phone)-$49.76; Hometown Leasing (Lease)-$84.86; LRNRD Rural Water Project (Water)-$22.21; Medical Enterprises, INC (Supply)-$14.00; Nebraska Machinery Company (Repairs)-$5855.42; Paulsen Concrete (Rock)-$1300.00; R&M Disposal LLC (Utility)-$53.50; Red Cloud Chief (Publish)-$17.78; Paul Stoner (Expense)-$150.00; Windstream (Phone)-$73.68. SELF-INSURED DNETAL FUND: Bush Family Dentistry (Dental)-$45.90; Webster County Dental Clinic (Dental)-$583.00. INHERITANCE TAX FUND: Webster County Treasurer (Transfer)-$40,000.00. HOSPITAL BOND FUND: Union Bank & Trust Company (Bond Payment)-$208,576.25. AMBULANCE FUND: S. S. (Fica)-$184.58; Great Plains Communications (Phone)- $49.03; Jared’s Auto Expert (Repairs)-$379.62; Olson Enterprises LLC (Fuel)-$28.00; Petsch Billing (Contract)-$400.00. Total Wages - $11,851.31. 

Being no further business, Chairman Buschow recessed the meeting at 11:50am until Monday, November 9th, 2020 for two more County Attorney interviews at 11:00am and 1:00pm.

 The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 17th, 2020 at 8:30am. A current agenda and complete minutes are on file in the County Clerk’s Office and at www.co.webster.ne.us. 

 

Alvira Mary (Schumm) Kathman July 31, 1930 to October 30, 2020

 

Obituary

Alvira Mary Kathman, 90, was called home to our Lord on Friday, October 30, 2020 at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital. Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. with a rosary preceding at 1:30 p.m. at St. Stephens Catholic Church south of Lawrence with Father Corey Harrison officiating. Burial will follow at the St. Stephens Cemetery.  There will be no viewing or visitation. Memorials can be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.  Private condolences may be sent to the family at www.mertenbutlermortuary.com.  Merten Butler Mortuary, Blue Hill, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.

Alvira was born on July 31, 1930 to William and Adeline (Himmelberg) Schumm. Alvira married Ralph P. Kathman on January 4, 1949 at St. Stephens Church south of Lawrence. To this union six children were born. They lived, farmed and raised their family in the Webster County area most of their life. Alvira retired to live in Lawrence in 1995 where she lived until moving to Homestead Assisted Living in Hastings in June, 2019. She resided there until her passing. She enjoyed playing cards, bingo, scrabble and visiting family. She loved children and enjoyed her time volunteering at Sacred Heart School. Her life’s greatest accomplishment was helping family and caring for her grandchildren.

Alvira is survived by daughters Mary (Larry) Faimon, Karen (Robert) Hofstetter, Carol (Terry) Buschkoetter, Jan (Charlie) Menke of Lawrence and Sue (Dean) Stromer of Hastings, 15 Grandchildren and 27 Great Grandchildren.  Survivors also include siblings Josephine Mangers of Roseland, Betty Classen of Glenvil and Gib (Sharon) Schumm of Hastings.

Alvira was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph and young son James. Other preceding her were her sisters, Edna Hajny, Martha Karmazin, Lorene Klein, Eileen Westcoat and brothers William, Sylvester, Leonard and Leroy. Plus numerous sister and brother in-laws.