Wreaths Across America, Saturday, December 17, 2016

Please use the Vine Street entrance

9:00 A.M. ~ Wreath Laying

11:00 A.M. ~ Program

~ Kickoff at the State Capital Building will be on Monday, December 12, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.

Gottlieb “Scotty” Kaufman,96, passed away April 2, 2016, after losing his battle to leukemia.  Born in Lincoln Oct.14,1919, son of Johann and Christina Kaufman, and one of 8 children. He joined the Army in 1944, where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge under General Patton. He returned to Lincoln and married his wife Marty, married 68 years. After briefly working at Henkel & Joyce Hardware, he then worked at State Farm Insurance as an agent for 40 years. He didn’t care for retirement so worked at Sampson Construction as an Insurance Risk Manager, for the next 16 years, retiring at the age of 94. He loved his golf, played often, loved traveling and saw the world.

He was a member of former Zion Congregational Church at 9th&D, AHSGR member, American Legion member, Credit Union Board member, he was also a member of the Sesostris Shrine, Scottish Rite and Masonic Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Marty; daughter Lynne Smith of San Diego; several nieces and nephews, and extended family.

Memorial service 10 a.m. Friday, April 8, 2016, Westminister Presbyterian Church , 2110 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln. Reception immediately following service. Military burial Wyuka Cemetery after reception. Cremation, no visitation.

Betty J. Root (Long) age 92 of Lincoln went to be with the Lord, April 27, 2016.  She was born January 31, 1924 in Lincoln to John and Alice (King) Holwuttle.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Paul Richardson, John Holbrook, Shirley O’Meara, Wes Husband, Patricia Short (Edward), Debbie O’Malley, Diana Huey (Way), Donald Holbrook and many great nieces, nephews and other family members.  Betty was preceded in death by her first husband, Harold Wesley Long, their daughter Patricia Ann Long, her second husband Wallace J. Root, her parents and all her siblings, Paul, Irma, Bernie, Alice and Elsie.

The celebration of Betty’s life will be Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.  The family will be receiving friends Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 P.M.  She will be interred in Carthage, Missouri resting forever by her first husband, Wes.

Memorials may be left to Tabitha Hospice.

Elton Monroe Hill, 79, of Havelock, passed away May 5, 2016. Loving husband, father, and grandfather.  Born in Edison, Nebr. To Paul N. Hill and Greeta (Bloom), his family moved to Lincoln and he attended Northeast High.  Elton made a career in Tool & Die and as a Gunsmith; he was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Preceded in death by his parents; and brother Paul L. Hill.

Survived by his wife Rita (Kirk); daughter, Dani (Ernie) Erbe; sons, Jamie (Maria) Campbell, and Nate (Lisa) Hill; grandchildren, Regina Brown, Cameron Lutz, Megan and Shelby Campbell, and Kaylie, Briley, and Chayse Hill; 4 great grandchildren; brother, Richard (Barb) Hill; brothers-in-law, Elsey (Kay), Richard (Ann), and Chuck (Dianna) Kirk.
Funeral Services at 10:30 a.m. on Wednes., Mar. 11^th at Wyuka Funeral Home 3600 “O” St., Lincoln.  Visitation with viewing 9:00 -10:30 a.m. before the Funeral at Wyuka.  Burial to follow at Fairview Cemetery, 84^th and Adams, Lincoln.  A Reception following burial at the Isles Reception Hall, 6232 Havelock St., Lincoln.  Memorials to the family, online condolences at www.wyuka.com

Charles “Rick” Whitesell, 70, passed away Thursday evening, May 5, 2016 at his home in Lincoln, NE. Born March 18, 1946 in Cedar Rapids, IA to John and Mary Jane Whitesell. Retired after many wonderful years of service with Duncan Aviation. Well loved husband, father, and grandfather.

Rick is survived by his wife Coleen (McInerney); mother Mary Jane; son Todd Whitesell (Laurie); daughter Deanna Birdwell (Ronnie); sister Diane Seko (Jim); niece Felicia MacDonald (Gregg); brother Steven Whitesell (Susan); brother-in-law John Daly; sister-in-law Barbara Whitesell; 4 grandchildren Zachariah, Caile and Ricky Birdwell, and Hannah Whitesell; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by his father, sister Gail Daly; and brother Thomas Whitesell.

Memorial Services will be held at 11:00 am, Friday May 13, 2016 at Wyuka Chapel, 3600 “O” St, Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family for a charitable donation to be made in Rick’s honor. Online condolences www.wyuka.com

Ruby F. Fristoe, age 89, formerly of Lincoln, passed away at home surrounded by her children on May 5, 2016 in Sparks, Oklahoma.  She is survived by 5 children; 6 grandchildren; and many great grandchildren.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10th at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln with viewing and visitation from 10:00 -11:00 a.m. preceding. Burial to follow in Wyuka Cemetery, reception in the Garden Room. www.wyuka.com

Arleda P. Kelly age 84 of Lincoln, passed away May 9, 2016.  She was born August 20, 1931 in Crook, Colorado to Henry and Mary (Debus) Sader.

Graveside services will be held on Thursday, May 12th at 11:00 A.M. at Wyuka Cemetery.  Family and friends will gather at Wyuka Funeral Home.

No visitation.

Memorials to the Capitol Humane Society

Lorraine Schaffer, age 96, of Lincoln passed onto her heavenly home the day before Mother’s Day, May 7, 2016, with her daughter Gayleen by her side.  Lorraine was born on a farm outside Staplehurst, NE.  She is survived by two daughters, Gayleen Hayes and Karen Long.

Private family service.

Marjorie A. Phillips, age 89, of Lincoln, Nebr. died on Sun., May 8, 2016 in Waverly.  Born on Aug. 30, 1926 to Frank and Ellen ( Soules) Evans.  Marjorie was a strong and loving mother and grandmother; she worked in the cafeteria at Lincoln General Hospital.

She is survived by granddaughters, Christy Davis of Lincoln, Jennifer (Dan) Lesoing of Lincoln, and Karmen Cook of Papillion; and 9 great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her husband Kenneth Phillips; parents; daughters Connie Phillips, and Joyce Brown; and her beloved dog Winston.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thurs., May 12 at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St, Lincoln.  Visitation from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. preceding.  Burial to follow in Wyuka Cemetery.  Condolences at www.wyuka.com

Latisha M. Lucas age 36 of Lincoln, passed away May 8, 2016.  She was born May 7, 1980 in Lincoln to Jerome Robinson and Tracey Minchow.  Latisha worked for Lincoln Public Schools.

Survivors include her husband, Christopher Lucas and daughter, Olivia of Lincoln.  Mother and step father, Tracey Minchow and Larry Sypho of Lincoln.  Father Jerome Robinson of Lincoln.  Grandfathers, Darrell Minchow and Al Dunekacke both of Lincoln.  Grandmother, Dorothy Robinson of Omaha.

Services will be at 10:00 A.M. on Friday, May 20, 2016 at the Southview Baptist Church, 3434 S. 13th St. Lincoln.

Private family interment.

Memorials may be left for the family.

Brett R. Cascini, 59, of Lincoln passed away at Tabitha Williamsburg on May 17, 2016.

More information to follow.

Dr. Brett Ranford Cascini, 59, of Lincoln passed away on May 17, 2016. Born July 10, 1956 in Schenectady, NY to Dr. William and Edythe (Peden) Cascini.

Dr. Cascini was a 1974 graduate of Lincoln East High School; 1978 graduate of Nebraska Wesleyan University (B.S.); member of Phi Kappa Tau Fraternity; 1984 graduate of University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (D.D.S.); and a 1986 graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University Orthodontic Residency program in Hackensack, NJ.

In solo private practice for 30 years, Dr. Cascini also taught at UNMC Medical Center College of Dentistry, Dept. of Orthodontics for 28 years. He instructed hundreds of dentists and orthodontists during his tenure and will be fondly remembered for his quiet, gentle manner.  He was a Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics and was an active member of the American Assoc. of Orthodontics, American Dental Assoc., Nebr. Dental Assoc., and Lincoln District Dental Assoc.

Survived by his wife Mary (Lundy); his parents; daughter Jillian (Myron) Schneider; grandchildren Paxon and Blaire Schneider all of Rothschild, WI; son, Zane of Lincoln; brother, Wade (Marcella) of Sammamish, WA; sister, Janelle (Michael) Herres; nephews, Alex and Macrae Zappala, Will (Jes) Herres; and niece, Kate (Lance) Edwards, all of Lincoln.

No Services at this time. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to: William and Edythe Peden Cascini Family Endowed Scholarship, Advancement Office,

Smith-Curtis Building Room 310, Nebraska Wesleyan Univ., 5000 St. Paul Ave., Lincoln, NE 68504; or to the UNMC College of Dentistry, Dr. Brett Cascini Memorial Donation, Orthodontic Development Fund ID#01010320 c/o The University of Nebraska Foundation, 1010 Lincoln Mall, Lincoln, NE 68508.

Condolences at www.wyuka.com

Dorothy L. Wells, 63, of Lincoln passed away on May 18, 2016 in Milford, Nebr.  Services are Pending, please check back.

Mrs. Dorothy Louis Wells was born in Charleston, Miss. (Tallahatchie County) on Dec. 19, 1952 to the late Carrie Louise Johnson. She departed this life on Wednes. May 18, 2016 at Sunrise Country Manor in Milford, Nebr.  She is preceded in death by her mother Carrie and one sister, Martha Johnson.

Dorothy attended Allen Carver High School and then Job Corps in Washington D.C. From there she moved to Chicago, IL and lived there for many years before moving to Lincoln.  Sister Dorothy joined Angelic Temple C.O.G.I.C., was baptized, and became a member of the Usher Board; remaining a member until her death.

She leaves to cherish two sons, Charles and Arronson Wells; one brother, James Johnson; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; eight aunts; four uncles; and a host of cousins.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 27, 2017 at Angelic Temple Church, 33rd & Q Streets, Lincoln.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 26 at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln.

Sleep on…Take your rest.

                                                                We love you… But God loves you best.

Atwood R. Watson Sr., 97, of Mitchell, Nebr., formerly of Lincoln, passed away Thurs. May 19, at the Mitchell Care Center. Born Aug. 21, 1918 to Amzi and Besse (Grass) Watson in York County, Nebr.  Graduated Waco High School in 1938.  He owned a donut shop in Waco with his twin brother, Elwood.  Served as a Staff Sergeant in the US Army at Camp Roberts in Paso Robles, CA from 1941- 1945; he was drafted and his brother Elwood volunteered so they could serve together. Married to Arlene McClatchey Sept. 3, 1942 in Paso Robles. Two children Atwood Jr. and Joan Marie.

Returned to Lincoln managing Elgin Watch Co.; when they closed he worked for several car dealers before purchasing his own dealership, Parrish Motors. Upon selling, he retired for a short while, returning to work as a Veterans Service Officer for the State of Nebr.  Atwood and Arlene were members of the College View 7^th Day Adventist Church for 57 years where he enjoyed serving as a Deacon.  In 2009 they moved to Mitchell to be near their son and his family.

Preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene, who passed Nov. 3, 2010 celebrating 68 years of marriage in Sept. 2010; daughter Joan Hamm; brothers, Wayne, Gilbert, and Elwood; and sister Lela.

Survived by son Atwood Jr. (Diane) of Melbeta, NE; grandson Atwood III “Trey” (Sylvia) Watson with great grandchildren Wyatt Atwood and MaKayla of Cheyenne, WY; grandson Travis (Deidra) Watson with great grandchildren Dax and Ryker of Farmington, NM; grandson Jason (Andrea) Thomas with great grandson Dylan of Clarksville, TN;  granddaughter Justina Thomas of Farwell, MI; niece Lori Foote of Decherd, TN; son in law Allan Hamm of Longview, WA; sister in law Marge Watson of York, NE; nephews Wayne, Kenny Watson and niece Joann Watson all of MS; and his extended family of caregivers at Mitchell Care Center.

Funeral Services will be at 1:00 p.m. on Mon. May 23, 2016 at Wyuka Funeral Home Chapel, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln with a Viewing from 12:00-1:00 pm; Pastor Russ Thomas officiating. Interment with military honors to follow at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials will be used to provide a token of appreciation for the outstanding care from the staff at Mitchell Care Center.  Condolences www.wyuka.com

Donald Nels Hansen of Tucson, Arizona, went to join his Heavenly Father April 23, 2016.  He was born August 11, 1926 to Nels and Anna C. Hansen of rural North Platte, Nebraska.  There he learned the values of honesty and hard work.  He graduated from North Platte High School in June of 1944.  Don enlisted in the U.S. Army at Fort Logan, Colorado November 13, 1944.  He served briefly with General Patton’s 3rd Army Infantry Division in Europe, arriving a few days after D-Day.  He then served with General Douglas McArthur’s staff in Japan as First Sergeant.  After WWII he returned to Nebraska and later married O’Linda Hergenrader in 1951.  He worked briefly at Braniff Airlines in Norfolk, Nebraska and Moore, Oklahoma.  Don became a contract negotiator for the Navy Department in Washington D.C. where he retired in 1991.

Don was preceded in death by his parents, wife Linda, brothers Earl and Paul and sister Mary Ruth.  He is survived by 6 nieces and two nephews.

Private graveside services at Wyuka Cemetery at a later date.

Arnold E. Nieveen, 80 years of age, of Beatrice, NE passed away at the Beatrice Community Hospital Sunday afternoon, October 24, 2004. He was born on August 4, 1924 in Adams, NE. He was a graduate of Adams High School and graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln with an Economics in Agriculture degree. He served his country in the United States Army in the Army Medical Corps in occupied Japan from April 22, 1946 until September 28, 1947. He married Betty Lou Dolezal on July 31, 1950 in Lincoln and lived in Fremont from 1951-1959 where he worked as a farm manager for the Farmers National Co. for 7 years. They moved to York and lived there until a move to Beatrice in 1961. He was employed at the Scully Estates in Beatrice from 1961 until he retired in 1990.

He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church; the Geddes-Thober Post 1077, Veterans of Foreign Wars; Bitting-Norman Post #27, American Legion; Beatrice Noon Sertoma Club and past board member; Travelers Protective Association, past president and board member; and a past member of the Lodge #619, B.P.O. Elks, all in Beatrice. He was a past member and president of the Nebraska Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers; past president and board member of the National Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers; past chairman and board member of the Agriculture Committee of the Beatrice Chamber of Commerce; was the treasurer of the American Field Service for 9 years; past board member of the Nebraska Ag. Alumni Association; and past member of the Nebraska Ag. Relations Council Nebraska Soil and Water Conservation Steward. He had been involved in city politics in Beatrice and enjoyed hunting, fishing, gardening, playing poker and was an extensive traveler.

Survivors include his wife Betty Lou; Son Bruce Nieveen and his wife Liisa of Riverton, Utah; daughters Barbara Nieveen and her husband Keith Larsen of Lincoln, NE. and Patte Newman and her husband Darrell Klein of Lincoln, NE.; grandchildren Jed, Jacob and Katrina Nieveen and Marc Newman; and brother LaVern (Fat) Nieveen and his wife Margery of Adams, NE. He was preceded in death by his parents Cornelius and Jennie (Ringling) Nieveen; brothers Martin, Harmon, and Melvin Nieveen; and sister Mae Marcusse.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 A.M. Friday, October 29, 2004 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice, NE. with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln. A memorial was established to the Sertoma Scholarship Fund with Gerald Kleveland and Joe Richling in charge.

Betty Lou Nieveen of Lincoln, passed away at her Lincoln home with her daughters and grandson present on January 22, 2016.  She was born in Wahoo on January 20, 1927 to Hilda (Pabian) and Edward Dolezal. She spoke fondly of growing up on the family farm with brother Billy and attending a one room schoolhouse a mile away. She attended Catholic School in Wahoo, Luther College, and graduated from UNL where she met Arnold. They married July 31, 1950 and moved from Fremont to York, and finally settled in Beatrice. Betty taught in North Platte, at Randolph Elementary in Lincoln and Paddock Lane in Beatrice.  Betty loved big band music. She was a prolific song writer who, with the encouragement of cousin, Jerrine Racek, and dear friend, Jim Koudelka, achieved her dream of creating a big band CD of several songs. The CD release party held in 2011 was attended by over 300 attendees and was featured on NET Nebraska Stories. Work on her second CD started in 2015.  Before her move to Lincoln in 2012, Betty played bridge, travelled the world, volunteered at the Beatrice Community Hospital and was an active member of the Beatrice First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of NSAI and won an honorable mention for one of her songs. She will be remembered by many as a favorite teacher and great friend.  She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and brother, William. Survivors include son Bruce (Liisa) of Riverton, Utah, daughters Barbara Nieveen (Keith Larsen) and Patte Newman (Darrell Klein) of Lincoln and grandchildren Marc Newman (Niki Oberheu) of Lincoln, Jed (Chersti), Jacob (Nora) and Katrina (Aaron Christensen) all of Utah.

Memorial services were held at 11:00 AM Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church in Beatrice with Reverend Dr. Jimmy Shelbourn officiating. Burial at a later date at Wyuka Cemetery. A memorial has been established to the Beatrice Sertoma Club Scholarship Fund with the funeral home in charge.

Stanley William Floth was born September 12, 1938 to Conrad & Molly (Sittner) Floth in Lincoln, NE.  He was baptized November 12, 1938 & confirmed March 29, 1953 at Friedens Lutheran Church in the South Bottom in Lincoln.  Stan attended Park Elementary, Everett Junior High, & Lincoln High School graduating in 1956.  His college plans were interrupted due to health. Stan became ill, was hospitalized, & at the age of 18 was diagnosed a brittal diabetic after a near death experience.  During this time he felt the call to the ministry.  He entered Midland Lutheran College, Fremont, NE graduating June 3, 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree.  He then entered Central Lutheran Seminary in Fremont, NE graduating May 5, 1966 with a Mastor of Divinity degree. Stan spent 1 year of internship at Zion Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City, Utah.  Stanley & his class was ordained June 2, 1966 at the Lutheran Church in America (LCA) Nebraska Synod Convention in North Platte. Their class was the last one to be ordained at convention.

1966-68 – Pastor Floth’s first parish was Calvary Lutheran Swede Home, NE.  During this time in 1967 he took Hospital Chaplaincy Training at Bryan Memorial Hospital, Lincoln.

1969 – Pastor Floth continued Hospital Chaplaincy Training in Kansas City, MO.

Later in 1969 he was called by the Synod to be an Interim Pastor.  He spent anywhere from 3 months to a year or more in the following churches:

1969 – Emmanuel Lutheran, Lawton, OK.

First Lutheran, Nebraska City, NE.

1970 – St. Paul’s Lutheran, Falls City, NE

1970 – 71 – St. Mark’s, Verdon & St. Peter’s Falls City

1971 – 72 – First Lutheran, Lincoln, NE.

1972 – 73 – St. Paul’s Lutheran, Grand Island, NE.

1973 – 74 – Fridhem Lutheran, Funk, NE. During Pastor Floth’s year in Grand Island, he met Sharon Fitzke & they became engaged.  After his Interim work in Funk & the first semester of school was over they were married on Feb. 2, 1974 at St. Paul’s Lutheran, Grand Island.

1974 – 77 – Pastor Floth was called to Christ Lutheran, Pierce, NE. During this time he & Sharon welcomed Robert(Bob) who was born on April 24, 1975.

1977 – 88 – Pastor Floth was called to St. Paul’s Lutheran, Blue Hill, NE. The family continued to grow with Carol being born on June 25, 1977; Brian on April 18, 1979; & Susan on May 17, 1982.

1988 – 1994 – Pastor Floth was called to St. John’s Lutheran, Sterling. Due to health issues September 1994 Pastor Floth went on medical disability through the church.

1994 – 2006 – Pastor Floth (as his health would allow) did worship supply & interim ministry for congregations who were between ministers.

October 2011 Pastor Floth was diagnosed with dementia/alzheimer’s.

May 2016 a heart condition led him home to live with the Lord.

Pastor Floth died Tuesday, May 24, 2016 at GoldCrest Retirement Center in Adams, NE.
Survived by his wife, Sharon (Fitzke) Floth, children: son Bob & wife Stephanie;  daughter Carol Floth all of Lincoln;  son Brian & wife Danielle of Edgar; & daughter, Susan Floth of Fremont. Along with 5 grandchildren Bradyn, Camdyn, Landyn of Lincoln & Ethan & Brielle of Edgar.  Older brother, Gerald, of Shawnee, KS & younger brother Alan & wife Joanne of Gilbert, AZ. Along with nieces, nephews, great nieces & nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents Conrad & Molly; sister-in-law Mary Floth, Shawnee, KS; niece Jaime Lynn Floth, AZ.

Visitation – Sunday, May 29 from 1:00-7:00p.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln, NE. Family will be present from 5:00-7:00p.m.

Service of Resurrection Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 10:30a.m. at American Lutheran Church in Adams, NE. Luncheon to follow. Committal at Wyuka Cemetary in Lincoln, NE at 3:30p.m. Fellowship following in the Garden Room at Wyuka.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the family to be divided between 4 organizations that touched the life of Stanley.