After a gallant battle with cancer, Aliece Marie Harris died on October 21st, 2019 in Lincoln, NE at the age of 54. She leaves behind her husband, Mark Harris; her daughter, Kaitlyn Wicker (Justin); grandson’s Jackson, Jhett, Jude; and son Kyle Harris.

Aliece was born on August 4th, 1965 at Edwards Airforce Base, CA, to father Forest “Buzz” Townsend and mother Thelma Townsend, who both predeceased her. She grew up in a large, loving family with three sisters and one brother. She graduated from Zion-Benton High School in Zion, Ill at the age of 17. In college, she studied business and then later received her Cosmetology license from Joseph’s College in Lincoln, Ne.

Aliece married Mark Harris on August 11th, 1988. After growing up in Zion, Ill, the Harris’s moved to Elmwood, NE in January of 1994. There the couple lived and raised their two children.

Aliece worked in Cosmetology throughout her adult life and then retired in 2012, shortly after her diagnoses of Multiple Myoloma. Aliece’s heart was full of love and she cared for everyone more than she cared for herself. Her home was always open. She loved historical romance novels and binge watching her favorite shows and movies. Her most cherished moments were watching her three grandsons grow up. She remained strong and selflessly fought until her body couldn’t fight anymore.

Aliece is survived by her husband and children, her three grandson’s, as well as her sisters, Cathy Kuebler, Kristi Knoke (Bill); her brother, David Kuebler; in-laws Curtis (Dorothy) Harris, Rodney (Lori) Harris, and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Nancy Beguhn-Dubois, and nephews Tyler Hardin and Cameron Nahf.

Aliece requested to be cremated. Her ashes will be laid at the family plot at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Ne. A reception will be had at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints at 640 N 56^nd St, Lincoln, Ne at 2pm on Friday, October 25^th, all are welcome. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made by phone with Cathy at Wyuka Funeral Home (402-474-3600).

July 26, 1933 – October 23, 2019

John A. Long, 86, of Lincoln, passed away October 23, 2019.

Funeral: 1:00 p.m. October 31, 2019 at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Visitation 1 hour prior to service.

Sharri Lee Rowley, 71, of Lincoln, NE, died October 29th, 2019 at the Monarch in Lincoln, NE.

Survivors include her Aunt Laneta Anderson, of Benkelman, Nebraska, six cousins; Donna Behlke of Benkelman, Marian Ellis and husband , Robert, of Benkelman, Vonda Knackstedt and husband, Elwin of Kingman, Arizona and Susan Lutz and husband, Marty of Benkelman, Rhea Hatch and husband, Dr. Kenneth of Tucson, Arizona and Randall Anderson of India. Also, her dear friend and care giver, Suzette Alley of Lincoln and many other relatives and friends.

Sharri graduated from Lincoln High School in Lincoln. When her Mother, Mildred, became ill, she cared for her in their home, until her Mother’s death. Later, for many years, Sharri began doing volunteer work at Bryan East Hospital.  While there, she was delighted to be honored many times for her dedicated work at Bryan hospital. Sharri also loved cats and always had her kitten by her side.

Sharri attended the Methodist Church and rarely missed a service.  She was a very special Lady and was loved by all who knew her. She will be missed.
Sharri was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred Anderson Druliner Rowley and Edward M. Rowley.

Memorials May be given in her name to the Monarch at 4201 South 78th St. Lincoln, NE.

Funeral: 10:30 a.m. Nov. 4, at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation is 1 hour prior to service.

Steven P. Wessel, age 56 of Lincoln, passed away November 2, 2019. He was born December 16, 1962 in Lincoln to Duane and Wilma (Jividen) Wessel. Steve was employed with Winlectric for 22 years as a salesman and warehouse manager.

Survivors include his daughters, Kara Wessel and Madison Wessel both of Lincoln. Sister, Cora Ann Corning, brothers Rick Wessel and Craig Wessel all of Lincoln. Step-mother, Margene Wessel of Lincoln. Former spouse, Michelle Wessel.  He was preceded in death by his parents and sister Pamela Sue Wessel.

Memorial services will be held at 12:00 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2019 at Wyuka Funeral Home. No viewing, cremation.

Burial of ashes 3:00 P.M. on Friday, November 8, 2019 at Fairview Cemetery, 84^th and Adams, Lincoln.

Memorials in lieu of flowers to the family for a later designation.

Donna Mae Heakin, 92, of Lincoln passed away Nov. 3, 2019.

Born on April 9, 1927 to Leora (Green) and Bernard Bell in York, Nebraska. Her family moved to Lincoln in 1929. She was a homemaker and volunteer for Food Net.

She is survived by daughters Yvonne R. Heakin, Lori (Ed) Ryan and Jonie (Rick) Meyer; grandchildren, Michael (Trish) VonBusch Jr. , Erin (Shane) Wolfe, Rick ( Clara) Meyer and Heather Ryan; 3 great-grandsons and brother, Roger Bell.

Donna was preceded in death by husband Richard and son Richard J. Heakin.

Private family service. Memorials to Capital Humane Society.

Aron S. Elder, 36, of Lincoln passed away on November 11^th at St. Jane De Chantal.

Aron was born March 5, 1983 in Lincoln to Kim & Francie Elder. He graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School in 2004.

Aron struggled most of his life with disabilities and he survived several life-threatening illnesses, but when times got tough for him, he would often say “I do good”. Beyond the ordinary, Aron’s life was a special gift and his suffering serves as a reminder for humanity that each day is fragile and precious.

As a resident of St. Jane De Chantal he was popular with many of the residents & nursing staff. Special thanks to Asa, Robin, Peggy, Holly, Marie and other caregivers who enlightened his life. Those who knew Aron loved him – – and he returned their love.

Survivors include his parents; sisters, Mandy (Dale) Hoppe, Katie (Ryan) Buck. Nephews Colton & Zac Hoppe and niece Amelia Elder

Aron was preceded in death by grandparents Earl & Dolores Elgert and Eugene & Betty Elder.

Funeral services for Aron will be at 1:30 p.m. Friday, November 15, 2019, at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln. Viewing one hour prior to service. Memorials may be given to the Epilepsy Foundation of Nebraska or to Best Buddies International. Condolences at wyuka.com.

Ersten Siegfried “Bud” Dunklau of Lincoln, passed away at his home on November 14, 2019, from lymphoma. At his side were his loving wife, Carol, and their beloved daughter Barbara. At age 11, Bud lost his father and best friend, to pneumonia. He worked during World War II to help support his mother and 2 siblings. He had a love of aviation and model aircraft from a young age. He attended Calvary Lutheran School through 8^th grade and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1950. He joined the Nebraska Air National Guard in 1948 at age 16. The guard was activated during the Korean War in 1951 and deployed to Bangor, Maine. He attended aircraft and engine tech school in Texas and returned to Maine and then Alexandria AFB, Louisiana. He was honorably discharged at the end of the war. Bud continued as a full-time crew chief on the flight line, working on piston and jet aircraft. He spent 2 years with the Arizona Air National Guard from 1958-1960.

In 1955, Bud and 3 air national guard crew members were forced to bail out of a C47 over Casper, Wyoming, while on a training mission for a national gunnery meet. The four were presented with caterpillar pins and certificates from the Switlik Parachute Co. of Trenton, N.J. The symbol of the caterpillar related to silk and its use in early parachutes. The company was founded in 1920. The first person to test jump a Switlik parachute was aviator, Amelia Earhart.

Bud married Carol Shaffer in 1956. He loved to drive and during their 63 year marriage, they toured the United States and Canada from coast to coast. For many years they spent the month of September in Maine. In 1962, Bud opened Road and Track Motors, an import automobile shop specializing in Porsches. He had a lifetime passion for airplanes and Porsches, often referring to his work as “simple physics.” He retired in 2017. In 1976, Bud graduated from Bondurant Professional Road Racing Course in San Francisco and attended many national races over the years. Bud and Carol participated in national events sponsored by the Porsche Club of America, where he often served as the concourse judge, and was also able to drive on the Indy 500 track. The last event he attended was held in Calgary, Canada, where he and his daughter, Barb drove his 1958 356A coupe. Bud was a man of integrity who would always make time for a friend. He was a mentor to many young men with car and life issues, always willing to share his knowledge and advice.

In 1977, during the Nebraska Quilt Symposium at Nebraska Wesleyan University, Bud entered a competition to design the official Nebraska State quilt block. His entry won over 145 entries with his “Nebraska Windmill” design. It is now housed at the Nebraska State Historical Society. Bud was a lifetime member of “356 Registry”, Porsche Club of America, Caterpillar Club, NRA and First Plymouth Church.

Bud’s survivors include his wife, Carol, daughter Barbara of Denver, brother, Richard J. Dunklau of Springfield, Illinois. Half-sister, Charlotte Jans of Seward; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Butler and Jane Shaffer of Burbank, California; many nieces and nephews.

Bud’s wishes were to be cremated. There will be a private family service at Wyuka Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to the Humane Society Pieloch Pet Adoption Center

Foster G. Owen,93, passed into the arms of God with his family at his bedside, on November 13, 2019 at Yankee Hill Village, Lincoln, NE. He will be fondly remembered for his friendliness, optimism, warmth and humor. He lived a long, full life, but even as his energy began to fail, his cheerfulness and wit never waned. His kind presence in our lives will be greatly missed.

Foster was born on January 24, 1926 to James W. and Clara J. (Bookout) Owen, in Flat Creek, Alabama, a mining town near Birmingham. But when the depression hit, Foster and his family moved back to the old family farm in Tuscaloosa County. Life on the farm made a big impression on Foster, shaping his character and work ethic and serving as a springboard for his lifelong career in agriculture.

After high school, Foster enlisted in the US Navy and was accepted into the Navy’s college education program. With this, he began academic studies that took him to the University of Alabama, Emory and Auburn. After completing a Bachelor of Science at Auburn University in 1948, Foster went to Iowa State to earn a Doctorate of Sciences.

Upon learning that he needed to report for active duty in the Navy, Foster and Bobbye Jean planned their wedding in one week! With a borrowed wedding gown and bridesmaid dresses, Foster and Bobbye Jean were married on December 23, 1950, beginning their 69 year love story.

Foster enjoyed his work as a professor of Animal Science at the University of Nebraska from 1957 to 1990, specializing in dairy nutrition. Following this long career in Lincoln, Foster and Bobbye retired to Auburn, Alabama where they attended to Bobbye’s mother and joined the Auburn United Methodist Church. Foster participated in coffee clubs and investment clubs and especially enjoyed watching Auburn Football games with his closest friends.

Throughout Foster’s life, he has been involved in many service clubs and organizations including the Sunrise Kiwanis club, St Marks Seekers Fellowship Group, the Lincoln Continentals Chorus, Auburn University Academy of Lifelong Learners (AUALL), and the Democratic Club of Lee County Alabama.

Foster is dearly loved by his remaining family including: wife, Bobbye Jean, Children; Richard (Jackie) Owen of Orlando, FL, Sherri (Michael) Bossard, Mike (Carole) Owen and David (Kristin) Owen all of Lincoln. Grandchildren; Brandon Owen of Jasper, GA, Nyia (Andrew) Scalet of Memphis, Noelle Owen of Kansas City, Ben (Jen) Bossard, Lucas (Ruth) Bossard, Travis (Anne) Bossard, Linlin Luo, and Dan (Kinsley) Owen, all of Lincoln and Emily (Vincent) Morrissey of Omaha. Great-Grandchildren: Josiah, Jacob, Eli, Brooks, Majo, Mila, Beatrice and McKinzie. Foster is preceded in death by his parents, brothers James W. Owen, Charles R. Owen and sister Harriet Jane Owen-Smith

Visitation will be from Noon to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday November 21, 2019 At Wyuka Funeral Home. The family will be on hand from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday November 22, 2019 at St Marks United Methodist Church, Lincoln, NE. A luncheon will be held at St Marks immediately following the service. Interment will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Wyuka Cemetery.

It is suggested that Memorials be made to St Marks United Methodist Church. The church has been a significant part of their family beginning with the first service in the original Chapel at 70^th and Vine Street on December 22, 1957.

September 15, 1973 – November 17, 2019

Timothy W. Zeiger, 46, of Lincoln, passed away Nov. 17, 2019. He is survived by his brothers; Dan Zeiger, Jeff and wife Marissa Zeiger, Matt Zeiger, nieces; Brittney Zeiger, Madisyn Zeiger, Maryah Zeiger and Maci Zeiger, aunts, uncles and cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Ken and Linda Zeiger, Steven Zeiger, and grandparents. He was loved by many and forever in our hearts.

Funeral: 11 a.m. Nov. 21, at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation: 5-8 p.m. Nov. 20, at Wyuka Funeral Home.

HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILDREN

A meeting was held quite far from earth,
“It’s time again for another birth.”
Said the angels to the Lord above,
“This special child will need much love.”

“Their progress may be very slow,
Accomplishments they may not show.
And they’ll require extra care
From the folks they meet down there.”

“They may not run or laugh or play,
Their thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways they won’t adapt,
And they’ll be known as ‘Handicapped’.”

“So let’s be careful where they’re sent.
We want their lives to be content.
Please, Lord, find the parents who
Will do a special job for you.”

“They will not realize right away
The leading role they are asked to play.
But with this child sent from above
Comes stronger faith and richer love.”

“And soon they’ll know the privilege given
In caring for their special gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is heaven’s very special child.”

-Author Unknown 

Linda’s letter from her mom when Tim was born.

Gary A. Donahoo age 74 of Lincoln, passed away November 19, 2019.  He was born January 27, 1945 in Lincoln to Charles and Rose (Ketterer) Donahoo.  Gary worked as an automobile and diesel mechanic until his retirement.

Survivors, wife Sue K. (Brinkman) Donahoo of Lincoln, daughter Samantha Chick of Lincoln and her daughter Bessie Johnston, daughter Karen Podbielski of Waterford, Wisconsin and her children Claire Podbielski and Adam Podbielski.  Sister and brother-in-law Susie and Jim Watson of Lincoln.  Brothers and sisters-in-law, Kevin and Babie Donahoo of Lincoln, Mark and Shannon Donahoo of Glendale, Arizona and Gaylen and Traci Donahoo of Lincoln.  Nieces and nephews.

Funeral mass will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 23, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.

Rosary will be at 7:00 P.M. Friday, November 22, 2019 at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Visitation Friday, November 22, 2019 from 5:00-8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Memorials to the family.

Daniel R. Kehler age 62, of Lincoln went to his heavenly home on November 24, 2019. He was born in Lincoln on July 19, 1957 to Richard L. and Wilma Jean (Bender) Kehler. Dan was active in the Madonna Angel Dog Program with his dog, Max. He worked as an auto body repair technician.

Survivors include his wife of 38 years, Karen (Fontaine) Kehler of Lincoln. Sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Amy Poore of Lincoln, Bryce and Tammy Poore of Lincoln, Alex and Jessie Kehler of Waverly. His mom, Wilma Jean Kehler of Lincoln. Sister and brother-in-law Debbie and Garry Baker of Lincoln. Brother Ronald Kehler of Lincoln, sisters Connie Ramirez of Kansas and Sandy Ferguson of Missouri. 10 Grandchildren, 5 Great grandchildren. Dan is preceded in death by his father, Richard.

Services will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at Christ Place Church, 1111 Old Cheney Rd. Lincoln.

Visitation Friday, November 29th, Noon until 8:00 P.M.  Family will greet friends from 6:00-8:00 P.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Interment will be at Wyuka Cemetery.

Family requests memorials in lieu of flowers to Madonna’ Angel Dog Program, the Capitol Humane Society or the family.

Ilya V. Strilkivsky, 27, tragically ended his life on November 30, 2019 in Lincoln, NE. Born June 4, 1992 in Lincoln, NE, the son of Vasily and Lyubov Strilkivsky.

Survived by: father, Vasily Strilkivsky; Step mother Nina Strilkivsky; 6 brothers; 2 sisters and many more family and friends. Preceded in death by his mother Lyubov Strilkivsky; sisters Nelya and Anna Strilkivsky.

Ilya was a lover of all things outdoors. He also enjoyed going to church, working on cars and spending time with family. Private funeral service. Memorial to the family for further designation.

Joe A. Houfek, 84, of Lincoln, passed away December 1, 2019. Born June 30, 1935, the son of Joe and Libbie Houfek. Retired Civil Engineer, Department of Roads. He was an avid golfer and a member of the Lincoln Volkssports Club.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary (Jed) Plies, Melissa (Pete) Dennis and Michelle (Shawn) Bulin; Son, Michael (Norma) Houfek; 8 grand-children and 1 great-granddaughter; and special friend, Wilma. He is preceded in death by his parents and stepmother, Fern.

Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 4, at Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Catholic Mass and burial in Clarkson, Nebraska on Thursday.

Roger W. Barber, 1944-2019

I am survived by my high school sweetheart and wife Roberta of 53 years, cats Clayboy and Daisygirl, sons Mike in Tekamah, NE and Nathaniel (Jamie) in Omaha, NE. Three sisters: Rhea (Bob) Lease in Crooks, SD, Becky (Gary) Green in Hartland, WI, and Lynn (Jim) Goodall in DeWitt, IA.

Life is all about family, friends and relationships. I was very fortunate to have been surrounded by a wonderful support group in my life and especially during the last several months. To all my friends and family, I have thought of you every day.

A gathering will take place sometime next Spring with good food and conversation. Date and time will be announced. Memorials may be given to The Cat House shelter, Pioneers Park Nature Center, or a charity of your choice. Condolences at Wyuka.com.

Some parting thoughts: plant a tree, feed the birds, visit a national park, hug your pets daily, protect our water, and shake hands with one of your best friends every chance you get.

So, as I cruise down the two-lane blacktop East of Lincoln in my low, fast and loud ’39 coupe I can feel myself slowly running out of gas. I think I will just pull over and reflect on the day. Later…

Martin Gardner, 75, of Lincoln, died on November 27^th, in Lincoln, following a brief illness. He was surrounded by friends and family. 

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Marty was a retired member of the Utah and Nebraska National Guard Bands with twenty years of service on clarinet. He attended the University of Utah, receiving his BS in 1969 and his JD in 1972, where he was editor for the Utah Law Review. He was an Instructor at the Indiana University School of Law 1972-73, and on the faculty of the University of Alabama School of Law from 1973-77. During the 1975-76 academic year Marty was a Fellow of Law at Harvard University. Marty joined the faculty at the University of Nebraska College of Law in 1977 as an Assistant Professor of Law, becoming an Associate Professor in 1978 and Professor in 1980. While at Nebraska he taught Family Law, Juvenile Law, Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure. In 1987 he was named the Steinhart Foundation Professor of Law and in 2002 the Cline Williams-Flavel A. Wright Professor of Law. His time at UNL and Alabama resulted in the publication of many articles and books, including; Understanding Juvenile Law, which is in its 5^th edition. Marty also taught Family Law at Downing College, Cambridge University, UK in 2006 and 2013.

Marty cherished his family and his students. He loved the music of Ralph Vaughn Williams, Edward Elgar, Gustav Mahler, and the Bach B minor Mass. He was a fan of golf and Husker football and basketball. An active member of the Church of Jesus of Latter-day Saints, he was an avid reader of church history and the Holy scriptures. He attended every event or game of his grandchildren. He loved attending the Winter Quarters Temple with his wife and eternal companion, Anne.

He is survived by his wife, Anne Sheedy; children, Joshua (Paula) Gardner, Erin Gardner, Bryn Gardner (Miles Kos), Lynsey (Alex) Stewart, Jacob Gardner, stepson Max Yeston; sisters, Janice Ruth Tabish and Sharon Gardner Howes; his nine grandchildren and former spouse, Jane Murdoch. Marty is preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Elaine Gardner.

Services celebrating his life will be Saturday, December 7, 2019, 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3000 Old Cheney Rd, Lincoln.

Donations may be made to the Lincoln Community Foundation (Faith Coalition of Lancaster County) or the Nebraska National Guard Foundation. Condolences at Wyuka.com.

Verdon C. Jobst, age 87 of Lincoln passed away December 5, 2019.  He was born September 16, 1932 in Ord, Nebraska to Frank and Jessie (Beerhle) Jobst.  Verdon was a graduate of Ord High School, Ord, Nebraska.  He was married for 62 years to his wife Phyllis (Dye) Jobst.  Verdon served in the Air Force for 4 years, then worked as a US Postal clerk for 30 years until his retirement. 

He is survived by daughters and sons-in-law Linda Anderson of Apple Valley, Minnesota, Debra and Scott Anderson of Overland Park, Kansas, Nancy and Mark Scheuler of Lincoln.  Son and daughter-in-law Larry Jobst and Susen Lindner of Lincoln, sister Eloise Schwerdtfeger of Omaha, Nebraska, 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren.  Preceded in death by his wife Phyllis Jobst, son Michael Jobst, parents, brother Verne Jobst, sister Evelyn Cave.

A special thank you to the staff at Havelock Manor for caring for Verdie.

Memorial service will he held at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, December 10, 2019 at Wyuka Funeral Home.  Burial will be at Wyuka Cemetery.  Memorials to Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach.

Beloved husband and father Douglas M. Amedeo of Lincoln passed away Wednesday, December 4, 2019. Korean War Veteran. Professor of Geography, researcher and author. Born September 21, 1932, in Brooklyn, NY, the son of Guido and Jean (Gong) Amedeo.   Married to Patricia Herriott for 42 years.

Survived by his wife, Pat; daughters, Cynthia Amedeo Nelson of Lincoln and Elizabeth Amedeo Stigleman (Marty) of Midland, Michigan.

Celebration of Doug’s life to be held Spring 2020.  Cremation. Memorial donations preferred to women’s, children’s or animal charities.

Marcella M. Matthes, 87, of Lincoln, died December 10, 2019. Born September 25, 1932, to Louis and Ludmilla Kovar.

She is survived by her daughters, Vicki (Gary) Rockel, Sharon (Leon) Krusemark, Kathy Grell; son, Danny (Andrew Newman) Matthes; sister, Irene Middleton; brother-in-law, Harold (Carole) Matthes; grandchildren, Chad (Malinda) Rockel, Ryan (Amy) Rockel, Heather (Cameron) Jones, Tara (Jeremiah) Carlson, Lance (Jenna) Grell, Ethan (Samantha) Grell, Kali (Clinton) Bruna; 19 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Charles Morgan and Vernon Matthes; sister, Marge Quaile; brother, David Kovar; son-in-law, Brian Grell.

Funeral: 10 a.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at Wyuka Funeral Home. Visitation 1 hour prior to service. Condolences at Wyuka.com.