Violet Modrell
Violet Dolly (Isaac) Modrell, was born at 9:00 pm Christmas Eve, December 25, 1921 on the family farm in Trenton, Nebraska. She was the daughter of Joseph William Isaac and Zenia Dora (Busboom) Isaac. She went Home January 7, 2011 at the age of 89.
She attended grade school until the 8th grade at District #17 in Trenton, Nebraska.
After the 8th grade she cleaned houses and was a mid wife until 1941 when she worked at Ideal Dry Cleaners in McCook, Nebraska.
She met her husband and lifetime companion in 1942. They were married May 8th 1943 in Oberlin, Kansas. They were married for 61 years.
To this union 7 children were born; Jimmie, Johnnie, Randy, Roger, Shirley, Karen and Rhonda.
She enjoyed baking and cooking for her family and friends. Many Sunday meals were spent with her fixing dinner for her kids and grand children and nothing beat her angel food cake. She loved to sew and made many clothes for her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed making quilts and gardening. She was writing a book of her life experiences to share with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Zenia Isaac, her husband Richard Ray Modrell, 2 sons, Randy and Johnnie Modrell, 3 brothers Frank, Bill, and John (Bud) Isaac, 2 sisters Hattie Wilkinson, and Irene Matson, and 5 grandchildren.
She is survived by her children, Jimmie Modrell and wife Carolyn, daughter-in-law Linda Modrell, Roger Modrell and wife Rhonda, Shirley Heid and husband Pete, Karen Jacoby and husband Dale and Rhonda Jones., 22 grandchildren, 44 great grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren, lifetime friends Betty (Blue) Pinkerton and Marion Davis and numerous nieces and nephews friends and other relatives who called her mom.
Visitation will be Sunday, January 9, 2011, 12pm – 5pm at Gerk Funeral Home in Holyoke.
Funeral Service will be Monday, January 10, 2011 at 1:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Home, Holyoke, Colorado with Bryan Kroeger officiating.
Interment will follow in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Stratton, Nebraska.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Violet Modrell’s Memorial Fund, 37488 CR 18, Holyoke, CO 80734
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
James Milton Coyne
James Milton Coyne, age 79, was born in Ogallala Nebr. Jan. 9, 1931 and died Jan. 4, 2011 at the Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke. He was the first child of six of Edward & Celia (McCue) Coyne. Jim attended Holyoke Grade School and was a 1949 graduate of Holyoke High School.
Jim met Adeline Ann Holmquist in the fall of 1950. They married on Jan. 24, 1951. They lived in Holyoke and Jim worked for his dad in the family plumbing & electric business. To this union six children were born; Allen, Ronnie, Rochelle, Barry, Tricia & Jolene.
Jim in Nov. of 1960 purchased the plumbing and electric business from his mother and started Coyne Plumbing, which he worked till he was unable to, due to his poor health. Jim knew everyone, as he worked for almost everyone, as he knew that everyone needed a plumber sometime in their home. Jim prided himself on his memory of every house he ever worked on or had to clean their sewer line.
Jim was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Jim’s hobbies were his friends and work and more work and family.
Preceding Jim in death were his Father & Mother Edward (Ed) & Celia Coyne and one son Ronnie Duane Coyne.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years Adeline; his children; Allen & wife Janet Coyne of Julesburg; Daughter-in-law Patrica Coyne; Barry & wife Jerlyn Coyne; Rochelle Coyne; Tricia & husband Michael Coyne; Jolene & husband David McCallum all of Holyoke. Brothers & Sisters; Robert (Bob) & wife Jerrie Coyne of Westminster; Marilyn & husband Kenneth Fuller of Littleton; Eugene (Gene) Coyne & Kelsie Russell of Holyoke; Gloria & husband Walter Heinitz of Holyoke & Gerry & wife Linda Coyne of Loveland. Fifteen (15) Grandchildren; Mark & wife Alex Coyne of New Bern, North Carolina; (Step-daughters) Christine Haley of Sterling & Tammy Haley of Holyoke; Nathan & wife Cindy of Phoenix Arizona; Heather & husband Kevin McConachie of Holyoke; Chance Coyne of Holyoke; Christopher & wife Rebecka Garcia of Sterling; Cindyl Garcia of Sterling; Justie Coyne & Zack Nicol of Boise Idaho; Brook Coyne of Fort Collins; KC Coyne & fiancée Heather Johnson of Hillrose; Lisa & husband Bryan Brueggeman of Wray; Julie & husband Braden Thayer of Haxtun; Billy & wife Katie Andersen of Holyoke and TJ Andersen of Holyoke. Fourteen (14) Great Grandchildren; Venessa Coyne; Bradly & Allison Coyne; Piper, Kyra & Kree McConachie; Millie & Makala Johnson; Aria Brunick; Tanley Andersen; Trevon & Taryn Thayer and Ethan & Erin Andersen.
Visitation was Thursday, January 6, 2011 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Home, Holyoke, Colorado.
Mass of the Christina Burial was Friday, January 7, 2011, 2:00 pm at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, Holyoke, Colorado with Father William Jungmann officiating.
Interment followed at Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado.
Memorial may be given to the Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1001 E. Johnson St., Holyoke, CO 80734.
Gerk Funeral Home was in entrusted with the arrangements.
Viola Lenore (Cauble) Colglazier
Viola Lenore (Cauble) Colglazier was born nine and one half miles southeast of Holyoke to Roy and Bessie (Wilcox) Cauble on December 25, 1914. She passed away January 20, 2011, at the age of 96 at Regent Park & Carriage House in Holyoke. Both of Viola’s parents were born in Phillips County.
At the age of four, Viola’s mother passed away. She then went to live with her grandparents, George and Anna Wilcox who lived northeast of Holyoke. Later, her father, Roy Cauble, married Bertha Baynes, who was a high school teacher at the Amitie and Holyoke Schools. They had one daughter, Dorothy Joy, who resides in Marysville, Kansas. Roy and Bertha became chiropractors and practiced in Marysville. Viola attended Holyoke Grade School and graduated from Phillips County High School in 1932. Viola loved reading books as a child.
Viola married Harold Colglazier in Sterling, Colorado, on October 12, 1934. They lived on a place east of Amitie School for three years. They purchased a farm 4 south and 6 ½ east of Holyoke in 1937 and moved there in 1938. They lived there until 1981 when they moved into town. To this union two sons were born: Earl G. Colglazier and Alan B. Colglazier. Harold passed away May 20, 1994.
Viola helped to organize several local organizations. Viola was a member of the First Christian Church of Holyoke, PEO, Eureka and Jolly Dozen Home Extension Clubs, 4-H leader for 10 years, volunteer at the Phillips County Museum, Phillips County Historical Society, Art Guild and Art Council, and Christian Women’s Fellowship. Viola loved living in Phillips County and being able to contribute to its history by being involved in making a history book for the county.
Viola is preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Bessie Cauble, grandparents A.C. and Lizzie Lee (Poe) Cauble and George and Anna (Andrews) Wilcox, and husband Harold.
She is survived by her sister, Dorothy Smith of Marysville, KS, sons, Earl (Sandra) Colglazier, of Lakewood, CO, Alan (Debra) Colglazier, Holyoke, granddaughters Kris (David) Carter and their children, Michael and Elizabeth, of Alpharetta, GA, Suzy (Ed) Smith and their daughter, Kaitlyn, of Atlanta, GA, grandson, Christopher (Rosemarie) Colglazier, of Jefferson, CO, Damon Fingerhut of St. Charles, MO, granddaughter Leah Bennett and grandsons Eric Nickell of Holyoke and Kory Nickell of Manhattan, KS.
There was no visitation for Viola.
Funeral Services for Viola were held Tuesday, January 25th 10:30 am at the First Christian Church in Holyoke with Jim Blake officiating.
Interment services followed at the Holyoke Cemetery.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the Viola Colglazier Scholarship Fund, C/O First National Bank, 150 S. Interocean, Holyoke, CO 80734.
Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Mathew Thomas Kropp
Mathew Thomas Kropp, 33, of Holyoke, Colorado, was welcomed into the arms of the Lord on March 8, 2011 in Westminster, Colorado while visiting friends. Mathew was born on September 30, 1977 to Thomas Kropp and Wanda (Kropp) Hassler in Holyoke, Colorado.
Mathew, who was affectionately known to most as “Mat”, was the eldest of three children. Mat was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Zion Lutheran Church in Holyoke by Pastor Gary Rahe.
As a child Mat had a great love of the outdoors, and enjoyed any activity that allowed him to be with others and close to nature. Mat was the ever vigilant, and protective older brother to his siblings, Mark and Kristi, he continued to play that role through out his life.
Mat received his education from the Holyoke school system, graduating from Holyoke High School in 1997. In his school years Mat developed a passion for music by playing the saxophone and piano. Mat had natural appreciation for reading and literature, his love of books continued to grow for the remainder of his life.
After high school Mat spent four years at Colorado State University, where he studied psychology and micro biology. Mathew had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and a great interest in science, he always felt his calling and purpose laid in the medical field. During his years in high school and college he held several positions at local hospitals and worked as much as possible to gain first hand experience earning him the nickname “Doogie Howser”. Mat found joy in numerous activities including golf, computers, talking about politics and current events and was always ready for a good spirited debate! Mat enjoyed people, he found great pleasure in working with others, no matter if it was in the time he spent in the sales field while working for Colorado Baggage, or in medical settings pursuing his love of health and human services. He had a great capacity for compassion and was often known to help others in need. Mat was a true “people person” in every sense of the word. Mathew’s family and friends and the time he spent with them were among some of his most valued and cherished experiences. He loved the times spent out at the lake boating, conversation and enjoying the water. Mat always had a fondness for the city life and all it had to offer, he spent a great deal of time visiting and living in the Denver Metro area, where he made many life long friends. Mat’s nephews and nieces were a great source of pride and entertainment; he never wasted an opportunity to share his love of learning and education with them.
Mathew is preceded in death by his Grandfathers; Daryl Kropp and Harry Hassler and a Grandmother Geneva Hassler.
Mathew is survived by his Mothers; Wanda Hassler and Lucy Kropp, Fathers; Thomas Kropp and Hank Hassler, brother; Mark Kropp and wife Gretchen, sister; Kristi Colglazier and husband Andrew, step-sister; Morgan Peterson, Nephews; Reece and Keegan, Nieces; Anessa, Payton, Lawren and Kaitlyn, Grandparents; Pat and Sylvia Stockton and Rita Kropp and numerous Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins.
Memorial Service Monday, March 14, 2011, 11:00 am, Zion Lutheran Church, Holyoke, Colorado with Reverend Gary Rahe officiating.
Inurnment will be in the Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Mathew Kropp Family Account, 725 S. Baxter, Holyoke, CO 80734.
Gerk Funeral Home was in entrusted with the arrangements.
Evelyn Ruth Oltjenbruns Franson
Evelyn Ruth Oltjenbruns Franson was born September 7, 1925, at the Lorena Olmstead maternity home in Holyoke, Colorado, the daughter of Harry and Amelia Welper Oltjenbruns. She was baptized on October 11, 1925 and confirmed in her Christian faith in April 1939 at Zion Lutheran church in Holyoke by the Reverend R. Einspar. Evelyn passed away March 11, 2011 in Aurora, Colorado.
Evelyn attended District No. 81-Lakeside grade school and moved with her family to a farm southwest of Amherst in 1939. She attended Phillips County High School and graduated in May 1942. She attended Central Business College in Denver, Colorado and graduated in 1943. After graduating she worked as a legal secretary in Denver.
Evelyn was united in marriage on February 9, 1947 to C. Harry Franson of the Fairfield community at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Amherst. Their first home was on a farm northeast of Haxtun. They moved to Amherst in August 1950. Evelyn lived there until 2008 when she moved to Aurora, Colorado.
Evelyn’s interests included gardening, rock collecting and cooking. Another hobby was sewing which she shared with others through many years as a 4-H leader. Evelyn taught Sunday School and VBS and was active in the Ladies Aid at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.
She is preceded in death by her husband Harry Franson, her parents, and her sister Glendora Severson. She is survived by her daughter Ardell Zeiler and husband George of Aurora, Colorado, her son Harold Franson and wife Vicki of Colorado Springs, Colorado, step grandson Jeff Zeiler and wife Winter and grandson Nicholas of Atlanta, Georgia, and grandson Luke Franson and wife Carola of Frankfurt am Main, Germany. She is also survived by sister Clara Heermann, and brothers Milton Oltjenbruns and wife Leona, and Elton Oltjenbruns and wife Eunice, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral Service Tuesday, March 15, 2011, 10:00 am, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Amherst, Colorado.
Interment followed in the Amherst Cemetery, Amherst, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation – MMRF, 385 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851 Or http://www.themmrf.org.
Gerk Funeral Home was in entrusted with the arrangements.
Braxton Weldon Kinnie
Braxton Weldon Kinnie was born and passed away March 9, 2011 to Ernest and Joylyn (Hunsaker) Kinnie in Sterling, Colorado.
Braxton is preceded in death by Grandparents Weldon and Pauline Hunsaker.
Surviving him are his parents Ernest (Ernie) LeRoy Kinnie Jr. and Joylyn Hunsaker Kinnie, brother Kaison and sisters Aspyn and Courtlyn. Grandparents Ernest and Kathleen Kinnie. Paternal Aunt Kim (Mike) Zion and 2 cousins. Maternal Aunt Stephanie (Drew) Baker, Uncle Garrick (Linda) Hunsaker, Uncle Bryan (Carolyn) Hunsaker, Uncle Jason (Kimi) Hunsaker, Aunt Katrina (Greg) Tella and 21 cousins. Great Grandparents Mike and Lucille (Kinnie) Malloney, Mary Mollendor and Marrilyn Boggess.
Graveside Service Monday, March 14, 2011, 2:00 pm, Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado.
Interment followed in the Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions may be given to the Braxton Kinnie Memorial fund, 330 S. Sheridan, Holyoke, CO 80734.
Gerk Funeral Home was in entrusted with the arrangements.
Walter LaMoine Harms
Walter LaMoine Harms, age 70, of Holyoke, Colorado, passed away March 13, 2011 in Holyoke. Walt was born September 12, 1940, to Lester and Lena (Vance) Harms in Sterling, Colorado.
Arrangements are pending.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Edward William Lutze
Edward William Lutze, age 92, of Holyoke, Colorado, passed away March 11, 2011 in Holyoke.
Ed was born March 13, 1918 to Frederick and Viola Tomlin Lutze in Holyoke, Colorado.
Gerk Funeral Home was in entrusted with the arrangements.
Lorin A. Starkebaum
Lorin A. Starkebaum, age 88, of Haxtun, died on April 13, 2011. Lorin was born at home in Haxtun on August 30, 1922 to Gustav and Martha Starkebaum. He grew up and attended school in Haxtun and obtained a teaching degree from Colorado State College of Education in Greeley, CO. Lorin married Phyllis Anderson on August 8, 1943. He taught school in Haxtun during the first years they were married and then farmed first with his father and then with his son. Lorin is remembered for his many community and farm related activities, especially as a tree planter, choir director, and international promoter of wheat production and sales. He enjoyed working with young people. One of his last wishes was that the many farm hands who worked for him in the summer would be honored at his memorial service.
Lorin is survived by his wife, Phyllis Starkebaum; three children, Patricia Meakins, Nancy (George) Wallace and Richard (Cathy) Starkebaum; seven grandchildren, Steven (Heather) Meakins, Mark (Cheryl) Meakins, David Wallace, Thomas Wallace, Staci (Adam) Tempel, Brian (Sami) Starkebaum and Jodi (David) Haley. His great grandchildren were special to him: Elijah, Erika, Samantha, Nathaniel and Lydia Meakins, Christopher Wallace, Tyler, Ryan and Maclin Tempel and Bobbi and Baron Starkebaum. He was fortunate that all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were part of his life until the very end. He was preceded in death by his son in law, Richard Meakins, sister Ethelyn Starkebaum, brother and sister in law Norman and Florence Starkebaum.
A memorial service was held at the United Methodist Church in Haxtun on Monday, April 18. Visitation and lunch followed at the Community Center in Haxtun. Memorial donations may be made to the Lorin Starkebaum Memorial Fund c/o Gerk Funeral Home, 242 N Logan, Haxtun, CO 80731.
Leah Bennett
Leah Bennett was born March 29, 1976, in Burlington, Colorado to Debra (Bieber) Nickell and Gary Nickell. She passed away at Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, Colorado on April 27, 2011 at the age of 35.
Leah received her education in Holyoke, Greeley and Burlington. She attended Northeastern Junior College and majored in nursing. She worked at Melissa Memorial Hospital and the Prairie Vista Nursing Facility in Holyoke.
Leah was a member of the First Christian Church of Holyoke. Her hobbies included crocheting and spending time with her family. Leah loved music and singing. She loved watching her children in school, music and athletic activities and was proud of their accomplishments.
Leah is survived by her parents: Alan and Debbie Colglazier of Holyoke; Gary and Colleen Nickell of Greeley; children Jaydin Goldenstein, Taylor Goldenstein and Trey Bennett of Holyoke; step-children Ethan Bennett of Englewood and Brianna Bennett of Holyoke; brothers Eric Nickell of Holyoke and Kory Nickell of Manhattan, Kansas; sister Jessie Nickell of Austin, Texas; grandparents Chris and Janice Bieber, Holyoke; special friend Felix Campos, Fort Collins, CO; uncles Chris (Suzy) Bieber and Rocky (Barb) Bieber, Holyoke; Lonny Nickell, Aurora; aunts Marjorie (John) Lehmann, Roseville, CA; Barbara (Gary) Hart, Ulysses, KS; Brenda (Rick) Daniel, Holyoke; cousins Jackie (Toby) Thompson and Emma, Brett (Heather) and Aubrey Bieber, Dylon (Brittany Farnes) Daniel, Travis (Carly Larson) Daniel, Emily Daniel and Annie Daniel and Christopher Bieber all of Holyoke; Lindsay (Bryce)and Jayce Boerner, Haxtun; Leslie Hart, Manhattan, KS; Charles Hart, Ulysses, KS; Adrian (Christy) Gordnier, CA; Aaron Gordnier, CA and Robin Nickell, Aurora; She was preceded in death by her grandmother Cleo Nickell and great-grandmother Verna Cheramy.
Visitation was Sunday, May 2, 2011, 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Home, Holyoke, Colorado.
Funeral Services for Leah were held Monday, May 2, 2011, at the First Christian Church in Holyoke with Ministers Merle Powell, Scottsbluff, NE and Jim Blake, Holyoke officiating.
Interment services followed at the Holyoke Cemetery.
An education trust fund has been established for Leah’s three children which can be sent to Deb Colglazier, 12626 County Road 55, Holyoke, CO 80734.
Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.
Sharrie L. Ellis
Sharrie L. Ellis, 64, of Holyoke was born April 5, 1947 to Lester and Nona (Curtis) Aydelott in Sterling, Co. After a two year battle of Cancer, she died May 09, 2011 at Melissa Memorial Hospital.
Sharrie grew up in the Fleming and Lone Star areas. She attended Lone Star High School, and School of Cosmetology at NJC in Sterling. She was previously married which had one son, Troy, and then later married Willard Ellis on September 06, 1973. Sharrie resided in the Holyoke area after marrying Willard. She was a very loving mother and a housewife, and very loving “NANA”.
Sharrie was a member of the Phillips County Historical Society and served as treasurer for many years. She enjoyed doing Genealogy work for herself and for the museum. She liked collecting Native American memorabilia. She enjoyed doing many crafts and puzzles.
Sharrie also known as “Nana” was preceded in death by her father, Lester Aydelott.
Sharrie is survived by her husband, Willard Ellis; Sons Troy Kent and his wife Melinda, Damon Ellis and his significant other Debbie Allen; Her loving Grandchildren who she enjoyed spending time with, Andrew and Kaitlyn Kent; Brothers, Ronnie Aydelott(Otis), Terry Aydelott(Haxtun), Stanley Aydelott(Yuma);sister, Kathy Petersen and husband, Ron(Yuma)Brother-in-law, Ed Ellis and his wife Barbara Neal(Denver); Nieces , Angie, Nikki and husband Jessie, Terra and husband Raymond, and Shaunna; Great niece, Mercedes; Great nephew, Daniel, and many, many family and friends.
There was no visitation for Sharrie.
Memorial Service was Friday, May 13, 2011 10:30 am, Gerk Funeral Home, Holyoke, Colorado.
Inurnment followed in the Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado
Memorial Contributions may be made to BECAUSE or the Phillips County Historical Society.
Gerk Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements
Opal Ellen (Thomas) Kramer
Opal Ellen (Thomas) Kramer was born to Arthur & Elva (Norris) Thomas March 8, 1920 at her grandparents farm, Southeast of Holyoke, CO. She passed away May 18th, 2011 at 7:50 p.m. at the Regent Park Nursing Home in Holyoke, CO.
After moving many times with her family, they returned to Holyoke and Opal attended Phillips County High School, graduating in 1938.
Opal was united in marriage to Vernon Kramer June 4, 1939 at Eads, CO. To this union 5 sons and 2 daughters were born. In 1943 Vern and Opal purchased the Cleve Scott Ranch 18 miles southeast of Holyoke. They farmed & ranched there for 55 years, until the death of Vern in 1998. At this time, Opal moved into Holyoke.
She was a member of the Eureka Club for over 50 years, the Jolly Dozen Club and various church organizations. Opal was a wonderful cook & hostess, graciously opening her home to family & friends. She was a member of the Holyoke Methodist Church.
Survivors include: Roger & Mary Beth, Garry & Tina, Randy & Karin, Byron & Kim Kramer of Holyoke, Joanne & Russ Wieland of Berthoud, and Ray & Joyce Malleck of Imperial NE, and daughter-in-law, Gwen Triplette of Holyoke.
Also surviving are 43 grandchildren: Becky & Randy Oliver, Mark & Julie Tonsing, Lisa & Tim Schilke, Kathi & Jason Mikesell, Brad & Jade Wieland, Barb & Kevin White, Brent & Wendy Wieland, Kelly & Dwayne Reineke, Craig & Teresa Kramer, Jamee & Adam Lock, Nicholas Rowan, Natalie Kramer, Sarah & Gregg McAdam, Josh & Candace Martin, Anne & Chris Parr, Kevin Malleck, Brett, & Lori Kramer, Kandice Kramer, Kassandra & Raymond Soulard, Chad & Katie Kramer, Gina & Max Wear, Kylee & Matt Gustafson, Chance & Julianne Kramer, and Josi Kramer.
42 great-grandchildren: Ryan & Jessica Oliver, Gentry Oliver, Derek & Kayla Schilke, Meghan Mikesell, Andrew, Evan & Katelynn Wieland,
Ian Frazier, Heather, Alexis, Shonteal & Hunter White, Jennifer & Jason
Wieland, Garry, Theresia, Immaculata, Francis, Lynda, Augustine and baby Reineke, Caitlyn, Kelsey & Cavin Kramer, Allison, Ryne, Brooke and Avery Lock, Jordyn, Macy, & Lauryn McAdam, Makenzie & Karlie Martin and Sawyer Malleck, Charlotte & Eva Kramer, Layna & Elia Wear, Tripp Gustafson and baby (Chance) Kramer.
2 great-great granddaughters: Addison and Paige Oliver.
Brother: George Thomas of Holyoke, sister-in laws: Elsie Thomas of Denver, Jean & Ron Cochran of Grant, NE and Elaine Kramer of Greeley, numerous nieces & nephews and other relatives.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Arthur & Elva Thomas, husband Vern, and son, Mickey. 2 grandsons, Todd Kramer and Jered Schilke, a daughter-in-law, Lynda Kramer, 3 brothers, Howard, Harvey and Morgan Thomas.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Melissa Memorial hospital for an electric lift x-ray table, The Because Group, or a favorite charity.
Visitation was held Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Gerk Funeral Home, Holyoke, Colorado from 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Funeral services were held Monday May 23, 2011 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church with Pastors Darrel Dennis and Paul Sung officiating.
Interment followed at Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Howard Lee Hagemann
Howard Lee Hagemann, age 89, was born on their family farm 5 North and 1 West of Holyoke, Colorado on September 11, 1921. The youngest of 4 children born to Ernest A. and Ida Mae (Ellis) Hagemann, Howard passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2011 at the Haxtun Hospital in Haxtun, Colorado.
Howard received his education at the Liberty School which was 1 mile south of the farm. He completed eight years of schooling in seven.
After school, he farmed with his brother on the family place until 1941 when he was called to take an Army examination. He was told he couldn’t join because of medical reasons. Howard remembered having rheumatic fever at 9 years of age. He returned to farming until taking a job with Rither Construction building power lines in Nebraska, Kansas and the Mountains of Colorado. After four years away from home, he took a temporary job with Highline Electric in May of 1949. Known only by the name of “H” Howard (“H”), retired from Highline Electric after almost 30 years of employment, in 1977.
Howard enjoyed traveling and had visited every state except Maine and Vermont. Howard and his sister Ethel traveled to Lincoln City, Oregon as this was one of their favorite vacation spots along the Pacific Ocean and Hawaii.
Howard loved to do woodworking, and was an avid reader, having his own library, which he shared with his Nephew Dennis.
Howard lived in Holyoke until October, 2008 when health issues caused him to move into the Haxtun Elderly Care Unit in Haxtun, Colorado. He was very involved in all the activities, and loved reading to the little children who came to visit. He was known as the Gentle Giant. His smile and humor became a very important part of the ECU where he was loved as much as he loved them.
Howard is preceded in death by his parents, two half-brothers Carl and Clarence Hagemann, his brother Harold Hagemann 1988 and wife Vera 2010, sister Ethel Hagemann 1995, brother-in-law Leonard Gentry 200, also a fellow Highline employee and Nephew Gary Hagemann in 1975.
He is survived by a sister Edith Gentry, Lakewood, Colorado, Nephews and Nieces; Dennis Hagemann and wife Lynda, Holyoke, Colorado, Deanna Hagemann, Holyoke, Colorado, Jancice Gentry and Noel Gentry, Lakewood, Clara O’Conner, Holyoke, Colorado, Dora Ott, Denver, Colorado, several great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews and numerous friends.
Visitation for Howard will be Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Home in Holyoke.
Funeral Service will be Friday, May 27, 2011 at 2:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Holyoke, Colorado with Pastor Kerry Johnson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions may be made Friends of the Heginbotham Library.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
LaDonna Mae Swanson
LaDonna Mae Swanson, age 73, of Holyoke, was born September 7, 1937 in Weatherford, Oklahoma to Jake and Ester Eckhardt. She died May 19, 2011 at Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke, Colorado.
LaDonna graduated from Longmont High School and later from Oklahoma City University. She also resided in Estes Park for a while.
She worked as a real estate agent and worked in accounting for a time, along with many other jobs. She was member of First Lutheran Church of Longmont.
LaDonna enjoyed antiquing, cake making, making sugar Easter eggs and china painting. She also loved watching her grandchildren play sports and become young adults.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Jake and Ester Eckhardt; and brothers, Dallas and Arvein Eckhardt.
LaDonna is survived by her husband, Marvin Swanson of Holyoke; son, Van Swanson of Holyoke; grandsons, Tyler and Evan Swanson of Holyoke; brother, Bob Eckhardt of Parker, Colorado; sisters, Dorothy Basher of Gill and Dolores Parker of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and numerous nephews, nieces and friends.
No Visitation, Cremation Was Chosen.
Memorial Service will be Friday, June 3, 2011 at 1:30 am at the Gerk Funeral Home, Holyoke, Colorado.
Final Resting Place will be in The Arms Of Her Loving Family.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation or Regent Park Nursing and Rehab
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Mabel Mae Martin Schiermeyer Triplette
Mabel Mae Martin Schiermeyer Triplette, age 93, of Holyoke, Colorado, passed away Monday, May 23, 2011 in Holyoke.
Mabel was born January 21, 1918 in the Pleasant Valley Community to Roy and Eliza Jane (Briggs) Martin. She graduated from the 8th grade at the Pleasant Valley School.
On August 5, 1933 Mabel married Willmore H. Schiermeyer and they were blessed with three children, Jeanette, Wilma and Bill.
Willmore and Mabel drove livestock trucks to Omaha, Denver and many other places. They also drove for local ranchers and farmers. She was also a stay at home mom and decided to take up sewing for others for extra money. She made several wedding gowns and wedding party dresses among many other items.
After Willmore’s death in April 1969, she married Joe Triplette on May 9, 1970. They lived in Fort Morgan, Colorado and later moved to a house north of Venango, Nebraska. 1972 saw the couple moving to Holyoke where they remained. Mabel was also part owner in a café with Amanda Gemalich where she waited tables and did the baking for the café. She also helped Joe raise hogs on the farm. Mabel was proud to be a school bus driver until the age of 72 when she retired.
She was a member of Tops, and Kops for several years. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing, altering clothes, gardening, fishing, goose hunting, making homemade noodles, and blue rock shooting.
Preceding her in death are her parents Roy and Eliza Jane Martin, husbands Willmore Schiermeyer and Joe Triplette, daughter Jeanette King, son Bill Triplette, sisters Pearl Jaycox, Fern Deselms, Betty Sullivan and brother Glen Martin.
Mabel is survived by her children, Daughter Wilma (Delmer) Milner of Champion, Nebraska, Son Bill Schiermeyer of Holyoke, Son Bob (Ardyth) Triplette of Venango, Nebraska, Daughter Vonnie Webster (Gary Cranwell) Broken Bow, Nebraska, 18 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Visitation for Mabel will be Thursday, May 26, 2011 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Home in Holyoke.
Funeral Service will be Friday, May 27, 2011 at 9:30 am at Gerk Funeral Holyoke, Colorado with Pastor Chad Rozelle officiating.
Interment will follow in the Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Melissa Memorial Hospital Foundation or Friends of the Heginbotham Library.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
William Eugene Linneman
William Eugene Linneman, age 84, of Julesburg, Colorado, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011 in Greeley, Colorado.
William was born June 4, 1927 to Fred and Laura (Johnson) Linneman in Glasgow, Missouri.
Visitation for William will be Friday, June 17, 2011 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm at United Methodist Church, Julesburg, Colorado
Funeral Service will be Saturday, June 18, 2011 at 10:00 am at the United Methodist Church, Julesburg, Colorado with Pastor Joy Savage officiating.
Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery, Julesburg, Colorado.
Memorial Contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Julesburg, Colorado.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements
Oscar Frank Michael
Oscar Frank Michael, age 88, of Haxtun, Colorado, passed away Sunday, June 12, 2011 in Windsor, Colorado.
Oscar was born January 27, 1923 to George and Maude (Bjorklun) (beeyorklun) Michael in Haxtun, Colorado .
Visitation for Oscar will be Thursday, June 16, 2011 9:00 am – 7:00 pm at Gerk Funeral Home in Haxtun, Colorado.
Funeral Service will be Friday, June 17, 2011 at 10:00 am at the Fairfield Covenant Church, Fairfield, Colorado with Pastor Dean Patterson officiating.
Interment will follow in the Fairfield Cemetery, Fairfield, Colorado.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
George J. Newton
George J. Newton, age 93, of Holyoke, Colorado, passed away June 26, 2011 in Holyoke. George was born November 19, 1917 to George F. and Nellie (Jones) Newton in Regent, North Dakota.
George lived in North Dakota until he was 5 years old. He and his family moved to Alma Center Wisconsin where they had a family dairy farm. After graduating from Alma Center High School, he married Jean Ellen Comstock on June 10, 1944. He then started his own dairy in California and Colorado and in between managed dairies for others in these states. George was active on the dairy here in Holyoke until he retired.
George had been active in the Methodist Church in Wisconsin and California where he taught Sunday school and was also in the choir. He was a director for the Brown Swiss Breeder’s of California.
Surviving him are his wife Jean Newton, Sons Kenneth Newton and Richard Newton all of Holyoke.
Following George’s wishes there will be no services for him.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
George Rober Sr
George Rober Sr., age 97, of Holyoke, Colorado, passed away Saturday, June 4, 2011 in Holyoke.
Arrangements are pending.
Gerk Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
Craig Allan Sandstrom
Craig Allan Sandstrom, 60, was born November 4, 1950 in Bertrand, Nebraska to Bernard G. and Eileen (Kellogg) Sandstrom. He died peacefully at home on June 8, 2011 after a long battle with cancer.
Craig graduated in 1969 from Bertrand High School in Bertrand, NE and went on to get his Bachelor’s degree from Kearney State University in 1973. Having worked his way through college in different areas of construction, he moved to Colorado in 1973 and became a contractor. Craig joined Farmland/Nationwide Insurance in 1989 as a Loss Control Specialist and remained in their employ until disabled in 2010. During his years with Farmland, he completed many specialized certifications including his Associate in Risk management (ARM, ALMC).
He married Linda (Sherrill) Gray and together they raised three children; Robert Allan, Sherrill Irene, and Andrew Paul Sandstrom. Craig and Linda moved their family to Holyoke, CO in July, 1989 which allowed them to raise their children in a setting similar to Craig’s hometown.
Craig loved working on old VW’s and Ford pick-ups, spending time with his dogs Sadie and Izzie, building and rebuilding his house, playing basketball at 5am, and his family.
Craig is survived by his wife, Linda; sons, Bob Sandstrom and wife Kristen of Greeley, CO; Andrew Sandstrom of Gillette, WY; daughter, Sherrill Sandstrom of Denver, CO; sister, Sandi Swanson and husband Jim of Utica, NE; brothers, Barry Sandstrom and wife Judy of Grand Island, NE; Kent Sandstrom and wife Dorene of Kearney, NE; brother-in-law, Paul Sherrill and wife Dayle of Denver, CO; grandson, Canton Sandstrom of Greeley, CO and numerous beloved relatives
No Visitation cremation was chosen.
Memorial Service Monday, June 13, 2011, 2:00 pm, United Methodist Church, Holyoke, Colorado, with Pastor Paul Sung and Bryan Kroeger officiating.
Final Resting Place In The Arms Of His Loving Family
Cancer research was a big part of Craig’s life since 2004. Cancer research memorials can be made in Craig’s Memory to:
C.U. Foundation, Attn: Libby Printz
13001 E. 17th Place Mail Stop F434
Aurora, CO 80045
