[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-1]
[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-3]
[otw_is sidebar=otw-sidebar-2]

Archive for: Current

David L. Westling

featured image

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of David (Dave) L. Westling, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and son on June 18, 2023, at his home in Lincoln, where he was surrounded by his family.

Dave was born in Lincoln on February 6, 1954, to Albert and Betty (Richmond) Westling. The third of eight children, he decided to continue the tradition with a big family of his own, with five children – Josh (Carolina), Tori, Matt, Andie, and Abby. And eight grandchildren – Azcia’, Malik, Makhi, Peter, Quinn, Jack, Delaney, and Seamus.

Dave joined the US Army in 1971 and served until his honorable discharge in 1974. Shortly after returning home, Dave met the love of his life, Diane (Shanahan), and they were married on September 6, 1975.  After the military, Dave worked at BNSF for 40 years before leaving to do his favorite job he ever had – retirement in March 2014.

In his retirement, Dave made the best darn ribs you’d ever eat and cooked anything else you could want on his Green Egg, ensuring you’d never leave hungry. Dave enjoyed catching up on all the TV he’d missed over the years, practicing for his time to “come on down” on the Price is Right.

Dave is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Debbie, his brother Larry, and his brother-in-law Alan. Dave is survived by his brothers and sister, Ernie, Carol (Westling-Toman), Rick, Lonny (Anna), and Danny, as well as his wife, kids, and grandkids.

Dave is survived by his brothers and sister, Ernie, Carol (Westling-Toman), Rick, Lonny (Anna), Danny, his sister-in-law Michele, and his wife, kids, and grandkids.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 26, at 10 AM, at Fairview Cemetery. A celebration of life gathering will take place at The Isles Pub Social Hall, 6232 Havelock Ave Lincoln, NE 68507, following the graveside. Memorials to the family for future designation.

To leave a condolence please use the form below.



Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.

JoAnn C. Kottmeyer

featured image

Born on August 2, 1940.

Passed away on June 16, 2023.

JoAnn C. (Meyer) Kottmeyer was born August 2,1940 in Minden, Nebraska to Martha (Hubert) Meyer (1912 – 2004) and John W. Meyer (1910 – 2011). To this union two children were born, Roger H. (1938- ) and JoAnn. JoAnn was baptized, confirmed, and married at Fredericksburg Lutheran Church near Minden, Nebraska. She attended 1st grade at Minden Public School, 2nd grade at District 44 rural school, and grades 3 – 12 at Upland Public Schools. JoAnn graduated high school in 1958 as the Valedictorian of her class.

JoAnn’s childhood was very formative as she lived on the family farm and learned homemaking skills. She helped Martha in gardening, collecting the eggs, feeding the chickens, canning, washing clothes with a wringer washer, and learning to sew. Later, she began helping John and Roger in the fields on “her” tractor. JoAnn often spoke about her role in setting siphon tubes to irrigate the crops and going out to the fingered pasture to bring in the cows. JoAnn was active in 4-H where she showed dairy cows, competed in homemaking projects and sewing of all kinds. She was active in church, Luther League, volleyball, cheerleading, and various school activities.

After high school graduation, JoAnn attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she majored in Home Economics Education. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and always had very fond memories of her time in the KD house. While at UNL, JoAnn met Fredrick Kottmeyer at the University Lutheran Student Center.

JoAnn and Fred were married on June 16, 1963 at Fredericksburg Lutheran Church. To this union two sons were born, Jared Kottmeyer of Broken Bow, and Evan Kottmeyer of Lincoln. She enjoyed being a mother and watching her kids grow and participating in their childhood activities. Evan and his wife Jessica gave JoAnn three granddaughters, Kendra, Kera, and Kenly Jo. JoAnn loved her granddaughters, and used her home economics skills to make many special occasion dresses for them when they were little. The family always enjoyed a yearly vacation, but especially loved visiting places in Nebraska.

Following UNL graduation in January 1963, JoAnn began her teaching career in secondary vocational home economics and general sciences. During her years as a teacher, she taught at North Loup Scotia, Utica Public, Callaway, and Broken Bow. After her professional teaching career and raising her sons, she went to work with Fred at the dental practice until his retirement in 2005.

JoAnn was very active in the Broken Bow community for many years. She was involved in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Custer County Home Extension Club which later became her “lunch bunch”. JoAnn was also the Church Education Superintendent, president of the Vocational Homemaking Teachers Association and represented Nebraska at the 1968 national convention. JoAnn also represented Nebraska in the Lutheran Brotherhood organization as state president for several terms. While involved with Lutheran Brotherhood, they completed many service projects across the region while sharing God’s love and the gospel.

JoAnn loved The Lord, teaching people, and sharing her God given talents with them. Her later years were devoted to her family. When Fred passed in 2011, she focused on her home and being a companion to Jared who was there as her helper and caregiver. JoAnn was a devoted and faithful wife and mother who did so much for her family. She loved and cared for her husband and sons and honored her parents throughout their lives.

JoAnn was called to her heavenly home on June 16, 2023 at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 14 days. Victory is hers as she awaits Resurrection Day with the return of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

JoAnn is survived by her brother and lifelong friend, Roger (Betty) Meyer of Utica, NE. Son Jared Kottmeyer of Broken Bow, NE. Son Evan (Jessica) Kottmeyer of Lincoln, NE, and granddaughters Kendra Kottmeyer of Kansas City, MO, Kera (Peyton) Renard of South Royalton, VT, and Kenly Kottmeyer of Lincoln, NE, and you – a special relative or friend.

Services will be held on Friday June 23rd – 3:00pm at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – 741 S 9th, Broken Bow, NE, with a committal service on Saturday June 24th – 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church 944 HWY 14, Superior, NE.

The family has designated memorials to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Fredericksburg Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, and Salem Lutheran Cemetery Fund.

To leave a condolence please use the form below.



Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.

Ron L. Fox

featured image

Ronnie (Ron) LeRoy Fox passed away surrounded by family on June 3, 2023 at the age of 78. Ron was born in Geneva, Nebraska on June 30, 1944 to David and Phyllis (Caton) Fox.

The family moved to Lincoln where Ron graduated from Northeast High School in 1962 and Nebraska Wesleyan in 1966, with a degree in Business Administration. As a sophomore in high school Ron met Kay (Shuman), and the couple married on August 5th, 1967. They had two daughters, Heather and Kindra. As a family they spent many summers camping and traveling together. Ron and Kay enjoyed traveling to National Parks around the country with family and friends. Their devotion to each other was an inspiration.

Ron played sports in high school, college, and throughout his adult life. He was a letter winner and team captain on Nebraska Wesleyan’s football team. For forty years Ron participated in slow pitch softball as a player, coach, and league administrator. In 1967 his team won the inaugural Nebraska Men’s Slow Pitch State Championship. He was voted MVP of the 1971 State Tournament and in 2000 Ron was inducted into the Nebraska Softball Hall of Fame. Ron enjoyed officiating high school wrestling, playing pick-up basketball games, playing co-ed volleyball with Kay, and coaching and attending his daughter’s and granddaughter’s sporting events.

In January 1979 Ron started Fox Claims Service, Inc., where he worked as owner and operator for nearly forty years. He obtained his relator license and sold homes as a secondary source of income. Ron was good with numbers and conversing with people, which served him well in both endeavors.

Ron was as kind and humble as he was tall and strong. He could both literally and figuratively carry his family on his shoulders. Ron encouraged his children to treat others the way they wanted to be treated. He was patient and encouraging and always had a hug waiting for his loved ones. The past seventeen years Ron’s favorite pastime was spending time with his granddaughter with whom he shared a special bond. He lives on in the hearts of family and friends.

Ron is survived by his wife Kay, sister Mary Lou (Howard) Fosler, daughters Heather Fox and Kindra Fox, son-in-law Jeff Scheer, and granddaughter Ivy Fox-Hays.

A Celebration of Life will be held June 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. at St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Lincoln where he was a long-time member.

Donations will go to youth sports scholarships for underserved children and the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).

To leave a condolence please use the form below.



Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.

Lorie K. Sullivan

featured image

From Lincoln, Nebraska.

Born on May 5, 1961.

Passed away on May 18, 2023.

No service information at this time.

To leave a condolence please use the form below.



Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.