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Archive for: Current

Virginia Mae Simonds

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Virginia Mae Randall was born May 12, 1930 in Ottumwa, Iowa, the daughter of Albert and Rowena (Hartley) Randall. Her father was a man of many talents; he could do about anything when he put his mind to it. She was the first of eleven children. When her dad began building their new home, she and her siblings shoveled dirt, mixed cement and carried cement blocks. Being the oldest, she had the responsibility of helping to take care of her siblings. She started work at the age of 14 to help support her brothers and sisters. In 1948 she went to Oak Park Academy in Nevada, Iowa, graduating in three years as valedictorian of her class. She attended Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska, graduating in 1955 with a Secretarial Science and Business degree with minor in religion, an Honorable Mention, and was in Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities. She accepted a bookkeeping position teaching typing and shorthand at Lodi Academy; Lodi, California. Virginia taught at Wisconsin Academy and Auburn Academy, Auburn, Washington.

In the years we have lived in Lincoln, She was privileged to teach at Union College, serve as registrar at College View Academy, secretary to the Dean of Union College, accountant for Marlyn Schwartz when he was building townhouses in Lincoln, and many years at Christian Record Services in the Field and Accounting departments … finally retiring in 1998.

Virginia is survived by her husband of 62 years, Charlie; son Chuck Simonds and his wife Cheryl; of Eagle, Nebraska; sister, Alice Bower of Lincoln, Nebraska; and sister-in-law Bonnie Randall of Ottumwa, Iowa; sister, Donna Shepard of Ottumwa, Iowa; sister, Susie Dick and husband, Doyle, of Colorado; sister, Ann Newcomb and husband, Joe, of Tennessee; sister, Marilyn Southam of Chico, California; brother, Jerry Randall of Ottumwa, Iowa; brother, Clancy Randall and wife, Janice, of Ottumwa, Iowa. Many nephews and nieces.

She was preceded in death by her baby brother, Donnie of Ottumwa, Iowa; parents, Albert and Rowena Randall of Ottumwa, Iowa; sister, Kathy Stewart of Eddyville, Iowa; brother, John Randall of Ottumwa, Iowa; brother Jimmy Randall of Ottumwa, Iowa; sister-in-law Veda, wife of brother John; sister-in-law, Diane, wife of brother, Jerry Randall; Ottumwa, Iowa; daughter, Deanna (Dena) Simonds, Bennet, NE.

Virginia was a member of the College View Seventh-Day Adventist Church; Lincoln, Nebraska.

My life has been blessed by so many friends and family, I’ve had a full life of 93 years. God has been so patient. I am looking forward to seeing Him and thanking Him in person for SUCH LOVE.

Memorial Service on Sabbath, March 30, 2024 at 4:00 p.m. at College View Seventh-Day Adventist Church; 4801 Prescott Ave., Lincoln NE, 68506.

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.

“Stan” Stanley A. Hogle

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Born on June 9, 1938.

Passed away on January 29, 2024.

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.

Daniel E. Pratt

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Daniel Edward Pratt, 68, entered eternal rest after a long battle with cancer on August 31, 2023.

Dan was born on March 22, 1955 to Edward and Mary Alice Pratt of Lincoln, NE. Dan grew up in the Sacred Heart Parish. Growing up, the Pratt house was right by the church and had many visitors stay for evening meals and Sunday visits. Dan and some of his close friends, were the first guitarist to play for mass at Sacred Heart Church. During High School Dan enjoyed Cross Country and always seemed to end up helping his mother with some of her volunteer projects. Dan graduated from Pius X high school in 1974. In his freetime he also enjoyed speed roller skating and dirt track racing at midwest speedway and eagle raceway.

In 1983 Dan became a father to Casey Lynn and again in 1986 to Carson Elliot. Dan was married to Roxanne (Behling) Pratt on April 19, 1997. They were married for a wonderful 26 years. Dan retired from Pfizer in 2008 here he was a Maintenance Mechanic and worked in many areas there.

Dan always enjoyed playing guitar and was in many bands over the years. Dan played at many places like Little Bo’s and The Zoo Bar along with many other places and towns. Dan was a part of the worship team at Calvary Community Church for many years, until he was called to be involved in prison ministry at the Northern Lighthouse Church. Dan helped assist in running the Charity Autos Program for over 16 years, where he was able to use his mechanical and spiritual talents to help reach others as well as give back to the community. Dan always had the need to play as a part of the worship team at the Northern Lighthouse Church and rarely missed a Sunday even when taking chemo and radiation treatments. Dan was always determined to live life to his fullest and would not let the cancer hold him back. Dan was always known to share a few jokes with the nurses, staff and would always end the conversation with a heartfelt “God Bless you”.  Dan’s biggest belief during chemo and radiation treatments was “This is in God’s hands, I don’t know why everyone is so worried”. Dan’s Faith in God was always big and he trusted that God was bigger than any of the mountains set in front of him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edward and Mary Alice Pratt, father in law Bill Behling, Sister’s Mary Ann (Pratt) Tibbs and, Linda Pratt, brother Steven Pratt, cousin Judy and Dean Burcham, sister in law Mary Pratt.

He is survived by, Wife Roxie (Behling) Pratt, Daughter Casey Pratt, Son Carson Pratt. Brother’s Mike Pratt, Larry Pratt, and Tim (Becky) Pratt, Mother in Law Marlene Behling, Brother in law Ron (Kim) Behling, Sister in Law Shelly (Wayne) Nielsen, nieces and nephews  Deadra Gill and son, Rosie Evans and Family, Ben Pratt and daughters, Mike Pratt, Charles (Kasi) Tibbs and family, Hallie Tibbs and family, Nicole Childers and family. Tyler Pratt and family, Shayna Pratt and Madi Pratt, Cody Behling, Ray (Kaylyn) Behling and daughters, Heather Behling and son, Micheal Behling, Autumn Behling, Austin (Michela) Nielsen, Sam Nielsen.

Dan was a father figure to Caralea Strayer, Kalieb Riley , Daniel Jurgens, Chelsie Brokaw, Katelyn Theye, Craighten Brethour, Stevie Brethour, and to many others.

Memorial Service will be held Friday, September 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Community Church; 4400 N. 1st Street in Lincoln, NE. In honor of Dan Pratt, please come with your favorite band or music shirt and jeans or jean shorts!

Memorials may be directed to the Pratt family at this time. They may be mailed to the Northern Lighthouse Church in C/O Roxie Pratt at 6141 N. 14th Street Lincoln, NE 68521.

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.

Joan M. Burt

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Joan M. Burt, 83, was born on July 22, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois, and died on June 29, 2023, in Lincoln, Nebraska.

During her childhood years, her family moved often and lived in numerous places including Kimball, Nebraska; Cheyenne and Laramie, Wyoming; Peetz, Colorado; Hornell, New York; and Kimball and Sidney, Nebraska.

Early in her life Joan placed her trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for her salvation and walked out that path throughout her life.

Joan graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1957 where she participated in Future Nurses of America and also sang for the First Assembly of God Church and other functions. She then attended Bible college for two years, first at Central Bible College (now Evangel University) in Springfield, Missouri and then at Southern California College (now Vanguard University) in Costa Mesa, California. While studying in Missouri, Joan was a member of the highly acclaimed Revivaltime Choir and performed under the direction of Vocal Conductor Cyril A. McLellan. Joan toured the United States and Canada as well as participating in national weekly radio broadcasts. Each broadcast opened with a rousing, “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name” sung by the choir. Up until the very end of her life, Joan’s voice never failed her and she took great joy in singing along with Gospel songs and hymns.

Joan married Ben M. Burt on April 28, 1962. They made their home in Bushnell, Nebraska. They had two children, Rebecca and Benjamin, Jr. The primary focus of their marital life was family, providing a comfortable home and making sure that their children pursued higher education.

Joan was an active community participant, volunteering at many community events and serving on the school board. Joan and a friend ran a coffee shop in Bushnell and Joan made the best cinnamon rolls in Kimball County. Joan later worked in Kimball and served as Deputy County Clerk for nearly 20 years.

Joan enjoyed reading, listening to music, planting flowers each summer, baking, sewing, and canning. Joan greatly enjoyed singing throughout her entire life, including in her final days on earth. Joan was a member of the Moon Beams extension club and greatly enjoyed her friendships with many ladies of Bushnell and the surrounding farming communities.

Joan and Ben attended the Pine Bluffs Baptist Church and then later the Evangelical Free Church in Kimball, Nebraska which they helped start. The family enjoyed vacation trips to South Dakota, Colorado, and Wyoming. Joan met and befriended almost all of Ben’s family before meeting him, so her affection ran deep on both sides of her family.

After Ben’s death in 1998, Joan moved to Beatrice, Nebraska where she was employed at Southeast Community College until her retirement at age 75. During this time, Joan greatly enjoyed the Beatrice Public Library and was awarded the Friend of the Library award. Upon retirement, she moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where she attended and volunteered at Lincoln Berean Church, and also volunteer at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals. Joan was especially fond of her YAH (Young at Heart) Sunday School class friends and a close group of lady friends from church.

In her later years, Joan enjoyed leisure travel, especially to Athena, Oregon to see her sister Susan, niece Mariah, and the rest of the family. Joan enjoyed spending time with her great-nieces and great-nephews, including the times they walked around town, to the city park, and having hot chocolate. Joan enjoyed riding in the old green pickup that Rob built.

In her later years, Joan lived with her son Benjamin and enjoyed their daily visits, coffee, and singing gospel songs. She enjoyed visits from Rebecca and Teresa and sharing meals together. As Joan aged, her love for simple pleasures and most especially for worshiping the Lord only intensified. Joan was always known for being a willing volunteer, for being a good and kind neighbor, and for her generosity. Her Norwegian Christmas cookie boxes were legendary.

Joan is survived by daughter Rebecca and her wife Teresa, and by her son Benjamin. Joan is also survived by her cherished sister Susan Peterson and husband Earl (Monty), niece Mariah Bates and husband Rob, and their children Hannah, Joey, Aiden, and Brooklyn. Joan is survived by her dear cousins David Evensen and partner Robin of Sacramento, California and Barb Lansky of Deerfield, Illinois. Joan is also survived by a brother, Robert Evensen and wife Barb, of Kimball, Nebraska.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband Ben Burt, father Stanley Evensen, and mother Grace Evensen.

The family wishes to express their profound gratitude to: the Paramedics, Emergency Medical Technicians, and Firefighters of Lincoln Fire and R escue; the nurses and physicians of Bryan West Emergency Department; Alesha Scott, DO, orthopedic trauma surgeon; the nurses and aides/techs of Bryan West Fourth Floor Orthopedics; the physicians, PA-Cs, and NPs of Inpatient Physician Associates; Chaplain Mark and the nurses and aides/techs of St. Croix Hospice and Holmes Lake Rehabilitation and Care Center; and a most special word of appreciation to Mom’s family physician Eric M. Johnson, MD for his compassionate medical care.

“Whatever you do, do it all for the Glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31. This was a favorite verse of Joan’s, and it adorned the largest wall of her home. She lived by this adage, which the family shares her in loving memory. For anyone wishing to honor Joan, the family requests no cash or other gifts be extended to them. Rather, we would love for you to please bless the three local charities close to Joan’s heart which she regularly supported (click on name to be taken directly to donate link): People’s City Mission;  Matt Talbot Community Kitchen & Outreach Center; Friendship Home.

He The Pearly Gates Will Open / Han Skal Åpne Perleporte
English:

Love divine, so great and wondrous,

Deep and mighty, pure, sublime,

Coming from the heart of Jesus,

Just the same through tests of time!

(Chorus)

He the pearly gates will open,

So that I may enter in;

For He purchased my redemption

And forgave me all my sin.

Norwegian / Norsk

Som en herlig guddom skilde,

mektig dyp og rik og stor,

er den kjærlighet og

nåde som i Jesu hjerte

bor.

(Chorus)

Han skal åpne

perleporten så at jeg får

komme inn,

for med blodet har han frelst

meg og bevaret meg som sin.

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.

Michael Harmon

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Michael Harmon passed away in his sleep on Father’s Day, June 18, 2023 at the age of 75 during a church bus trip to see the Ark and Creation Museum in Kentucky. After lengthy health issues, he is now at peace in heaven. During his Air Force tenure, he was stationed in Hawaii and Omaha, NE. He loved hunting, fishing, and enjoyed cooking, especially barbeque. Mike is survived by his wife Cynthia (Hurtley) Harmon, and children Henry Bryan Harmon, Christopher Lee Harmon, Sara Lee Harmon, and Michael James Harmon, and ten awesome grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his mother Jean Harmon, father Hank Beecher Harmon, and brother Lee Harmon.

A Memorial Service will be held on July 1, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Calvary Community Church, 4400 NW 1st Street, Lincoln, NE. A graveside service will not be held. Cards and flower arrangements can be sent to the church.

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.