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Archive for: H

Paul Ellis Holdaway

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June 3, 1942 – June 13, 2024

Paul Holdaway, a man of the land and a craftsman of the highest order, was born into the simplicity and strength of a dairy farm in Vineyard, Utah. His roots ran as deep as the values he carried throughout his life: integrity, dedication, and a quiet fortitude that defined his very essence.

In 1967, Paul ventured west to Santa Clara, California, and soon after, made his home in Santa Cruz, where the splendor and strength of the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains met the beauty and depth of the Pacific Ocean, echoing the depth of his character. A cabinet maker by trade, his hands shaped more than wood; they built a legacy of resilience and beauty that stood the test of time until his retirement in 1997. Upon retirement he became a familiar face of the Seacliff Beach flats area, often found immersed in one of his many books or strolling along the trails, taking in the scenic splendor of Monterey Bay.

Paul was the embodiment of the “Strong Silent” type, a pillar of reliability whose work ethic was relentless. His love for his family was his guiding force, never missing a chance to support his children and grandkids in all their endeavors – he never missed a school activity or sporting event and was always willing to help others in need whenever he could.

Preceded in death by his beloved wife, Carole Pagan Holdaway; his mother, Clista and his father, Ellis D. Holdaway; his son, Gregory Paul Holdaway; his brother, Kay Holdaway; and his sister, Lorna (Holdaway) Bevan, Paul’s memory is cherished and kept alive by those he leaves behind.

He is survived by his son Daric Holdaway and his wife Lisa, and grandson Benjamin Paul Holdaway; his son Damon Holdaway and granddaughters Emerald (Holdaway) Marston and Jasmine Dean; Jill Bridgeman Weiss, whom he welcomed as a daughter from an early age, and her son’s Cody and Logan who dubbed him “Grumpo” due to his stoic nature.

His brothers Sherm Holdaway (and wife Kathy) and Ned Holdaway (and wife Suzan); his sisters Marilyn (Holdaway) Leetham and Nan Holdaway; and a loving assembly of cousins, nephews, nieces, and friends also mourn his passing.

In 2022, Paul found serenity in Lincoln, Nebraska, with his son Daric, daughter-in-law Lisa, and grandson Ben, embracing the joy of his final days.

Paul departed this world peacefully at home on June 13, 2024, surrounded by his family. Paul lived a simple and humble life, and he requested that no services be held.

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.

Margaret L. Hilsabeck

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Margaret L. Hilsabeck passed away peacefully on May 31, 2024 in Lincoln, NE. She was born March 3, 1925 in West Suburban Hospital, Oak Park, IL to Anthony and Marie Straub. She graduated from Beatrice High School in 1943 and Chicago College of Laboratory Technology in 1946. She worked at Abbott Laboratories, United Airlines Medical Department, and Great Lakes Naval Hospital in Chicago. She was united in marriage to D. Bruce Hilsabeck in 1950 at Chicago Methodist Temple. Bruce and Margaret made their home in Holdrege, NE and were married for 61 years. While raising their children Margaret continued to work in the medical field at Brewster Hospital and Clinic. She also was owner of 4th Avenue Gallery where she enjoyed visiting with customers. They moved to Lincoln in 2005 to be close to family.

Bruce preceded Margaret in death on April 28, 2011.

Margaret is survived by children, David (Cindy) Hilsabeck, Lincoln, NE, Lynn Hilsabeck Roh M.D., Leawood, KS, Mark (Kim) Hilsabeck, Maui, HI, 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.

Inurnment will be at Prairie Home Cemetery at a future date.

Memorials may be made to Nebraska Prairie Museum or Bruce Hilsabeck Memorial Scholarship at Phelps County Community Foundation.

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.

Richard E. Hyde

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Richard E. Hyde (a.k.a Wizard), 71 of Palmyra Nebraska, lost his battle with Parkinson’s Disease on May 28, 2024 at home, with his devoted wife by his side.

Richard was born in Sacramento, CA on November 26, 1952, to Kay (Marie Adams) and James Hyde.  He attended Rainier High school and graduated in 1970.  From there, Richard enlisted in the US Army, where he proudly served our country for 4 years.

Upon discharge, Richard entered the civilian life where he made a career of being a tool and die machinist.  His love of tinkering with machines and his love of helping others collided and he could always be found helping a friend with one project or another.

Richard was the type of man to always bring a smile to someone’s face and always willing to lend a hand.  He put on countless outdoor movie nights for the neighborhood to enjoy.  He spent hours at the roller rink; skating with his friends and his grandchildren.  He found joy volunteering as a Cub Scout Master and taking his family on camping trips.  He had a particular passion for motorcycles, one that could be rivaled by none. In 1981 he and a group of three friends started the tradition of camping out on Memorial Day weekend.  Each year the group grew and is now known as the Run For Fun; an annual camp out to support Narcotic’s Anonymous, gathering nearly a thousand people in fellowship and support each year.  Though this endeavor, Richard helped numerous people on their path to sobriety and that legacy will live on through the Run.

Though his selflessness, strength, and love, Richard left this world a much better place than he found it.  He will not only live on in his family and friends but the countless lives he touched and helped on his time here on Earth.  There are not enough words in the English language to adequately express how many lives he touched and the profound impact he had on those around him.  Anyone who had the honor to get to know Richard is all the better for the experience.  In his last days he was surrounded by swarms of people who loved him dearly.  The sheer number of people being a true testament to a life well lived.

He was preceded by his father, James Hyde and a sister Marie Hyde.

Richard is survived by his loving wife of nearly 40 years, Beth, his three sons, Kendall Bliss, Nick (Steven) Bliss and Robert Hyde, his brothers Leslie and Dennis Hyde, his mother Kay (Marie) Butler, thirteen grandchildren: Ethan, Ashley, Logan, Andrew, Kaitlyn, Caleb, Michael, Kaleb, Nolyn, Lukas, Abigail, Elliot, and Lillian, and seven great-grandchildren.  His face was never so lit up as when he was around one of the children.  His life was further enhanced by countless friends, too many to mention, and family  that held a special place in Richard’s heart and are forever grateful for his contribution to our lives.

A Celebration of Life will be June 15 at Palmyra Park at 1:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, please make donations in Richard’s honor to Tabitha Hospice.  Help Richard live on by helping others the way he always did and continue to spread his light and love.

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.

Dr. Allen Ray Hohensee

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Allen Ray Hohensee died 5/24/24, surrounded by his family, after 10 years with Myelodysplastic Syndrome.

Al was born on July 15, 1942 to Emma (Kolar) and Clarence Hohensee in a Lincoln home near 21st and O. He attended Capitol grade school then Everett Jr. High. He actively participated in varsity football and basketball at Southeast High School, graduating in 1961.

Al had jobs at a fast food restaurant and Smiley’s Conoco during high school and had planned on continuing them until a friend persuaded him to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, for no reason other than it seemed like it was what everyone else was doing. He loved college, graduating in 1965, then working as a Graduate Assistant doing research on chicken chromosomes. This led to medical school at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

Toward the end of his medical training, Al undertook a preceptorship alongside Dr. Lee at Bryan Hospital. After graduating medical school in 1969, he practiced family medicine with Drs. Harley and Schwenke, followed by 8 years of emergency medicine at Bryan Hospital, 12 years in internal medicine at the VA, and another 12 years in reviewing disability claims for the Federal Government.

During his medical preceptorship at Bryan, fate intervened with a serendipitous meeting with a med tech student Susan Russell, which he fondly recalled as “The best day of my life.” They were married on May 24, 1969. Al, an instrument-rated pilot, and Sue found joy in soaring through the skies together in a small 7770 Piper airplane. They loved spending time on their land, planting thousands of trees. Avid Husker fans, they regularly cheered on the volleyball team from the front row. Al was a financial whiz and was always keeping busy trying to surpass the performance of the S&P 500.

Al is survived by his adoring wife of 55 years, Susan, of Lincoln; his children Dr. Samantha Mack (Bryan) of Denver, Russell (Catherine) of Vail, Colorado; his grandchildren Savannah (8), and twins Claire & Hudson (6) of Denver; his brother Jack (Sheryl) of Omaha; sister-in-law Sally Russell of Cataldo, Idaho; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence & Emma Hohensee, Susan’s parents, Bill & Betty Russell, and sisters Darlene Holbert & Gladys Purcell.

He recently said “I had a really good life. My only regret is leaving Susan….”

In lieu of flowers, please send a personal note to Susan letting her know your memories of Al.

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.

Vaughn W. Henry

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From Lincoln, Nebraska.

Born on November 20, 1943.

Passed away on April 20, 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.