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Archive for: M

Donna Lee Marchand

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May 5th, 1946 – April 7th, 2020

Donna spent most of her life residing in Lincoln, Nebraska where she raised her family. She was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many. She had a strong will to nurture and was very accepting of others. She opened her heart and her home to anyone who needed it, and welcomed them as family. Some of her favorite things to do included camping, gardening, watching Husker football and Nascar racing, as well as celebrating the holidays and birthdays with those she loved. In her free time she enjoyed crafting, sewing, and crocheting. 

Donna was determined, and very hard working. She enjoyed collecting keepsakes that represented her native american heritage, of which she was very proud. She was a woman of many hobbies, but more than anything she loved spending time with her family and making memories. She especially cherished her five great-grandchildren. They were her pride and joy!

She is survived by her sons Thomas Marchand (Tonya Pierce) and Timmy Marchand (Kelly Porter) both of Lincoln; her daughter Tammy Marchand of Lincoln; grandchildren Amber Marchand (Manuel Morales), Ashley Marchand, TaLissa Payne (Jeremy ‘Doc’ Maher), Anissa Payne, Aaron Marchand, Brittany Marchand (Chris King), Alexas Marchand and Khia Payne all of Lincoln; great grandchildren Hayden Marchand, HayLee Murdock, KayLeigh King, Braxton King, and Jaxon Maher all of Lincoln; sisters Alice Jones of Lincoln, Wanda Olsen of Colorado, Gale Roberts of Sargent, Trudy Buchanan of Lincoln, and Judy Voight of Wymore.

Preceded in death by parents Norman and Edyth (Scott) Truax; sons Gerry and Terry Marchand; brother Norman (Butch) Truax; sisters Lavonne Hrdlicka and Janet Krafka.

Due to current public health concerns, funeral arrangements have not yet been made. The family plans on hosting a Celebration of Life at a later date – details are yet to come.

In the meantime, if you wish to send condolences via cards, flowers, etc. please mail to 1611 Whittier Street, Lincoln, NE 68503.

For condolences, please fill out 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.

Amy Lynn Macku

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Born October 3, 1975.
Passed away on March 18, 2020.

Amy, our loving grandmother, mother, daughter, sister, aunt passed away on March 18, 2020, surrounded by her family. Amy was born in Gothenburg, Nebraska. She was the second of four children. Amy was raised and lived in Nebraska all of her life. She settled in Lincoln to raise her family.

She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Angelia Lane and grandson Camden, her son Dustin Lane, her parents Randall Macku and Lorraine Pacha, her sister Tresa Cox and husband Lloyd, her sister Lisa Fernandez and husband Luis, her brother RJ Macku and wife Stacy, her nieces Vanessa Cox, Olivia Rodriguez, Skyler and Sidney Macku , her nephews Oscar Rodriguez, Orlando Fernandez and her great niece Briar. As well a host of extended family and friends.

Cremation with a Celebration of Life ceremony to be held at a later date.

Memorials to the family for future designation. Please mail to Aspen Cremation Services at 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504.

For condolences, fill out 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.

The Rev. Dr. William Wallace McDermet, III

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Feb 21, 1936—March 3, 2020, Woodlands at Hillcrest, Lincoln. Bill was born to William McDermet and Grace Eleta Lowe at York and lived in Lincoln for 21 years, graduating from Lincoln High. As a very shy freshman he entered Nebraska Wesleyan, feeling that he knew no one. He pledged Theta Chi Fraternity and friendships increased, some of which exist today. He earned the “Most improved scholarship” award the next year at his fraternity, graduating from Wesleyan in 1957. He always felt that his four years at Wesleyan were top-notch.  O and X look like the Greek letters for Theta Chi on his baseball cap.  So to church youth groups he became Pastor “OX.”  Later he became “Grandpa OX” to the grandchildren.

OX and Sheral Adene Yates were married on August 24, 1957 at the Bethany Christian church and then departed for Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University, from which he received a Bachelor of Divinity degree in 1960. He also received a Doctor of Ministry degree with Theta Phi scholarship honors in 1977 at Christian Theological Seminary, Indianapolis.

He was a serious advocate for world peace and justice, often speaking out against racism, war and other forms of violence.  He served churches at United Christian and Baptist (Kalona, Iowa) Blue Ridge Blvd (Independence, MO), First Christian (McPherson, KS) and 14 years at Downey Ave Christian Church (Indianapolis, IN). He served in numerous interim church positions when they owned the Mason House Inn B&B, Bentonsport, IA in retirement, where they also made more lasting friendships. He was also a Husker and St. Louis Cardinals fan and although dementia later robbed him of speech he was always an avid coach of the games on TV.

He is survived by his wife Sheral and four children: Stephanie (Chuck) Malancuk, Melanie McDermet (Jeff Foster), Kimberly McDermet, and William (Marie) McDermet IV. Four grandchildren: Brian Malancuk, Kori McDermet, Clare McDermet and Julia McDermet. Four great grandchildren: Sami, Tobi, Leon and Sylvi Malancuk. Brothers Stewart (Kristen) McDermet, Staley (Mary Beth) McDermet, brother-in-law Alan (Susan) Yates, nieces-in-law: Kristin Yates and Christina Falci.

A celebration of Life and burial of cremains will be held later this spring.

Memorials to: the Nebraska Alzheimer’s Assoc, Theta Chi Scholarship fund at Nebraska Wesleyan, or Chautauqua Disciples’ of Christ, Box 1019, Chautauqua, NY 14722.

Condolences may be posted using 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.

Sylvester Merritt

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Sylvester Merritt, age 72 passed away on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at his home in Lincoln, Nebraska with his family. He was born on May 10, 1947 in Omaha, Nebraska to James and Lonnie Merritt. He met the love of his life, his best friend and wife, Kimberly Dean in 1979. They recently celebrated 21 years of a beautiful union.

Sylvester Merritt (Vetta) loved to spend time with his family and friends. He is the true definition of a great father, husband and friend. He is known for always putting his Family First. He had a special place in his heart for his 11 grandchildren; Takasia, Dyrece Jr., Armon’e, Andreas, De’Marrio, Jimmiah, Zy’Yiah, Kiyan, Jaia, Dallas and Jaxson. He loved to watch football and basketball with his friends. He loved fishing, cooking, BBQ’ing, humming and whistling some of his favorite tunes.

Preceded in death by: Parents-James and Lonnie Merritt. Father and mother in-law-Dennis and Nancy Dean. Son-Dyrece Knaff. Sisters-Delores DeBerry and Casia Perry. Niece-Crystal Perry.

Survivors include: Wife-Kim, Children-Amber Dean (Diego), Brittany Hill (Steven), Sylvester Dean, Kyra Burton, Clayton Dean (Nichole) and Alishia Dean (Dominic). Siblings-Lawrence Parker, Jacquelyn Conway (Donald), Romona Merritt-Berry and Andre Merritt (Elouise).

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday February 29, 2020 from 2:00pm-5:00pm at The Salvation Army, 2625 Potter Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68503.

All deliveries and donations can be taken to Salvation Army the day of the celebration.

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.

Lester Leroy Miller

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Lester LeRoy Miller, 66, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away on February 20, 2020 from his battle with Cancer.

Lester was preceded in death by his parents: Alva & Anna Miller.

Lester is survived by his siblings & their spouses: Maryann & Jim Shaw, Leo & Dee Miller, Ray Miller, Larry Miller & Beth Kurpgeweit, Jean & Aaron Schoeneman, & Bobby Miller; His children & their spouses: Jerry & Stacy Schmeiser, Jason & Tabitha Miller, Christopher, & Elizabeth; His grandchildren: Kylie, Brandon, Alexandra, Jessica, Nathan, & Megan; His great-grandchildren: Audrinna, Lilly, Landon, Nathaniel, & Liam; His ex-wife Patricia Miller. Numerous family & friends.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at Trackside Bar, 13901 Guildford St # H, Waverly, NE 68462 from 2pm – 4pm.

For anyone that cannot attend, flowers, cards & memorial donations can be sent to Aspen Cremation Service, 4822 Cleveland Ave., Lincoln, NE 68504.

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.