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Archive for: M

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.

Kevin Arnold McTaggart

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Kevin Arnold McTaggart, 67, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, February 12th, 2020, while surrounded by his loving family.

Kevin was born on February 29, 1952, in Brooklyn, N.Y., to Arnold Walter and Mary Rita (Premosch) McTaggart. He moved to Kansas City, Mo., with his family as a child. This is where he met his future wife, Sheri Maysent. They were married on June 18, 1972, in Kansas City.

He had a long career with Fleming Foods, which started in Kansas City and eventually took him to Topeka, Kan., where he and Sheri began their family, and then finally to Lincoln, Neb., where he lived for the remainder of his life.

Kevin is survived by his loving wife, Sheri, with whom he shared a wonderful marriage of 47 years. Together Kevin and Sheri created a close and loving family. He is also survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Shana and Michael Bailey; daughter, Tara Roberts and Adam Mickle; and daughter and son-in-law, Jenna and Ryan Kenney; and his eight grandchildren, Hadley and Sawyer Bailey, Bayleigh, Delaney and Rylee Roberts, and Harper, Conor and Maddox Kenney, as well as many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents and his brother, James McTaggart.

Kevin was a devoted family man, who loved to spend his time golfing and cheering for the Nebraska Huskers. He never missed an opportunity to crack a joke or to make someone laugh.  He was loved greatly by his family and will be deeply missed.

A private family memorial service will be held. Memorials may be given in Kevin’s memory to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to benefit research for Parkinson’s Plus Syndrome/Lewy Body Dementia.

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.

Arlene Ella Monnier

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Arlene Ella Monnier, age 67, died peacefully in her home, Thursday January 23, 2020.

Arlene was born May 13, 1952, to Leo and Emma (Buller) Monnier in York, Nebraska where she grew up.  She is survived by her two sisters, Elaine Monnier and Sharon (Don) Nunnenkamp;  her four nieces and nephews, Tracy (Lori) Nunnenkamp, Stacy (Perry) Siebert, Joshua Griffin, Kitra (Kian Dempsey) Monnier; six great-nieces and nephews, Kasey (Mitchell) Huebert, Kurtis Siebert, Kori Siebert, Emily, Zachary & Kaley Nunnenkamp; also many great-great nieces and nephews and cousins.

Arlene had a love for animals.  Over the years, she cared for squirrel monkeys, a small herd of Angora goats, African parrots, many parakeets, cockatiels, finches, and more.  She also cared for a potbellied pig, many dogs, cats and even a skunk.  She was always willing to help people and animals alike.

Arlene also had a passion for writing.  She had been a member of the Writers Guild and wrote numerous novels and screen plays.  She enjoyed science fiction and had a flair for details in her creative works.

Arlene enjoyed life with her animals and visits from family and friends.  Though she wasn’t outgoing, she was always up for a good debate over politics and never had a problem sharing her opinion.  She was friendly to everyone and would always greet you with a smile and inquire how you were.  Arlene was loved and will be missed…

A cremation memorial will be held for immediate family at a later date.

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.