Avis “Maxine” Ensminger
Avis “Maxine” Ensminger peacefully passed away surrounded by family and friends on February 14, 2024 after a long battle with End Stage Renal Disease, she was 87. Born September 9, 1936 to Chuck and Illabell Snyder in Springview, Nebraska. Maxine, as she preferred to be called, was most proud of her very large family, often exclaiming “The more the merrier” upon learning of a new baby on the way. She is survived by daughter Joette Hartshorn(Jeff), son Mike Larsen(Tammy), son Todd Larsen(Vicki), son Tom Larsen, daughter Michelle Larsen(Ryan Doak), daughter Brenda Ensminger(John Beard), 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, nieces, nephews, cousins and many who called her friend. Maxine absolutely loved going to any casino she could get to, penny slots were her favorite. She enjoyed watching and wagering on thoroughbred horse racing and football, playing bingo and lottery scratch cards. She also looked forward each year to joining the members of the SMART-TD Union in the Labor Day parade tossing beads and candy to the many spectators. Maxine was preceded in death by parents Chuck and Illabell Snyder, husband Bill Ensminger, brother Jack Snyder, daughter Denise Sanders, son Corey Larsen and dear close family friend Isabell McMullin. In accordance with Maxine’s wishes cremation has taken place and a celebration of life will be held at a later date. She also requested in lieu of memorials you spend the money on your families and remember her with a smile. 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.
Robert E. “Mohawk – Bobby” Machacek
August 23, 1933 – February 14, 2024 Robert E. Machacek of Crete, Nebraska, passed away peacefully at his home on February 14, 2024 after a short stay with hospice. He was born to Joseph F. Machacek and Blanche (Vilda) Machacek of Crete, Nebraska. Bob was an only child. In 1956, Bob started to work for Lincoln Inspection Service and he continued to work as a Licensed Grain Inspector on a contractual basis at Bunge Mills until his death in 2024. He was honored with the Longest Active Licensed Grain Inspector award, for his 68 years of service. Bob served in the Air National Guard from 1950-1957. He was a Master Mason member in the Masonic Lodge in Crete, Nebraska. He was a member of Seostris Shriners in Lincoln, Nebraska and a Lifetime member FOE #3909 in Crete, Nebraska. Bob enjoyed traveling, fishing, hunting, playing pitch, reading, playing bingo, gardening, cooking, baking, watching westerns, and college football. He is survived by fiancée and partner Joyce A. Richtarik and her children Rhonda Greder, Rania Hagemeier, Jackie Hepburn, Tammy Wenz (Jeff), Randy Richtarik (Britain) and several grandchildren and great grandchildren, stepson Carl Folkerts (Deanna) and grandchildren Amy, Cassandra, and Carl Jr. He was preceded in death by Joseph F. Machacek, Blanche (Vilda) Machacek. He married LaRene Machacek (Strauss); she preceded him in death on March 27, 2007. Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday March 9, 2024 anytime from 1 PM – 5 PM at the Crete Eagles Club, 132 W. 12th Street, Crete, NE 68333. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to FOE #3909, 132 W. 12th Street, Crete NE 68333 or send to Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504 in care of the Machacek family. Special thanks to Horizon Hospice for their excellent care and support, and to the Palliative Care team. 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 Thomas Rudd
(1944-2024) It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of Michael Thomas Rudd of Lincoln, Nebraska, who passed away peacefully on February 12, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska with his family by his side. He was 79 years of age. Michael was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Frank Rudd and Albina (Stamm) Rudd. Michael grew up in Cleveland, OH with his parents and four siblings. As a young boy, he started his strong work ethic by delivering newspapers as a paperboy for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He attended Cathedral Latin High School where he played football and was a diver on the swim team. In the years following graduation, Michael attended the University of Nebraska Lincoln on a football scholarship and played for the Cornhuskers during the 1962-1966 seasons. During his time at the University as an undergraduate, Michael joined the ROTC. Michael continued on with his studies and earned his Juris Doctorate Degree in Law from the University of Nebraska College of Law. While at the University Michael met and later married the love of his life, Jodene Robinson. Following college, Michael went on to serve in the United States Army as a Captain and attended JAG School in Charlottesville, Virginia. Michael’s first duty station as a JAG Officer was at FT. Eustis, Newport News, Virginia. He was stationed on several U.S. bases during his military service. Michael also served overseas in Nuremberg, Germany, along with his family, for three years. During their time in Germany, Michael and his family were able to travel throughout Europe experiencing lasting memories and making lifelong friends. Upon returning to the states, Michael went on to Washington D.C., to study at George Washington University and Walter Reed Medical Center to complete his degree in Forensic Medicine. From there, he continued his service, moving the family to Augusta, Georgia, where he practiced law representing U.S. soldiers in the southern United States. Michael and Jody returned to Lincoln, NE where they continued to raise their family. They were dedicated to each other in marriage for over 56 years. Michael and Jody were blessed with seven children: Mark, Lisa, Michael, John, David, Christina, and Andrew. Michael was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather. The stories of his love and support of his family are abundant. Michael was one of a kind, with a passion for living life and living it to the fullest. He had a contagious personality filled with fun, laughter, and genuine kindness to all that crossed his path. He could be heard from blocks away, sitting in the stands and cheering on his children at their ball games. He was a proud father, not only supporting his children, but also their friends throughout the many years. Michael believed strongly in giving back to the community; he was dedicated to giving blood at the Nebraska Community Blood Bank, giving his time to others when needed, supporting the military and local veterans, sharing his faith and love for God, and genuinely bringing daily joy and laughter to all those around him. He had a passion for cars, traveling, and having large cookouts with family. Michael especially cherished the holidays with the family all together. One of his favorite past times was walking on the beach at Lido Key in Sarasota, Florida and watching the sunset. Michael’s commitment and love for his wife, children and grandchildren will be felt for generations to come. Michael is survived by his loving wife, Jody Rudd. Children; Mark and Dawn Rudd, Lisa Rudd, Michael and Aimee Rudd, John and Tricia Rudd, David Rudd, Christina and Dan Rezabek, Andrew and Megan Rudd. Grandchildren; Ashley and Paul Hoebelheinrich, Amanda and Tucker Hochstein, Emmabella Rudd, Evan Rudd, Ava Rudd, Addyson Rudd, Lilly Rudd, Olivia Rudd, Wells Rudd. Sister and Brother-in-law; Ann (Rudd) and Leon Robison. Michael is preceded in death by his parents; Frank and Albina Rudd, sisters; Frances Rudd Owen, Helen Rudd Samolis, brother; Edward Rudd. A Funeral Mass is planned at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Boulevard, Lincoln, NE. Funeral Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22nd, 2024. Memorials to be designated to the Rudd family, in care of Jody Rudd. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. 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.
Ivan Wayne Pettit
Born on March 21, 1937. Passed away on February 9, 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.
Kathleen Kay King
Kathleen Kay King, also known as Kathy, passed away on February 4, 2024 at the age of 74 in Lincoln, Ne. Formerly of Minden, NE. She was born on January 27, 1950, in Deshler, Ne. Kathleen was a very loving, kind and generous soul, who loved her family and friends. She was a hard working individual who took pride in her responsibilities, whether it was cleaning the house, cooking for her family, or excelling in her job. Kathleen had a special fondness for animals and always had a cat and a dog in her care, considering them her babies. Kathleen’s educational journey led her to Hastings High School, throughout her career, she worked at various institutions, including Hastings Regional Center, Minden Hospital, Bethany Home Of Minden, and Mosiac in Axtell, Ne. In terms of Worship, she attended Zion Lutheren in Hastings, Ne. until she moved to Minden in 1979, where she became a member of the United Methodist Church. Her faith played an important role in her life. Kathleen enjoyed shopping, watching old movies, listening to 50’s & 60’s music, country western music, pottery, painting, and reading Harry Potter books. However, her greatest joy came from spending time with her family and friends. Kathleen is survived by her son, James Struss – Reno, Nevada. daughters, Christina (Marlin) Bergmann, Kaycie (Ryan) Hibbs – Lincoln, Ne., step-daughters, Jody King, Dawn Hunt, and step-son Todd King – Grand Island, Ne. as well as 28 grandchildren, and 34 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wayne and Lillian Rupprecht, and her brother Bob Rupprecht. Graveside Services for Kathleen will be decided at a later date, and her loved ones will be informed accordingly. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family for later 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.
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