Detta Safranek

Detta Safranek Obituary

user

Age - 94

user

September 11, 2023

user

Broken Bow, NE

Detta Safranek age 94 of Merna, died Saturday September 9, 2023 at the Brookestone View Care Home in Broken Bow. Funeral services are pending.

Related Obituaries

Evelyn Brecken

Evelyn Brecken

Age - 101

November 2, 2023

Funeral Services for Evelyn "Pauline" Brecken age 101 of Mullen, NE will be Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1:00 pm MT at The Assembly of God Church in Mullen, NE. Burial will be in the Cedarview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Mullen Assembly of God Church or Cedarview Cemetery. A visitation will take place on Sunday, November 5th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Mullen Funeral Home in Mullen. The Govier Brothers Mortuary of Mullen is in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www. govierbrothers. com. On October 31, 2023, Evelyn Pauline Brecken "Granny" at the age of 101-1/2 went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pauline was born on July 7, 1922, to William Clarence "Prunes" and Lena Leota (Kearns) Pearman in Seneca, Nebraska. She was married to Bob Evans on December 30, 1939, unto this union three children were born, William Joseph (Jody), Leota Ann, and Betty Pauline. While raising her children Pauline worked on several ranches, cleaned houses, and was a cook at Bud's Cafe. On July 27, 1952, she married Roy Bradley and moved to a ranch north of Mullen. Where they lived until they bought the Sandhills Motel and moved into Mullen, NE. After Roy's death she continued to own and operate the motel. She was a 4-H Leader, Extension Club President, belonged to Commercial Club, and was on the Town Board. She was a member of The Assembly of God Church in Mullen, NE. Pauline was married to Wayne Brecken on March 7, 1971. He was in construction and later retired to help her operate the Sandhills Motel. Wayne always told her he was probably the first man to become a husband, father, and grandfather all in one day. She was Queen of the Hooker County Fair. Also, she was the first woman to be voted "Fan of the Year". Trying not to miss any more games than she absolutely had to. She had a special relationship with all of the kids and enjoyed each and every one of them. It was at this time that she became known as "Granny" to the entire town, and some people still don't know her real name. She loved to visit with anyone and didn't know a stranger. Her heart was bigger than herself and she would help anyone if she could. Baking, sewing, and making jelly was a favorite thing of hers. She was known for her sewing of quilts, potholders, etc. At age 93 she made a quilt and raffled it off and gave the proceeds to a wounded warrior. She helped at the Rustic Cafe, where Rhonda made her Sou Chef. Visiting with people from all over the country was a favorite thing of hers. At age 94 she was still ready to go tanking or ride a motorcycle. Her motto was: If the wheels are turning, I'm going, and she did. The thing that "Granny" enjoyed most was the gathering of her family. Of course, she was the life of the party. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Loved to beat you in a game of cards and hot seat. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be greatly missed. Survivors are her children Jody (Bea) Evans, Leota (Pat) Donohoe, and Betty (Willard) Boyer. Grandchildren: Will (Kelly) Donohoe, John (Teresa) Donohoe, Gary Evans, Dean (Christi) Boyer, and Starla (Tony) Spurlin. Great grandchildren: Eric (Shauna), Mellissa, Kate (Clint), Emily (Kelsey), Savannah, Tanner (Bailee), and Chance Donohoe, Trey (Courtney), Teran (Mackenzie), Tyan (Jaysa), and Teya Boyer, Jarod (Lexie) and Hunter (Morgan) Spurlin. Great great grandchildren: Hayley and Jenna Donohoe, Carter Donohoe, Collin Donohoe, William Spurlin, Winnie Contrares, Carter and Cole Boyer and Henry Svoboda, and numerous other family members and friends. Preceding her in death were parents, husbands, Roy Bradley and Wayne Brecken, two stepsons Darwin and Orville Bradley, siblings Eunice Wolfenden, Joan Garner, Woodrow "Bink" Pearman, Alex "Eck" Pearman, Kathleen "Kat" Boyer, Elmer "Neak" Pearman and a beloved grandson Paul Evans. There are no gallery images. #recaptcha-container label {display: none}Upload a PhotoLabel: *Image: *Gallery:Obituary Photos Required Confirmation: Upload Gallery ImageShow more

Patricia Sampy

Patricia Sampy

Age - 89

October 26, 2023

Memorial Services for Patricia Sampy will be Monday, October 30, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Ansley Methodist Church in Ansley, NE with Dean Millsap officiating. Memorials are suggested to Ansley Fire & Rescue or Ansley Methodist Church. A visitation will take place on Sunday, October 29th from 1 to 5:30 pm with family greeting 4:00 to 5:30 pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www. govierbrothers. com. Patricia Sampy age 89 of Ansley, NE passed away October 25, 2023, at the Rose Lane Home in Loup City, NE. Patricia Joann (Larsen) Sampy was born on November 28, 1933, in Springview, NE, to Arthur and Edna Larsen. Pat graduated from Keya Paha County High School in Springview in 1951. Following her high school graduation, she pursued her education at Chadron State Teachers College, where she obtained her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1956. After completing her education, Pat embarked on a teaching career, with positions in Holdrege, Burwell, and Arcadia. In 1972, she continued her educational journey, earning her Master of Science in Education from Chadron State College and subsequently becoming the Guidance Counselor at Ansley Public Schools until her retirement. On June 2, 1957, Pat and Dale were united in marriage, celebrating 66 wonderful years together. Their union was blessed with two children, Teresa and Steven. Above all, Pat cherished her family and friends. She was Dale's biggest supporter during his coaching career, and she continued to support Steven, Jeff, and Marcus in their coaching endeavors. Pat was devoted to her children and grandchildren, attending almost every activity they were involved in. The family she leaves to cherish her memory: Husband Dale Sampy of Ansley, Daughter Teresa (Jeff) Messersmith of Laurel, Son Steven (Linda) Sampy of Eustis and special family friends Dale (Kathy) Scott. Grandchildren: Marcus (Sidney) Messersmith of Hartington, Brittany Sampy of Lincoln, Kristin (David) Frey of Wayne, Trevor Scott of Minneapolis, Trent Scott of LeMars, Great Grandchildren: Quincy, Chaney, Sloane, and Palmer Messersmith, Iris Quiroz, Scarlet and Mavis Frey, Brother-in-law Jerry Steele of Omaha, and many nieces and nephews. Patricia was preceded in death by her parents, sister Donna and brother-in-law Dale Brown, brother Paul Larsen, brother Bud Larsen and sister-in-law Marilyn Larsen, Sister-in-law Mary Steele, Granddaughter Cecile Sampy, and Great Grandson Jason Frey. There are no gallery images. #recaptcha-container label {display: none}Upload a PhotoLabel: *Image: *Gallery:Obituary Photos Required Confirmation: Upload Gallery ImageShow more

Mary Blackburn

Mary Blackburn

Age - 83

October 2, 2023

Mary Edith (Schwisow) Blackburn, 83, of Broken Bow Nebraska, went to be with Jesus on October 1, 2023. She passed from tears to heaven at the Brookstone View Rehabilitation Center in Broken Bow, with the love of her life at her side. Mary was born on October 4, 1939, to Paul and Edith (Kirchoff) Schwisow at their home in what was then Powell, NE. (11 miles north of Fairbury NE). She had three brothers, Eugene, Earl, and Robert. She was the youngest of the children, and the only girl. Her proud father was quite protective of her. She was baptized on October 22, 1939, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, east of Daykin, NE. She was confirmed into the same church family on May 24, 1953. Her deep love for Jesus was developed at an early age and carried her throughout her life. She grew up on the farm and learned to entertain herself. She loved all the animals, especially the cats. She had cats around her most all her life, and they were all lucky to have found her. She graduated from Fairbury High School in 1956 and from Fairbury Junior College in 1958. It was at Fairbury Junior College that she met her lifelong sweetheart, her basketball player with the flattop haircut, William (Bill) Blackburn. They were married at the Immanuel Lutheran Church on August 17, 1958. While Bill finished his education at UNL, Mary taught elementary school at Davey NE. After Bill got his degree the couple relocated to Stromsburg NE, then to Benedict NE, where Bill taught high school. In 1964, they moved to Broken Bow where she lived the remainder of her life. She taught Elementary School in Merna NE, until the family required her attention at home. After the children were older, she worked at Mid-Nebraska Individual Services and was a paraeducator for the Sandhills Co-op. She was a member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Broken Bow and taught Sunday School to the littlest children for 35 years. This was something she enjoyed greatly. Her marriage to husband Bill was blessed with four children. William (Scott), Mary Kim, Patricia (Polly), and Robert (Bob). She was a wonderful mother/grandmother and loved to play games and read to the little ones. They will all miss her more than words can describe, until they see her again in heaven. Mary was preceded in death by her parents and her three brothers. She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Bill; Children: Scott (Kimberly) of Broken Bow, Mary Kim (Jerry) Mattox of Lincoln, Polly Blackburn of Broken Bow, and Bob Blackburn of New Orleans LA. Grandchildren: Jessica (Andrew) Swanson of Broken Bow, Marcus (Jodie) Blackburn of Callaway, Allison Mattox of Lincoln, Emily (Austin) Weinrich of Lake Shores TX, Olivia Mattox and fiance (Marcus Martin) of Crete NE, Julian and Stefan Koroma of Tacoma WA, Lindsey (Ross) Easley of Barataria LA, Katherine, Chloe and Camille Blackburn of New Orleans; Great grandchildren: Gabriel Coon and fiance (Megan Pendergast) of North Platte, Jaelynn, Couper, Rayna and Mickiya Blackburn of Callaway, Hayden and Elliott Swanson of Broken Bow. Funeral Services will be held Friday, October 6, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church in Broken Bow. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Custer County Foundation Scholarship Fund for Elementary Education. A visitation will be held on Thursday, October 5th, from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, with family greeting visitors from 6-7pm at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www. govierbrothers. com. There are no gallery images. #recaptcha-container label {display: none}Upload a PhotoLabel: *Image: *Gallery:Obituary Photos Required Confirmation: Upload Gallery ImageShow more

Sue Russell

Sue Russell

Age - 67

September 21, 2023

Sue Russell passed away peacefully on September 19, 2023, surrounded by her family, after a long ordeal with pancreatic cancer. She will be remembered as a dedicated and loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, and friend. She gracefully joins her parents in heaven. Sue was born on May 19, 1956, in Stapleton, NE, to Grant and Lois Figard. She enjoyed growing up in the quiet beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills with her siblings Roger and Vicki. Sue married Garold Russell in 1976. Their son Darin was born in 1986; he would marry Caitlin in 2019. Sue acquired her Nursing license in 1976, but ultimately fell in love with ranching with her husband near the Dismal River. She also spent 20 years as secretary at Thedford Elementary School, touching the lives of many students with enthusiasm and warm generosity. Additionally, Sue completed the Master Gardener program through UNL Extension, and was known as a passionate gardener. She spent her summers cultivating (and weeding) beautiful flower beds at her home and brought a unique and irreplaceable beauty to her corner of the Sandhills. Joining her in the garden throughout the years were a menagerie of dogs, cats, birds, and other creatures equally cherished. In keeping with Sue's wishes, an informal memorial reception is scheduled for October 1, 2023, in Thedford, NE, at the old gymnasium in the High School. All those who wish to remember Sue are welcome to visit at any time between 2 and 4 PM to share stories, condolences, and refreshments. For those who would like to make a memorial donation, please consider giving to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. There are no gallery images. #recaptcha-container label {display: none}Upload a PhotoLabel: *Image: *Gallery:Obituary Photos Required Confirmation: Upload Gallery ImageShow more

Margie Warren

Margie Warren

Age - 72

September 20, 2023

MARGIE WALSH WARRENMargaret "Margie" Anne Walsh Warren was born December 28, 1950, in Centerville, Iowa to Howard and Wanda (Dorsett) Walsh, and passed away on Tuesday, September 19th at her home. Margie attended grade school in Brownlee, and graduated from High School in Thedford, Nebraska in 1969. On Valentine's Day, 1969, Margie married Bill Warren, her high school sweetheart. Following graduation, Margie joined Bill in Karlsruhe, Germany, where he was serving in the US Army. Margie worked in the American Express Bank and worked nights helping Bill at the military movie theater, where he was the cashier and projectionist. After watching the movies, they cleaned the theater. When Bill could get a free weekend, they drove their 1960 Opal, and traveled. Bill bought a 5 x 7 tent at the PX, and they camped out on most of their adventures through Europe. The military allotted the soldiers only so many Esso gas coupons a month. Following life in Germany, they moved to Kearney where they both enrolled at Kearney State College. Bill had a part time tree cutting and grass mowing business and Margie worked at the Platte Valley State Bank and Good Samaritan Hospital, while also taking college courses. In December 1973 after Bill's graduation, they moved to the Warren Ranch, south of Seneca. Margie worked for the Hooker County Attorney, and the Thedford Sale Barn. Tony and Christie were born November 9, 1976, and 1978. Margie loved being a Mom and always said whatever age her kids were, it was her favorite age. Shortly after Tony's birth, Margie joined her Mom, Wanda, selling advertising specialties for Newton Mfg Co. She continued this for the next 15 years. Margie was a First Responder, then an EMT. Bill teased her and said if there ever was an emergency, she would be gone to training. That came to pass one time while she was at a monthly EMT meeting. Tony stuck a pitchfork through his foot while burning feed sacks. On June 28, 1989, Margie lost the love of her life. Bill passed away after a 7-month battle with esophageal cancer, at the age of 38. It was extremely difficult for Margie without him. He had been her rock since they were 17 years old. A few months later, needing to leave the ranch, Margie and the kids moved to Stapleton. This was a very dark and empty time in her life. She felt abandoned and let down by many. Margie continued to sell advertising specialties for 2 more years, and also worked as a Census Crew Leader, during the 1990 and 2000 Census. Two years after Bill's death, Margie and the kids were living near Ansley, Nebraska. Margie volunteered as an EMT and worked part time for both medical clinics in Broken Bow, and at the satellite clinic in Dunning. Soon, she worked full time at Central Nebraska Medical Clinic, in Ansley and Broken Bow. During this time, Margie also worked as a caregiver for elderly or disabled people. Margie moved northwest of Kearney in March 2004, and worked for the Spine and Orthopedic Clinic. In August 2004, she became a Grandma for the first time, and her world became a more beautiful place. In December 2007, she welcomed her 6th grandchild in North Carolina. The day after returning home, her stepfather passed away and three weeks later, Margie's Mom had a heart attack. She became a full-time caretaker for her Mom, and moved into town. They enjoyed several years traveling in Margie's motor home before her Mom's death in 2012. After her Mom passed away, Margie volunteered at the Archway, and for AseraCare Hospice. She moved back to the country, southwest of Kearney. She was busy again, continuing to care for people in their homes, volunteering for hospice and attending the grandkids school events. In 2015, Margie was diagnosed with melanoma, and in November 2019, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She had surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN in January 2020, and again in February for melanoma. By the end of February 2020, Covid-19 hit the country, and changed everyone's life. In October 2022, Margie's cancer returned, and there was nothing that could be done. She decided to live her best life, as long as she could. She and Christie made a trip to Floyd, Virginia, where Tony and his family now live. Throughout her life, Margie was involved in many community projects and activities. She served on the Thomas County Library Board and the Election Board in Seneca for many years. She was a member of the Seneca Extension Club, served on the EMS Council in North Platte, was a member of the Nebraska Cattlewomen, served as President and Sec/Treas for the Ansley EMT squad, was a member of the Ansley Crisis Team, the American Legion Auxiliary in Thedford and Ansley, Sec/Treas of the Ansley FFAMW, a member of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Ansley, and a CCD religious education instructor in Ansley and Mason City. She was instrumental in the pilot program with Bryan Memorial Hospital, assisting the rural Nebraska EMT squads in purchasing defibrillators for their ambulances. Grandma Margie was never too busy to lend a hand or do something fun with the Grandkids. She always made a list of things to do, and they loved that. Grandma and Kyler could be pretty mischievous, if left together, and a lot of work always got done when the Grandkids were visiting Grandma. There were several memorable things Margie told her kids as they were growing up. When they wanted to stay out later than was allowed, she would say, "Nothing good happens after midnight," and when they wanted to do something she didn't think was wise, she would say, "I am your common sense until you have some. " Whenever a project needed done, she always said, "Let's just think about this. " Needless to say, over the years, the kids could anticipate those words, and say them before she did. Early in her life, Margie adopted the expression, "Never Let Em See You Sweat. " Don't wear your feelings on your sleeve. If something needed done, just do it, and don't show you don't necessarily know how, or that it bothered you. Her kids and Grandkids knew that expression well. Survivors include her two children: Tony (Jennifer) Warren of Floyd, Virginia, and Christie (Riley) Jones of Sumner, Nebraska, as well as her eight grandchildren: Georgana (Alex) Oden, Chyna Scharpe, Nicholas & Matthew Warren, Reece, Maddox, Kyler and Cruz Jones, as well as her great grandson Jace Alexander Oden, brothers: Randy Walsh of Kearney, and David (Becky) Walsh of North Platte, sister: Beverly Walsh Bolton of Webb City, Missouri, and stepsister Ann (Trussell) Palmer of Syracuse, KS, as well as many Warren brothers & sisters in law, and many nieces and nephews. Margie was preceded in death by her husband Bill Warren in 1989, her father Howard Walsh in 1995, mother Wanda Trussell in 2012, step father Van Trussell, sisters in law, Diane Walsh and Mary Warren Roy, brother in law Marcus Bolton, and nephew BJ Warren. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24th at Govier Brother's Mortuary in Broken Bow with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, September 25, 2023, at 11:00 CT in Seneca, Nebraska at the Seneca Auditorium. Burial will be at the Seneca Cemetery in Seneca where Margie will be laid to rest beside her beloved husband Bill, and near her parents, Howard and Wanda following the service. Memorials may be sent to the Seneca Cemetery, Seneca Auditorium or AseraCare Hospice in Kearney. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 24th at Govier Brother's Mortuary in Broken Bow from 1:00 to 7:00 pm with family present from 5:00 to 7:00 pm. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www. govierbrothers. coms. There are no gallery images. #recaptcha-container label {display: none}Upload a PhotoLabel: *Image: *Gallery:Obituary Photos Required Confirmation: Upload Gallery ImageShow more

Joe Grantzinger

Joe Grantzinger

Age - 75

September 9, 2023

Merna, NE Joe Grantzinger age 75 - Joe Edward Grantzinger was born to Floyd and Selma (Ridenour) Grantzinger on September 14, 1947, in Anselmo, NE. He passed away on September 7, 2023, after a long battle with Alzheimer's. Joe attended Dale School through eighth grade, making several life-long friends during those years. He went to high school at Anselmo-Merna High School, graduating in 1965. That fall he began studying Ag Econ at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. The following year he pledged Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity. He enjoyed fraternity life and all the social opportunities it offered. His many friendships remain some of his best memories. When on December 1, 1969, the Selective Service System conducted a lottery to determine the order of the call to service in the Vietnam War in 1970, Joe's birthdate of September 14th was the first number called. He saw the writing on the wall and enlisted in the army. After basic training Joe was lucky to be sent to Germany. While there he traveled with friends to Italy, France, and Switzerland. His favorite memory of the time, though, has always been of their trip to Oktoberfest in Munich. He always liked telling stories about the masses of people, the seemingly endless tents, the giant racks of roasting chickens and the beer maids dressed in costumes who would carry eight large beer steins at a time. After his service Joe returned home in 1971 to help with the spring planting. On August 21, 1971, he married Debra Wright of Broken Bow, NE at the First Christian Church in Broken Bow. Many people remember it as being suffocatingly hot that day. It is also remembered as a busy time for weddings for Merna residents as 5 young couples with Merna ties got married in August of 1971. Joe and Deb returned to Lincoln to finish their final year of study before graduating from the University of Nebraska. In 1972 they moved to Merna, and Joe joined his dad and eventually took over the family farm and Pioneer Seed sales operation. Joe dedicated his life to farming and to his "side job" as a salesman for Pioneer Seed Corn for 47 years before retiring after an Alzheimer's diagnosis. He and Deb were blessed with daughter Amy and son Ryan and 7 grandchildren. Joe and Deb had the opportunity to travel during their 52 years together. Their adventures took them to numerous places including Italy, Portugal, Alaska, Central America, South America and through the Panama Canal. Favorite memories stand out from their trips to one of their favorite spots, Key West, FL, and from their "dream come true" trip to Cuba. At the top of the list is Disney World, to which Joe and Deb traveled a time or two. Joe always told Deb, "You just pick where you want to go and plan it. Let me know when we're leaving. " Joe believed deeply in community service and rural economic development. Over the years he served on various local and county boards. He was a founding member of the Merna Area Promoters and was on the board during the process of planning and raising funds for the Merna Area Community Center. For many years he was on the Merna Rural Fire Board and the local Farmers' Co-op Board of Directors. He served on the boards of Nest builders, Custer County Economic Development and the Custer County Foundation. Joe also gave his time to a Pioneer based initiative called Search For Solutions, a program developed to involve local business owners and rural leaders in finding solutions to keep our rural areas active and growing. If you were ever looking for Joe during his retirement years, there is a good chance you would find him at Trotters enjoying a coffee and conversation about the weather, how much rain we got (or needed to get) and farming. He was a fixture there for the 9:00 group. Karen and her crew looked after him as if he were family. Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Selma Grantzinger, twin brother Donald, brother-in-law Keith Leibhart, parents-in-law Garnet and Maxine Wright and nephew-in-law Mark Wells. Joe is survived by Deb, his wife of 52 years, daughter Amy (Nate) Filipi and granddaughters, Reese and Palmer of Lincoln, NE, and by his son Ryan (Chelsa) Grantzinger and grandsons, Conner, Gavin, Reed, Garrett and Carson of Ravenna, NE. He is survived by two sisters, Jeanne Leibhart of Broken Bow, NE (formerly Merna) and Elaine (Don) Stevens of Mountain Home, ID. Joe also is survived by brothers-in-law Steve (Eugenia) Wright, Lincoln NE, and Randy (Kim) Wright, Lincoln, NE and sister-in-law Laurel (Kris) Fitzgerald of Dallas, TX. There are numerous nieces and nephews left to remember their Uncle Joe, including Larry (Cat) Leibhart, Kathy (Jim) Eberle, Randy (Kim) Leibhart, Kristy Wells, Tina (Chris) Hutton, Donna (Mike) Schramm, Amanda (Adam) White, Jeremy (Tara) Wright, Andy (Mindy) Wright, Kelly (Wade) Marsh, John (Carol) Wright, Doug (Lauren) Wright and Patrick (Lauren) Fitzgerald. Funeral Services will be Monday, September 11, 2023, at 3:00 pm at the Broken Bow Evangelical Free Church. Burial with Military Honors will follow in the Merna Cemetery. After the burial an Oktoberfest Celebration of Life will take place at Kinkaider Brewery in Broken Bow, one of Joe's favorite places to sit on the patio, talk with friends (and strangers) and enjoy great food and a couple beers. Memorials are suggested to the Merna Fire and Rescue Service. A visitation will be held on Sunday, September 10th, from 1:00 to 6:00 pm at Govier Brothers with family greeting from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Words of encouragement may be left at www. govierbrothers. com.Show more

Find More Obituaries

right arrow