OBITUARIES
DEC
18
2024
Kay F. Foth • Former Ord, NE Resident, 82 and Gust R. Foth Jr. • Former Ord, NE Resident, 83
Kay F. Foth (Kathryn Ryschon), 82, of Thornton, CO, formerly of Ord, NE and Norcatur, KS, died Wed., Nov. 27, 2024 at her home peacefully in her sleep.
In lieu of a funeral service, a Celebration of Life ceremony will take place in 2025 in Nebraska. More details will be shared at a later date.
Mrs. Foth was born Oct. 25,1942 to Francis and Ruth Ryschon (Wiberg) in Ord. She was raised on a farm near Ord and graduated from Ord High School. Thereafter, she continued her education and received an LPN from Kearney Nursing School. She then married Gust Foth Jr. on Nov. 30, 1963 and farmed in Ord before moving to Aurora, CO and retiring to Norcatur, KS. Further health issues made the decision to live with their children in Thornton, CO until her passing.
Kay had a great love of her faith, music, reading and card/board games. Her enjoyment in life was taking the time reading or singing with to all her babies, nieces, nephews and grandchildren – and the cows in the milk barn.
Survivors of her immediate family include her husband, Gust; son, Paul Foth and daughter, Karen Bristol, both of Thornton, CO; brothers, Bill (Sharon) Ryschon of Weatherford, TX and John (Ruth) Ryschon of North Loup, NE.; grandchildren, Deanna (Dalton) Paul of Leoti, KS, Stacy Cook-Haumont of Juniata, NE, Brian Bristol of Thornton, CO, Hope Bristol of Pittsboro, NC and Noah and Morgan Bristol of Thornton, CO; and nine great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Ruth and Francis Ryschon; her sister, Rena Foth (Ryschon); her son, Jeffrey Foth; her daughter, Patricia Howell; granddaughter, Echo Medbery (Suy); and great-grandson, Christian Hernandez.
Gust R. Foth Jr., 83, of Thornton, CO, formerly of Ord, NE and Norcatur, KS, died Dec. 8, 2024 at an acute care and rehabilitation facility in Colorado.
In lieu of a funeral service, a Celebration of Life ceremony will take place in 2025 in Nebraska. More details will be shared at a later date.
Mr. Foth was born Apr. 18,1941 to Gust and Agnes Foth (Lehecka) in Ord, NE. He was raised on the family farm near Ord and graduated from Ord High School. After graduation, he competed in Welterweight boxing until he married Kathryn Foth (Kay Ryschon) on Nov. 30, 1963 and farmed in Ord before moving to Aurora, CO and retiring to Norcatur, KS. Further health issues made the decision to live with their children in Thornton, CO until his passing.
Gust had a great love of his faith in God, Western movies, tinkering and collecting. His enjoyment in life was trying to share and teach these gifts to his nieces, nephews, children and grandbabies. He was never short of laughter (which sounded like Barney Rubble) and a good dad joke.
Survivors of his immediate family include his brother, Gordon Foth of Lincoln, NE; son, Paul Foth and daughter, Karen Bristol, both of Thornton, CO; brothers-in-law, Bill (Sharon) Ryschon of Weatherford, TX and John (Ruth) Ryschon of North Loup, NE; grandchildren, Deanna (Dalton) Paul of Leoti, KS, Stacy Cook-Haumont of Juniata, NE, Brian Bristol of Thornton, CO, Hope Bristol of Pittsboro, NC and Noah and Morgan Bristol of Thornton, CO; and nine great-grandchildren.
He is preceeded in death by his parents, Gust Sr. and Agnes Foth; his son, Jeffrey Foth; his daughter, Patricia Howell; granddaughter, Echo Medbery (Suy); great-grandson, Christian Hernandez; and sister-in-law, Rena Foth (Ryschon).
Dolores I. Florian • Former Ord Resident, 86
Dolores I. Florian, 86, formerly of Ord passed away peacefully Thurs., Dec. 12, 2024, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, NE.
Mass of Christian Burial was held Tues., Dec. 17, 2024, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. Father Scott Harter was the Mass Celebrant. Interment was in the Ord Catholic Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, St. Mary’s School or the Ord Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department. Ord Memorial Chapel was assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Dolores I. was born on Jan. 28, 1938, 12 miles west of Ord to Edward E. and Lillian M. (Skala) Zadina. She attended Geranium District #35 Country School through the eighth grade and graduated from Ord High School in 1956.
Dolores worked at J.M. McDonald until her marriage to Milo G. Florian on Oct. 27, 1956, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Ord. The couple resided and raised their family on the family farm northeast of Ord in Greeley County. Dolores helped with the dairy and ranching businesses. In 1992, she began working in the cafeterias at Ord Public Schools and then started her own “domestic engineering” business until retirement.
Milo and Dolores moved into Ord in 2001. Milo unexpectedly passed away on Feb. 21, 2013. Dolores continued to make her home in Ord. For the past several years she has resided with her family in Hastings.
She was a devoted member of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Altar Society and V.F.W. Auxiliary.
Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Joyce and Rob Mangers of Roseland and Sharon and Joe Menke of Phillips; two sons and a daughter-in-law, Chuck residing in Nebraska and the Philippines and Bruce and Libby of Hastings; nine grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; two expected great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Noreen Zadina of Hickman; and a sister, Doris Maly of Wilber.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Milo; a daughter, Linda Jean Florian; and two brothers, Larry and Lavern Zadina.
DEC
04
2024
Valarie J. Lytle • Ord, NE Resident, 59
Valarie J. “Val” Lytle, 59, of Ord, NE passed away peacefully Tues., Dec. 3, 2024 with her family by her side at her home in Ord.
A Celebration of Life was held Sat., Dec. 7, 2024 at the Ord Christian Church. Pastor Doug Durre officiated. Interment was in the Ord Bohemian Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel was assisting with arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Valarie Jane was born June 7, 1965 in Ord to Albin W. and Mabel E. (Brown) Dobrovsky. She was raised in Ord and graduated from Ord High School in 1983.
During her high school years, Val worked at the Chanticleer Drive-In and the Donut Shop. On June 10, 1983, Val was united in marriage to Steve J. Lytle in Burwell, NE. To this union, two children were born, Eric and LaRissa. The family made their home in Ord.
Val worked at Wheelers General Store which later became Orschelns for over 22 years. While at Wheelers, she received training as a vet tech which became helpful with the livestock on the family farm. Val also worked at KNLV Radio and spent many years as a caregiver in family support services, assisting area families in their homes. She was the bookkeeper and daily lunch provider at the family’s shop, SGS.
Val was a member of the Ord Christian Church where she enjoyed volunteering and cooking for the Wednesday night youth group. She was an avid golfer, belonging to leagues in Ord and Burwell; and bowled in past leagues. Val enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with family and friends at their cabin on the Calamus Golf Course, along with “ditch-digging” and “junking.”
Val had a passion for helping people and being a volunteer and a good friend. She especially loved her family and reading the Bible.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Steve; her children, Eric and Jen, and LaRissa and Travis; eight grandchildren, Mykala, Kaleb, Caden, Natalie, Kenize, Chloe, Ethan and Leigha; and two “lifelong sisters,” Joni and Laurie.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Albin and Mabel; brother, Vince; an infant brother, Robert; parents-in-law, Lloyd and Shirley Lytle; and a foster brother, Chuck Janicek.
Leona M. Anderson • Comstock, NE Resident, 92
Leona Marie Anderson, 92, of Comstock and Hastings, NE passed away Fri., Dec. 6, 2024 at Arbor Care Center in Ord, NE.
Funeral services were held Dec. 10, 2024 at Wescott Baptist Church in Comstock. Pastor Don Schauda officiated. Interment was in the Douglas Grove Cemetery in Comstock. Memorials are suggested to the Wescott Baptist Church. Online condolences can be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Leona Marie was born Oct. 23, 1932 on the family farm west of Comstock to Gus and Marie (Nordstrom) Anderson. She spent her early years on the farm until the passing of her father and then moved into town. Leona received her early education at Douglas Grove School House and graduated from Comstock High School in 1950.
Following high school, Leona attended Kearney State Teachers College. In 1952, she started her teaching career at Arcadia Public Schools, teaching for four years. From 1956 until retirement in 1993, Leona taught in Hastings as a math instructor at Morton and Hawthorne Elementary Schools. She was a dedicated educator for 41 years.
Leona enjoyed going between her homes in Hastings and Comstock. She resided at Kensington Assisted Living in Hastings before moving to Ord where she made her home at Grandview and Arbor Care.
She was a member of the Hastings Area Retired Teachers Association (HARTA) and Relay for Life. She especially enjoyed fellowship at The Comstock Den and Wescott Baptist Church.
Leona kept up with her family and friends by sending them cards, buying gifts and visiting on the phone. Her hobbies included pottery, bowling, taking photos and watching Husker volleyball. She had a special love for Ford cars and her cats; Tiddley Wink I, II and III.
Leona’s closest family includes her special cousins, Terry and Bob Drake of Comstock and their family; cousins, Alice Pirnie of Broken Bow and Millie Slagle of Palisade, CO; and her many beloved coworkers and students.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Paul M. Stoddard • United States Navy Veteran • Former Ord, NE Resident, 92
Paul Merrit Stoddard, born Jan. 16, 1932 in Ogallala, NE, passed away peacefully Nov. 28, 2024 at the age of 92. Surrounded by his family, Paul took his final rest in his home of 26 years in Larkspur, CO.
Paul Stoddard grew up in Ord, NE. Paul was the son of Fred and Amelia Stoddard with four siblings, Roberta, Gerald, Orville and Jay. After graduating high school, he attended the University of Nebraska where he played football. Paul married Virginia in December 1952. Virginia was the daughter of John and May Struckman of Burwell, NE. Her siblings were Keith, Rollin, Carol, and nephew, Craig Struckman.
Paul enlisted in the Navy, proudly serving his country. After completing his military service, Paul and Virginia moved to Waseca, MN and Paul completed his Mortuary Science Degree at the University of Minnesota in 1956. Paul and Virginia settled in Greeley, CO where they built a life raising their five children and serving their community.
In 1978, Paul and Virginia founded Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley, dedicating themselves to serving their community with care and compassion. Paul’s commitment to service extended further when he was elected Weld County Coroner and served families from 1979 to 1990.
Known for his kindness, sense of humor, compassion, and unwavering love for his family, Paul touched countless lives. Innovative, smart and endlessly creative, he brought thoughtfulness and ingenuity to everything he did. He cherished time with their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Paul is survived by his children: Tom (Maria), John (Pam), Randy and Julie. He leaves behind eight grandchildren: Kevin (Lauren), Paula, Virginia, (Ryan), Emily (Ethan), Rachel (Brian), Bridgett (John), Sarah and Reardon; and great-grandchildren, Wesley, Dorothy and Noelle.
He was preceded in death by his eldest son, Michael, and his beloved wife of 71 years, Virginia.
A celebration of Paul’s life will be Dec. 12, 2024 at Stoddard Funeral Home in Greeley, CO, the very place he and Virginia lovingly built to serve their community.
Paul will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who knew and loved him. His legacy of love, service and devotion will forever live in the hearts of his family, friends and community.
NOV
27
2024
Dan P. Hersh • Ord, NE Resident, 80
Danny P. Hersh, 80, of Ord passed away Sat., Nov. 30, 2024 at Arbor Care Center in Ord, NE.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Fri., Dec. 6, 2024 at the Ord First United Methodist Church. Reverend Spenser Johnson will officiate. Masonic Rites will be conducted by the Blazing Star Lodge #200 of Burwell. Interment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5-7 p.m. at the Ord Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Ord Township Library, Make-A-Wish or family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences may be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Danny Phil was born Sept. 14, 1944 in Ansley, NE to J. Dean and Ethelyn (Tiff) Hersh. Dan and his two older brothers, Royce and Larry, grew up in the sandhills on a ranch 20 miles north of Dunning, NE, along the North Loup River. Dan received his early education in Blaine County Rural Sandhills schools and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1962.
Dan received a Bachelor of Science Degree in teaching and a Driver’s Education Endorsement fro m Chadron State College, graduating in 1966. In 1976, Dan obtained a Master’s Degree in secondary counseling from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
While attending college at Chadron, Dan met Pam Lecher. The couple was united in marriage on Feb. 26, 1965 in Newcastle, WY. They were blessed with two sons, Martin Dean and Robert Lynn.
In 1966, Dan began his teaching career at Ord High School, where he taught social studies for 41 years. He was the Driver’s Education Instructor in Ord, Burwell, North Loup and Scotia. Throughout his teaching career, he was the junior and senior class sponsor, Honor Society sponsor and intramurals coach. Dan also drove the school bus for numerous routes and activities during his career and for many years following. Dan always said he was blessed to be a teacher. He loved his job and his students.
During his career, Dan took part in several educational trips, traveling to Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Pakistan, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria and Tunisa. He was part of the Teacher Exchange to Australia and New Zealand and sponsored the Ord students in the Washinton D.C. Close Up Programs. His travels extended with his family to all 50 states, most of Canada and Mexico.
Dan was a member of the Ord First United Methodist Church and attended Men’s Group at Mira Valley Church. He belonged to the Ord Elks Lodge, Ord Masonic Lodge #103 and Burwell Blazing Star Lodge #200, serving as Worshipful Master, Secretary and Senior Deacon. During his teaching career he was a member of the NSEA and NEA.
Dan was an avid reader and enjoyed studying finance and had an outstanding memory. He cherished his family and friends; having a lot of talents but friendship was his best. He always made time for a nap with a cat on his lap.
Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Pam of Ord; two sons, Martin (fiancé’, Paulette Kelly) of Lincoln and Robert (partner, Bob) of Spencer, WV; sister-in-law, Krissa (John) Randall of Gering, brother-in-law Kim (Karen Hansen) Lecher of Hastings; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Royce and Larry Hersh; parents-in-law, Raymond and Belvadine Lecher; and two special aunts, Verna Hersh and Rosa Tiff.
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Gary Paider • United States Marines Veteran • Ord, NE Resident, 75
Gary Paider, 75, of Ord, NE passed away Wed., Nov. 27, 2024 at CHI St. Francis Medical Center in Grand Island, NE.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Sat., Dec. 7, 2024 at the Ord First United Methodist Church. Reverend Spenser Johnson will officiate. Inurnment will be in the Ord City Cemetery. Military Honors will be presented by the Ord VFW Post #7029 and American Legion Post #38. Memorials are suggested to the family’s choice. Ord Memorial Chapel is assisting with the arrangements. Online condolences can be left at ordmemorialchapel.com.
Gary Eugene was born Dec. 1, 1948 on the family farm west of Ord to Albert and Alma (Valasek) Paider. He spent his childhood on the family farm until moving to Ord in 1964. Gary received his early education at Fairplay District #26 Country School and Ord High School.
In March of 1969, Gary joined the United States Marines. He served in the Vietnam War until September of 1970, when his was medically discharged. Gary returned home to Ord and worked as a mechanic at Lee Motors.
Gary was united in marriage to Bethene Manchester on Feb. 22, 1971. The couple was blessed with two children, Amy and Jeremy.
Gary spent his working years as a carpenter, first at Clement Lumber Company, helping build new homes in the West Ord subdivision. The lumber yard became Sack Lumber Company where he continued to work until operating his own construction business until retirement.
Gary was a member of Valley Rods Unlimited. He loved antique cars and recently restored his 1933 Ford. Gary was an avid Husker fan, never missing a game. He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and his only grandson, Garret.
Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Bethene of Ord; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Kraig Haggerty; son, Jeremy Paider all of Ord; grandson Garret (Jessie Champagne) of Peru, IL; brother and sister-in-law, Ron and Fern Paider of Aurora; and a sister, Arlene Newell of Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents; stepfather, Jerry Rajewich; and a sister, Marilyn Paider.
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