Obituaries

Clyde C. Stoll, 96, passed away on July 11, 2022, at his home in Nebraska City surrounded by his daughters and family.

Erwin “Erv” Don Friesen was born in York on November 3, 1942, to Harvey and Martha (Mierau) Friesen. He and his twin brother, Ivan, and younger sister, Fern, grew up in Henderson. Erv died July 4, 2022, at the age of 79 years, 8 months and 1 day. Erv graduated from Henderson High School, Freeman (SD) Junior College, Hastings (NE) College and earned two degrees, M. Ed., and Ed. Specialist, from the University of Nebraska Lincoln. Erv was united in marriage to Marcia (Reed) Scharp on June 23, 1972, at First Lutheran Church in Oakland. Together, they raised four children, Lisa (Andrew) Samuelson, Corey (Andrea) Friesen, Julie (Robert) Clark and Kristina (Ryan) Steffen. They also rejoiced in the addition of 11 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. Erv and Marcia lived in Oakland until they moved to Nebraska City in 1979, where they lived until the time of his death. Erv was high school principal in Oakland (1969-1979) and Nebraska City (1979-2001). He was the director of the Nebraska City Chamber of Commerce (2001-2005) and then director of the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Center (2006-2016). In addition, he was a member of the Apple Corps Barbershop Chorus, Utilities board member, Arbor Day Tree Planter of the Year Honoree in 2016, Community Foundation Fund Advisory member, Optimist Club member, Rotary Club member, CHI St. Mary’s Hospital board member, Lewis and Clark Center board member, Arbor Day Foundation member, First Lutheran Church council member and a Lifetime Blood donor (186 pints). Erv was cherished by his family and loved by his community.

Marvin L. Penning, age 79, of Nebr.

Judith D. Vann, age 81, of Lincoln, NE (formerly Nebr. City) passed away on Sunday, June 26, 2022 at Pemberly Place in Lincoln, NE. Judith was born on September 23, 1940 on her family’s farm by Salem, NE; the daughter of Orville James and Margaret Ariel (Thompson) Carlisle. Her family later moved to Nebraska City where she graduated from Nebraska City High School in 1958. She then went to Peru State College and received her Teaching Degree in 1960 and then continued her education at Kearney State College where she received her Bachelor of Education in 1964. She began her career teaching Kindergarten and First Grade. She taught at various country schools in the Nebraska City area. Her teaching career lasted for 30 years. She touched many childrens’ lives over the years.

Rick L. McCloskey, age 62 of Nebraska City, NE passed away on Monday, June 27, 2022 at his home.

Dean Alfred Wiegert, age 82 of Lincoln died June 19, 2022 at The Arbors Care Center. Dean was born January 31, 1940 in Chapman, the son of Alfred and Meta (Gosda) Wiegert. Dean grew up in Grand Island and moved to Lincoln following high school. He married Judy Roby August 20, 1961 in Grand Island. Judy died January 11, 2018. Dean worked as an accountant at Goodyear for many years prior to his retirement. He was a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church and Phi Kappa Tau. Dean loved fishing, woodworking, and spending time with his family.

JoLene Downing, age 77 of Peru died June 20, 2022 at the Good Samaritan Center in Auburn. Jolene was born December 13, 1944 in Peru, the daughter of Joe and Ardella (Hays) Railsback. She married Marvin R. Downing July 22, 1964 in Riverside, CA. Marvin died April 22, 2013. Jolene lived in Riverside, CA and Las Vegas, NV before moving to Peru in 1994.