Obituaries

Joseph F. “Frank” Bataillon, age 95 of Omaha, NE (formerly Nebr.

Lois Clara Esser, age 64 of Dunbar died May 15, 2022 at her home. Lois was born August 30, 1957 in Hamburg, IA, the daughter of Lauren and Alice (Norstadt) Comstock. She graduated from Farragut High School in 1977 and worked at Pendletons and Cargill for many years prior to her retirement. Lois was very artistic and loved crafts and playing the piano. She had a strong love for birds and animals in general. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Sandy Esser; sister, Ingrid; brothers, Howard, Arthur, and David. Lois is survived by her sister, Cathy (Roger) Fichter of Malvern, IA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Naomi M. Gross, 100 of Syracuse, passed away on May 10, 2022 at the Syracuse Hospital. Naomi was born July 4, 1921 to Walter and Ruby (Dively) Vohs on the family farm near Burr, NE. She attended rural Otoe County schools through 8th grade. Even as a young girl, she was always outside with the animals and helping her father. Naomi married Ernie Gross on October 25, 1940 in Papillion, NE. They had two children, son Kenny and daughter Susan.

Norma Jean Becker was born 9-16-27 in Talmage Nebraska to Fred and Hazel Thiesfeld and passed away at age 94 in Hemet, California on Sept 28th 2021. Norma Jean moved to Lincoln after graduating from High School and later went on to marry Arthur J Becker from Bayonne New Jersey, and had 1 daughter Cyndi, born in 1956. Her husband Arthur passed away in 1972 and she worked at both the University of Nebraska and later at Lincoln Gas company for many years. She later moved to Santa Ana California in 1980 along with her Mother Hazel, and lived there until 1995 when she retired at age 68. She then sold her home and moved with her daughter and grandson to Temecula California and lived with them until 2010. She unfortunately had a fall in the home at age 83 which left her needing full time care. She lived at ManorCare Health facility in Hemet California until her death last September.

Sarah Elizabeth (Witty) Stever passed away peacefully on April 18, 2022 in Fort Collins, CO where she had resided for the past 60 years. She was born on March 13, 1938 to Cecil and Janice (Edwards) Witty in Santa Monica, CA.

Dixie Jean Tonacchio, age 61 of Nebraska City died May 6, 2022 at CHI Lakeside Hospital in Omaha. Dixie was born November 28, 1960 in Nebraska City, the daughter of Harold and Letty (Howell) Dixon. She lived in Nebraska City most of her life and worked as the Director Of Nursing at various facilities. Dixie loved spending time with her grandchildren and her family. She was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her son, Anthony (Mikhala) Smith of Omaha; daughter, Arieanna (Derek) Hanika of Bellevue; grandchildren, Ariah, Avaya, Adley, Alani, Zander, Zayden and Zihana; niece, Roxie Hansen of Nebraska City; many other relatives and friends.