Becky Lynn Kleffman was born on August 25, 1958, in West Point, Nebraska, to Robert Ahlers Sr. and Geraldine Thompson. She was baptized at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Orchard, Nebraska, and later attended St. Mary’s Catholic Parish in Portsmouth, Iowa. Becky graduated from Wisner-Pilger High School.

La Verne Charles Smith was born May 5, 1929, near Oconto in Custer County, Nebraska, the son of Donald William and Veva Doris (Headley) Smith. He attended country schools in Custer County and graduated as valedictorian of Arnold High School in 1947.

Sheila Joy Kroll, born on September 15, 1955, to Allen and Joyce (Evans) Blumer, Sheila grew up with a deep commitment to caring for others. After graduating from Tri-Center High School, she pursued her calling in healthcare, graduating from the Jennie Edmundson School of Nursing to begin a lifelong journey as a healer.

Lois Theresa Blum was born on June 5, 1938, on the family farm south of Defiance, Iowa, to Anthony and Lenora (Klein) Arkfeld. She attended school in Defiance and graduated with the Class of 1956 from St. Paul High School in Defiance. She began working for Mutual of Omaha in Omaha before being united in marriage to Richard Blum at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance. Eight children were born to this union.

 Brenda Lee Ahrenholtz was born on March 2, 1964, to Betty (Stuhr) and Lloyd Jensen in Harlan, Iowa. She was baptized and confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Jacksonville, Iowa. She began going to school in Harlan until her family moved. After graduation, she went on to attend Iowa Western Community College where she received her CNA in Nursing.

Donald Wayne Leonard was born to Samuel and Hesbia (Bays) Leonard on February 24, 1940 in Bristol, Virginia. He grew up in Indianola, Mississippi where he attended and graduated from Indianola High School. While in school, he participated in football, basketball, baseball and ran track. Following graduation, he attended Mississippi Delta Community College in Moorehead, Mississippi.

Ruth Ann Schaben was born on March 14, 1932, in Earling, Iowa, to Anton and Edith (Kobold) Schaben. Ruth’s mother passed away shortly after her first birthday, her father later married Lucile (Morrisey). Ruth grew up in the faith at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Defiance, where she remained a lifelong member. A 1950 graduate of St.

Janet Ann (Martens) Jensen passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at the Myrtue Memorial Hospital in Harlan, Iowa.  She was born on September 11, 1937 in Carroll, Iowa to Viola (Ohde) and Gilbert Martens. 

Sylvan Alfred Kenkel was born to William and Anna (Wingert) Kenkel on May 24, 1939 on the family farm outside of Panama, Iowa. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church where he remained a lifelong member. Sylvan graduated from St. Mary’s Catholic School with the class of 1957. In December of 1961, Sylvan was enlisted in the United States Army where he proudly served until December of 1963.

Rita Jane Whiteley was born on February 11, 1952, near Jacksonville, Iowa, to Gilbert and Arlene (Nissen) Hoogensen. She was baptized and later confirmed at Bethlehem Lutheran Church near Jacksonville. Rita graduated from Harlan High School and went on to attend Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, Nebraska, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. She later attended Medical Technology School in Lincoln.

A Celebration of Life for Ruby A. Christoffersen will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at 11 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Kimballton, Iowa, with Rev. Tim White, Officiating.
Honorary Urnbearers will be Abbi Forshier and Adam Forshier. The Urnbearer will be Aaron Forshier.  Inurnment at the Immanuel Lutheran Cemetery, Kimballton.

Tina Louise Thielen was born on July 26, 1965, in Topeka, Kansas, to Robert and Janice Dickinson. Tina spent 44 years working as a Certified Nurse’s Aide, and later as a Certified Medication Aide. She was dedicated to her work and found great purpose in caring for others. Her kindness, patience, and gentle approach touched the lives of many people over the course of her career.

Lucky Duck - I’m not sure how many people want to arrive on the hottest day in Nebraska history, July 13, 1934, but I was born into a loving railroad family and lived a long, charmed life. My older brother Bill and I had two terrific parents. My grandparents lived nearby and were part of our home. I felt awfully lucky. 

Darlene Mae Rasmussen was born on June 12, 1927, in Harlan, Iowa, to Celius and Matie Marie (Hansen) Larson. She graduated from Harlan Community High School with the Class of 1944.
On January 16, 1948, Darlene was united in marriage to John Harold Rasmussen in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Two children were born to this union: Diane and Ricky.

Richard “Pete” Petersen was born on August 19, 1931, in rural Harlan, to Harry and Luella (Rold) Petersen. After graduating high school in 1950, he entered the U.S. Army, serving as a Sergeant and rocket launcher gunner in North Korea during the Korean War. He returned home in 1954 a PROUD veteran with numerous honors, including the Combat Infantry Badge.