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Prairie Hills Funeral Home, 602 N Spruce Street, Ogallala, NE (2026)

01/03/2026

Fay Holzworth

Fay Joyce Holzworth, a devoted wife, loving mother, and servant of Christ, passed into the presence of the Lord on January 1, 2026, surrounded by her family at Scottsbluff Regional Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, at the age of 81.

Fay was born on March 7, 1944, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Harry and Anna (Schellenberg) Flaming. Fay grew up on the family farm in Ogallala and attended elementary school in the countryside one-room schoolhouse. She went on to complete her high school education at Ogallala High School and graduated in 1962. Fay pursued her higher education at Grace College of The Bible and graduated with her degree in 1965.

While attending Grace, Fay met the love of her life, Curtis Dean Holzworth, and they were married in Ogallala, Nebraska, on April 13, 1966. Curt and Fay initially made their home in Bloomfield, Montana, where they briefly oversaw Curt's childhood farm. This move was short-lived as Curt and Fay felt a calling to the ministry, and within a year, they returned to Omaha for Curt to complete his education at Grace. Upon Curt's graduation, they took their first ministry in Cozad, Nebraska. From the start, Fay played an integral role in each location they served. Fay loved music and was blessed with a beautiful voice and a love for the piano. Fay would continue to serve the Lord throughout their ministry from Menominee, MI, to the several communities throughout Nebraska in which they would serve, including Hershey, York, Grand Island, and Scottsbluff, among others.

Fay lived a life that can be best described by the Fruits of the Spirit according to Galatians 5:22-23: Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control were all traits that guided Fay and touched the lives of so many. Her deep faith in Jesus Christ shaped everything she did, and she shared His love generously with everyone around her. A gifted musician, Fay blessed countless hearts through her talents. She played the piano beautifully and moved people with her lovely voice, often accompanied by Curt.

Above all, Fay loved the Lord and had a servant's heart. She consistently put others before herself, offering encouragement, compassion, and practical help wherever it was needed. Her tender heart and gentle spirit left an indelible mark on her family, friends, and church family.

Fay is survived by her beloved husband Curt, of Scottsbluff, her three children: Byron (Amy) Holzworth of Scottsbluff and their children Krista of Omaha, Haley of Lynchburg, VA, and Brooke of Laramie, WY, Brad Holzworth of Elkhorn, and Bennett (Suzanne) Holzworth and his children Cameron and Bel of Lincoln. Fay is also survived by her three siblings, Pat, Ivan (Delores), and Martin (Karen), all residing in Ogallala. She will be deeply missed, yet her legacy of faith, love, and music lives on in the lives she touched.

Fay was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Anna (Schellenberg) Flaming, and her brother-in-law Phil Ewert.

A memorial has been established in Fay's memory for Camp Rock Ministries of Bridgeport, NE. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Westway Christian Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, with Pastor Joel Hergert officiating.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

In Fay's final moments, she quoted a passage from Isaiah 26 verses 3 & 4: "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."

View Fay Holzworth's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

01/02/2026

Herbert Ruser

Herbert L. Ruser, 91, a longtime Ogallala resident, passed away December 31, 2025, at Burwell.

Herb was born August 20, 1934, in Ogallala, NE, to Herbert R. and Edna Lee (Paxton) Ruser. He graduated from Ogallala High School in 1951 at the age of 16. If he'd had it his way, he would have joined the Coast Guard after graduation. His mom encouraged him to attend college in Wichita, KS instead, which he did in 1951 & 1952.

Herb's love of cars led him back home to Ogallala to work for Searl's Cadillac dealership, where he sold cars with his dad. After a year there, he decided to go back to school in Milford for Autobody, where he graduated in 1955. While living in Milford, he joined the National Guard in 1954.

Herb met the love of his life, Charlotte Heinis, in 1957. After graduating from Milford, he was called into service in the Army, where he was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia. He moved home for good after his discharge and started farming in Perkins Co. in 1958. Herb farmed for 46 years.

Herb and Charlotte were joined in marriage on October 13, 1962, in Ogallala. From there came the birth of their three daughters: Vicki Lyn, Cheryl Ann & Laurie Lee.

Herb was an avid lover of cars, always restoring, collecting, buying, selling, and constantly looking! He had a special place in his heart for shelter animals and enjoyed every pet rescued. Herb also loved music and spent ample time with his large record collection and singing in the choir. Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir were among his favorites. He collected everything: records, hats, old bottles, coins, stamps, Husker memorabilia, and the list goes on. He loved all things Nebraska Cornhuskers and Kansas City Chiefs, playing cards, attending auctions (to add to his collections), being at the Lake, watching musicals (whether on tape or live in person), but if he could bend your ear to a story, you couldn't get away. Herb loved to tell stories, and his memory stuck with him to the end.

Most of all, he loved his wife, his children, his grand and great-grandchildren. He didn't like to miss events of any kind, but especially sports. He was always there on the sidelines, cheering or yelling, whatever the game entailed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, and his sister, Bonnie. Survivors include his wife Charlotte, of Ogallala, daughters Vicki (David) McBride of Clinton, MO, Cheryl (Kyle) Schow of Ogallala, and Laurie (Jason) Stimpfig of Redondo Beach, CA, 8 grandchildren, and 9 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of cards or flowers, please consider a donation in Herb's memory to the Perkins County Animal Shelter. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala. Private inurnment with military honors will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View Herbert Ruser's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/31/2025

Hunter Matthew Rhodes

"How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard" - Winnie the Pooh

Hunter Matthew Rhodes opened his eyes for the very first time not on earth in the arms of his parents Ryan and Stephanie, but in Heaven with Jesus. Hunter was delivered into the world at 8:16 am on Wednesday December 24, 2025. He was 15 inches long and weighed 3 lbs 8 oz.

Hunter is survived by his father Ryan and his mother Stephanie. He joined siblings Macksen, Walker and Selah. He will forever be remembered by grandparents Jody & Lisa Rhodes of Paxton, NE, Ken & Siri Reed of Ogallala, NE, Craig and Jenni Beebe of Adams, NE, many aunts and uncles including one great-great uncle, and six cousins.

He will forever be remembered for his perfect button nose, his long fingers, and his adorable blonde curly hair.

In the words of Hunter's big brother Macksen, "Sometimes when you're waiting for something special it takes longer". Hunter Matthew is that something special and his parents cannot wait to meet him at Heavens pearly gates someday.

View Hunter Matthew Rhodes's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/31/2025

Merwin Dodson

Merwin Dodson, 93, of Venango, Nebraska, passed away December 29, 2025, at Regent Park Nursing and Rehabilitation in Holyoke, Colorado.

Merwin was born December 16, 1932, in Holyoke, Colorado, to Ralph and Hazel (Hopkins) Dodson. He went on to attend school at Venango before studying at Hastings College and CU Boulder.

He married Jo Ann Wieland on February 8, 1953, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church at Venango. The couple was blessed with two children, Mike and Deb.

Merwin proudly served his country in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a helicopter maintenance instructor, primarily on Hueys. He was stationed in San Marcos, Texas, during his service. Merwin received an early discharge after his dad was involved in a farming accident, and he headed home to the farm at Venango.

Merwin was a farmer by trade and vocation. He was deeply involved in the Nebraska Wheat Growers Association, serving in leadership roles at both the local and national levels. He also managed the local co-op station for a time and later served on its board. He also custom-harvested from Oklahoma to Montana for a number of years. A licensed private pilot, Merwin kept an airstrip and hangar on the family farm and especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren flying over the years.

Merwin was also an avid car enthusiast, with a particular fondness for classic cars, including a 1940 Mercury he began restoring in 1959. He learned his automotive mechanic skills during his military service and maintained that passion and skill set throughout his life. In his younger years, he became an accomplished scuba diver, diving during the early 1950s while serving in Texas. He was among the first divers to explore Jacob's Well.

Merwin was an active member of the Lions Club in Venango and was the oldest member at the time of his passing. He and Jo Ann were also founding members of the Flatlander Car Club. Merwin was a longtime member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church and the American Legion Post 270.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Myron Dodson, and sister, Norma Jean McCormick.

Merwin is survived by his wife of 72 years, Jo Ann Dodson; children, Mike (Mary) Dodson of Venango, Deb (Robert) Bounds of Seward; grandchildren, Adrienne (Aaron) Turner of Eatonville, WA, Nate (Carrie) Dodson of Grant, and Megan (Johnathon) McKernan of Lincoln, and Jon (Mary) Bounds of Lincoln; and great-grandchildren, Shane (Sydney) Ourada, Danica Turner, Cora and Abby Dodson, Lauren and Kendall McKernan, and Henry Bounds.

A memorial has been established in Merwin's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held Friday, January 9, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venango, with Rev. Kurt Hatteburg officiating. Private inurnment will be in the Venango Cemetery.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.

View Merwin Dodson's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/30/2025

Lynda Landwehr

Lynda Lee Landwehr, 78, of Julesburg, Colorado, passed away December 27, 2025, in Sterling, Colorado.

Lynda was born August 28, 1947, in Clark County, Illinois, to Alfred Strand and Jacquelyn Cooper. She was raised in Illinois and completed her education through the 12th grade.

On September 8, 1965, she married Richard H. Landwehr in Illinois. The couple lived in Illinois until 1974, when they moved with their five children to Boulder, Colorado. Lynda worked for a time at a local school and was later employed by Hartman Brothers. They later lived in Louisville and Lafayette before settling in Julesburg in 2006.

Lynda enjoyed crafting and was a familiar presence at craft shows, often attending alongside her close friend Dorie. In earlier years, she loved camping, spending time outdoors, and attending family events. She especially enjoyed time with her family, traveling, and riding on the motorcycle with her husband as part of a motorcycle club. She also enjoyed gambling trips and taking trips with family and friends.

Lynda was preceded in death by her parents; children, Tammy and James; sister, Shirley; and a grandson, Jonathan.

Lynda is survived by her husband of 60 years, Richard Landwehr of Julesburg; her sons, David Landwehr, Tim Landwehr, and Mike Landwehr; her grandchildren, Jillian, Jody, Brian, Cody, Jamie, Mike Jr., Donnie, Tessa, Jessica, and Timothy; many great-grandchildren; her siblings, Sharon (Paul), Debbie (Pete), Wendy (Clayton), Cathy Strand, Jeff Strand, and Danny Strand; and many other relatives and friends.

Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com.

No services or inurnment are planned at this time.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is assisting the family.

View Lynda Landwehr's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/29/2025

Larry Michael Hamilton JR

Larry Michael Hamilton Jr., 53, of Ovid, passed away December 27, 2025, at the Melissa Memorial Hospital in Holyoke.

Larry was born on December 16, 1972, in Longmont, Colorado.

Larry married the love of his life, Tammy Jeanne Lucero, on March 28, 1997. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandpa.

Larry had worked as a mechanic in Denver, Longmont, and the Erie area for several years before relocating to Ovid in the early 1990s. He worked at Dunkers Farm Repair for several years. He also ran a thriving home-mechanic business for many years.

Larry was a very private person and treasured the time he spent with his family and close friends. Larry had fought a valiant battle with cancer since 2017, the last 2 years of which, he'd been considered terminal. His love for his family, his will to fight, and his strength sustained him all these years.

Larry was preceded in death by his grandparents; Bill and Ruth Hamilton, and Sharon Sosa, great-grandparents: Bud and Pauline Zinge and Ralph and Nellie Mae Price.

Survivors include his wife, Tammy Hamilton of Ovid; his children, Larry Hamilton III, Cody Hamilton, and Brandy Hamilton (Kelly Squier); three grandchildren, Makinly and Tennyson Squire, and Carter Hamilton; his parents, Cheryl and Richard Kehm; siblings, Samantha Vanzant (Con Franklin), Lee Jones; Grandpa Jess Sosa; Nieces, Mckinley and Emiley Franklin; along with many other relatives and friends.

No services are planned at this time. Condolences may be shared with the family at prairiehillsjulesburg.com

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg is assisting the Hamilton family.

View Larry Michael Hamilton JR's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/18/2025

Faye Osborn

Faye Irene Osborn, 79, of Ogallala, passed away Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Ogallala Community Hospital.

Faye was born January 7, 1946, at Grand Island, Nebraska, to Charles R. Lavender and Irene E. (Kensinger) Lavender. She was raised in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island High School with the Class of 1964. Faye married Richard Boersen later that same year.

Faye later attended nursing school in Washington, completing her training in 1968. She worked in nursing for the next 30 years, beginning in 1968 and retiring in 2000. Faye eventually transitioned to working in hotel management for a few years before going to work as a cashier until her retirement.

On March 12, 1976, Faye was married to Roy Glenn Osborn at Ogallala, Nebraska. The couple made their home in the Ogallala area. She enjoyed traveling, camping, and fishing, and was a member of the United Church of Christ in Brule. Faye was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary.

Faye was preceded in death by her husband, Roy Osborn; a daughter, Wendy Jo Chmiel; 2 sons, Rick Boersen Jr., and siblings Donna and Robert.

Survivors include a sister, Marcella Pfeiffer of Saint Paul; a cousin, Jerry Pierce of Ogallala; and several nieces and nephews.

Private family graveside services will be held at a later date. Inurnment will be in the Brule Cemetery.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

View Faye Osborn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/15/2025

Robin S. Cobaugh

Robin Sue Cobaugh, 49, of Ogallala, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, December 13, 2025, as a result of a motor vehicle accident in Madison County, Nebraska.

Robin was born to Eugene and Jane (Hasselquist) Anderson on November 18, 1976, in Grand Island, Nebraska. During her childhood, her family lived in Grand Island, Lexington, and Scottsbluff before eventually settling in Ogallala, Nebraska, in 1982.

As a baby, Robin was dedicated to the Lord at the First Baptist Church in Grand Island. Later she was confirmed and baptised, becoming a member of the United Methodist Church of Ogallala. She had a quiet faith which she relied on during the hard times of her life ahead.

Robin graduated from Ogallala High School with the Class of 1995 and went on to attend the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

On April 26, 2003, she married Gary "Jamie" Cobaugh Jr. at the Ogallala United Methodist Church. The couple made their home in Ogallala, where they raised their family, son Ethan and daughter Amaris.

Robin worked for the Keith County Sheriff's office before starting her career with the county court system. She served for more than 15 years within the Nebraska judicial system. This included over a decade as an assistant clerk for the Keith County Court. In September of 2022, she was appointed Clerk Magistrate for Keith and Arthur Counties, which was a role she enjoyed and excelled at. She also made many wonderful friends throughout her career. Robin was respected for her knowledge, intelligence, reliability, and attentiveness to detail.

At the age of 21, Robin was diagnosed with Type I Diabetes. For the rest of her life, this disease resulted in numerous trips to the hospital, two surgeries to replace one of her kidneys, with one of her donors being her older sister, Stephanie, and a short time spent on dialysis. She handled all of this with quiet courage and bravery.

Above all else, Robin was a devoted wife and mother. She was a proud baseball mom to her son, Ethan, and a constant and enthusiastic supporter of her daughter, Amaris, especially in her cheerleading and one-act play. Her family was the center of her life, and Robin wholeheartedly supported her children in all they did.

She is survived by her husband, Gary "Jamie" Cobaugh Jr. of Ogallala; their children, son Ethan Cobaugh of Kearney, Nebraska, and daughter Amaris Cobaugh of Ogallala; her mother, Jane Ruppert of Ogallala; her sisters, Stephanie (Jason) Lemonds of Tabor, Iowa, and Elizabeth Anderson (Travis) of Ogallala; her brother, Mark (Becky) Anderson of Arvada, Colorado; her sister-in-law, Julie Cobaugh of Ogallala; along with many nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Eugene Wesley Anderson; her stepfather, Duane Ruppert; and her parents-in-law, Gary and Barbara Cobaugh Sr.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 3, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Ogallala, with Pastor Curt Magelky officiating. Inurnment of cremains will follow in the Ogallala Cemetery.

A memorial has been established in Robin's memory for later designation by her family. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com , where the service will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

View Robin S Cobaugh's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/11/2025

Norma Jean Kroeker

Norma Jean Kroeker, 98, of Grant, passed away December 9, 2025, at Perkins County Hospital in Grant.

Norma was born July 26, 1927, at the family farmhouse between Madrid and Grant to Carl & Ruby (Belknap) Teichert. She graduated from Madrid High School in 1945 and attended Kearney State College. Norma went on to teach school for a year in rural Elsie. In February of 1948, she married Harold Kroeker in Madrid, NE. Harold and Norma were blessed with four children: Linda (Shovlain), Larry, Kent, and Bryan.

The stories were always long and detailed about the 1949 blizzard and how the roads had to be cleared by volunteers from Madrid so she could make it to the hospital in Grant to deliver her first child.

Norma's life was a celebration of the things she held dear - family, friends, cooking, music, reading, gardening, and chocolate. In the tapestry of Norma's life, her family played the central role. She cherished every moment, creating lasting memories filled with conversation and laughter. The Krazy Kroeker Christmas get-together was probably her favorite.

In addition to being a busy mom and devoted wife, she shared many hours of her time with the United Methodist Women in both Grant and Madrid. She helped serve countless funeral dinners over the years. She was a member of the United Methodist Church for over 80 years. She sang in the church choir and with a singing group (Intervals) for a number of years. Her faith was very important throughout her life. She faithfully attended church until it became difficult to get around. When the church began live-streaming services, she never missed one, attending in spirit until her death. Over the last few years, she loved Sundays in her housecoat, watching church services on TV and on her computer.

Norma was well-known for her cooking, especially for her red cakes, long before they came in boxes. She delighted in feeding the extended family on Sundays and holidays. Her children remember the meals she took to the field at noon for Harold were nothing short of a feast. She always enjoyed days and evenings at Lake McConaughy, grilling hamburgers on the lid of an old washing machine. She learned to water ski at the lake. She and Harold loved to swim and spent many hours at the indoor pool in Ogallala before he passed in 2002.

In her spare time, she liked to cook and listen to hymns on the radio. She spent most of her spare time reading books. She loved animals, horses being her favorite. She treasured the time traveling across the U.S. when Harold competed in Senior Track Meets and their numerous trips to faraway places.

In later years, she discovered the computer and spent countless hours on the Internet. She especially enjoyed watching live streams of basketball and football games when her great-grandsons, Colton and Cade, were competing. She was forever a Nebraska Cornhusker, watching all volleyball and football games.

She found laughter and friendship with her friends at Westview during the 20 years she lived there before her death.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Harold, her brothers, Billy and Richard, her sister, Elsie Beck, and her grandson, John Shovlain.

Survivors include her four children and their spouses: Linda (Gary) Shovlain of Grand Island, Larry (Jane) of Ogallala, Kent (Rhonda) of Grant, and Bryan (Dana) Kroeker of Grant. Norma is survived by ten grandchildren, Amie Shovlain, Jason Shovlain, Nikki Kirkland, Kelsie Norris, Jenny Roby, Kasey Kroeker, Kelly Cornelius, Travis Kroeker, Laurie Largent, & Cooper Kroeker; eight great-grandchildren, Tyler, Bryson, Knox, Kash, Kizer, Colton, Cade, & Everly; and by her brother, Glen (Carol) Teichert of Missouri Valley, IA; as well as many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Norma's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Spenser Johnson officiating. Interment will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Friday, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Bullock Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

View Norma Jean Kroeker's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/10/2025

Virginia Kinosh*ta

VIRGINIA KINOSH*TA, 84, formerly of Sedgwick, CO, passed away Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Brookdale Mariana Butte in Loveland, CO.

Virginia Rose Kinosh*ta was born on March 8th, 1941, to Victor Gunnar Jensen, Jr. and Dorothy Virginia (Lancaster) Jensen in Pasadena, California. Before she began school, the family returned to Chicago where Virginia (Ginny) spent her grade school years beginning to learn classical piano, violin, and received voice training. She developed a passion for music that never waned.

When the family returned to Pasadena, Ginny went through her teenage years during a magical time for Los Angeles, the 50's culture, and graduated from Pasadena High in 1958. Poodle skirts and bobby socks were in, and the first generation so vividly known for its adolescent years codified by Hollywood and rock and roll - though she always preferred the more traditional crooners. Neil Diamond, Johnny Mathis, and John Denver were some of her favorites. Her brother and parents were always a steady, supporting, and guiding force.

After starting a family husband, Jimmie Ned Smith, in Pasadena, they moved to Colorado with their children Adeana Marie and David Matthew. A few years later, they divorced, but they amicably raised their children together. She later married Arthur Yasuo (Art) Kinosh*ta, a farmer and businessman from Sedgwick. After a few years, Perry Dean was born. Surrounded by friends and family in the small community, the family thrived for decades.

Ginny loved people and embodied traditional femininity and grace. Thoughtful, modest, respectful, and intelligent, she didn't seek attention. Comfortable in most settings, she generally connected better with those who were kind, as that's what she was.

She was a loving, dedicated mother and wife who preferred to mete out discipline or voice displeasure in private, while praise and thanks were given freely. She loved adventure and travel, but cherished her home, and adored the people in her life. Even keeled and seldom ruffled, she was the quiet in the storm. When she gave her opinion, it was well considered and kind, but to the point.

Cooking and baking, puzzles, crafts of all sorts, reading, sewing, quilting, and watching movies were some of her favorite pastimes. In the 70's and 80's she sang with the traveling lady's chorale, Sweet Adelines, and was always a member of her church's choir.

Ginny's life was a testament to love expressed through simple acts. A strong Christian faith guided her, and to her last days Ginny was well loved by all who knew her. Her easy smile, warm heart, and loving patience will be deeply missed, and her light will go on shining in those she touched.

Virginia Rose Kinosh*ta is survived by her brother Mel (Billie); her children Adeana, David (Lisa), and Perry (Ashley); grandchildren Alea, Phillip, Madison, and Remie; great-grandchildren Levi, Chevelle, and Ross; and many friends and relatives.

Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsjulesburg.com.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Julesburg assisted the Kinosh*ta family.

View Virginia Kinosh*ta's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

12/09/2025

Edward D. Steenburg

The Honorable Edward D. Steenburg passed away on December 7, 2025, at his daughter's home in Lincoln, surrounded by his family, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Ed was born on January 15, 1953 in Aurora, Nebraska to Dr. Edmund A. (Ned) and Patricia J. (McArthur) Steenburg. He grew up as one of five siblings in a warm and loving home, and graduated from Aurora High School in 1971, where he was active in football, basketball and track.

In 1974, Ed married his high school sweetheart, Monica Yonker. The two met in Aurora while in school, and built a beautiful life together over 51 years of marriage. They welcomed two daughters, Abby (1980) and Becca (1984), who were the joy of his life.

Ed earned his bachelor's degree from Kearney State College in 1974 and spent the next three years teaching middle school in Council Bluffs, Iowa, while residing in Omaha. He later earned his law degree at Creighton University School of Law, graduating in 1981. That same year, Ed and his family moved to Ogallala, Nebraska, where he began his legal career practicing family and criminal law at Padley & Dudden.

In 1988, Ed joined the law firm of McQuillan & Spady and later became a partner, after which the firm became McQuillan, Steenburg & McQuillan. He practiced there until 2004, and remained deeply grateful for the mentorship of Richard Dudden and James McQuillan whose guidance influenced his career for decades.

In February 2004, Ed was appointed as a County Judge in the 11th Judicial District where he served with integrity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility until his retirement in February 2025. He believed strongly that individuals were not on trial for everything they had done in their lives, but for the specific offense before the court-a perspective that guided him to treat everyone with fairness and dignity.

Ed had a particular heart for young people who entered his courtroom. He never sought to punish youth, but to help them learn to make better choices, offering guidance that could be a light on their path and encourage them toward a different, healthier direction. This belief shaped many of his decisions and left a lasting impact on countless families.

During his tenure, he served as the President of the Nebraska County Judges Association, and was recognized with consistently high performance marks from attorneys practicing in his courtroom. He was also honored as a Nebraska State Bar Foundation Fellow - an acknowledgement given to leaders in the legal profession dedicated to community education, charitable service, and the improvement of administrative justice.

Ed was deeply committed to serving his community. He volunteered as a regional coordinator and judge for the High School Mock Trial Project and served as the lead judge for the Keith County "Through the Eyes of the Child" Initiative. His additional community service included the Ogallala Board of Education (1997-2000), Ogallala Hospital Advisory Board (1994-2000), Ogallala Library Board (1984-1991) and a member of the Elks.

A man of faith, Ed was a devoted member of New Hope Church in Ogallala. His faith brought him comfort throughout his final year, and he cherished the fellowship of his New Hope life group. He deeply valued those relationships and found peace in reading the Bible.

Ed loved experiencing God's creation and spending time outdoors-hiking in Colorado, taking long walks, riding his bike, or simply relaxing on the back deck. He treasured vacations to the beaches of Mexico and Alaskan cruises. But his greatest joy came from his grandchildren. He could often be found on the floor playing with them, fully present. Watching them grow and discover the world was his happiest blessing.

He is survived by his wife, Monica; daughters Abby (Ruben) Sanchez of Austin, TX, and Becca (Evan) Crook of Lincoln; grandchildren Cruz, Mozelle and Indie Sanchez and Ledger and Nyles Crook; and siblings Martha Buss, Sally (Steve) Loyd, Nancy (Corey) Joekel, and Alan (Tina) Steenburg and multiple nieces and nephews.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Edmund A. (Ned) and Patricia J. Steenburg, brother-in-law, George Buss and father-in-law, Donald Yonker.

Services will be held on January 10, 2026 at 2 pm, at the New Hope Church in Ogallala NE. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Trails West Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA): 511 N Spruce Box #4, Ogallala, NE 69153, and Highplains Royal Family Kids. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

View Edward D Steenburg's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

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