He attended Southeast Consolidated from kindergarten to graduating with the class of 1976. Dave knew farming was not his best option, so he joined the Navy. He was proud of his service, following in the footsteps of his dad in the Army and his 5 uncles in Naval Service.

    David married Marie Land on December 23, 1978, in Nemaha, Nebraska. Marie followed him to each duty station and through deployments to the    Middle East. His first ship assignment was the USS Enterprise, followed by the USS Coral Sea, USS Forrestal, and the USS Kalamazoo, from which he retired after attaining the rank of Chief. Following retirement Dave followed his Navy friend Jay to Alabama for work.

   Nikki Marie was born March 7, 1981, followed by Joshua David on June 21, 1991. Dave said goodbye to Marie on September 23, 2017. Life was lonely for David, and he began to spend more and more time in Stella after losing Marie, his father-in-law Bill Land, and his own dad the same year.

   David returned to Stella and became active in the Stella Community Church where he served on the church council. He was also involved in the American Legion doing military honors and with Bedford Cemetery.

   David found life and love again uniting in marriage to Jana Geyer Anderson on September 3, 2022. Dave and Jana had adventures camping, enjoying his motorcycle, fishing in Minnesota, helping Jana with her Christman Display, and being in the Halloween spirit at Indian Cave State Park. Dave also went back to his farming roots working for various farmers, Stella Ag, and Kennedy Farms. He was a help to his mom whenever she called.

   God decided He needed David on June 9, 2026, peacefully.

   Those left to remember and love him include his wife Jana; children Nikki (Danny) and Joshua, both of Alabama; grandchildren Landon (Ceci) Davis,  Logan Davis, Ethan Savage, Paisley and Alexander Gentry; mother Joan Wheeler; sisters Pamela (Vern) Mayfield and Lisa (Gary) Juilfs; Jana’s children Dustin (Mariana) Anderson, Dru Anderson, and Cassidy (Billy) Lotter; her grandchildren Chaelee, Brynlee, Quinn, and Everly Lotter, Cole and Kyler Anderson; mother-in-law Betty Land; brother-in-law Jim (Amy) Land; sisters-in-law Lila (Lancer) Land, Beth (Deon) Griffith; aunt Mary Behrends; nephews Eric, Jason (Jamie), Drew, Danny, Lucas (Jessica); nieces Amy (Scott), Mattie, Acacia, Schaulis, Kaylee, Lacee (Adam); great-nieces and nephews, all of whom loved Uncle David; many cousins and many friends.

   David was preceded in death by his wife Marie, father Keith, father-in-law Bill Land, grandson Lukah Wheeler, grandparents Helen and Richard Wheeler and Hazel and Lester VanDeventer.

   He will be missed.

    A funeral service for Dave was Tuesday, June 16, 2025, at the Stella Community Church. Rev. John States and Bob Beckett conducted the service, and Carolyn Bredemeier was accompanist for congregational singing. Casket bearers were Rick Ramer, Steve Kennedy, Vance Hutton, Jay Tumlin, Jim Land, and Dustin Anderson. Jim Owings, John Wheeler, Darren Santana, Dayton Kennedy, Steve Stanley, Joe Schlosser, and Marlin Joy were honorary bearers. Burial followed in Bedford Cemetery at Howe, Nebraska.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

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Rome  “RoRo” moved to Falls City with his family in 2013 and he attended Falls City Public Schools, graduating in 2025. He was currently working as a welder at Fast Global in Falls City. In his spare time, Rome liked being in the outdoors, hunting, fishing and playing basketball with his buddies. He especially enjoyed golfing with his friends. He was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church.

Rome is survived by his parents, Shawn and London of Falls City, siblings, Kaitlin (Steven) of Colorado Springs, CO, Tyler of Richmond, VA, Nevada West of Omaha, NE, Tommy and Lillian West of Falls City, Aunt “LaLa” and Uncle “Joshy” of Virginia Beach, VA, cousin Tony “Tone” of Norfolk, VA, cousin Nathan “NateNate” and a grandmother, Shirley West of Norfolk, VA and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Thomas E. West and a grandmother, Norvalynn “ Gamma” (Jones) Reed.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on

Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church with Father Jim Meysenburg officiating. Interment will be in Falls City Catholic Cemetery.

A Parish Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 7:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home. Family will receive friends following the rosary.

Memorials are suggest to help offset funeral expenses and may be sent in care of Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or suicidal thoughts, you are not alone. Immediate, free, and confidential help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to speak with a trained crisis counselor, or chat online at https://988lifeline.org/

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On December 3, 1969, John entered active-duty status with the U.S. Air Force in Kansas City, Missouri and served his country until his honorable discharge on June 1, 1973, at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.  After his military service, John lived in Grand Island and Kearney and then returned to Falls City, Nebraska and joined his father’s business and opened the Mr. Automotive Machine Shop.  Together, John, his brother Chuck and their father Stan owned the Mr. Automotive Sailors & Sons business for 44 years.

John passed away on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at the Community Medical Center in Falls City, Nebraska having reached the earthly age of seventy-six years, eleven months, and eleven days.  

He was preceded in death by his parents. 

John is survived by his wife Susi Sailors of Falls City, children: Adam (Sophie) Sailors and son Asher of Colorado Springs, CO; Clint Sailors of Falls City and sons Blake and Cameron, Shannon “Shay” (Brad) Homeyer of Nebraska City and their children Jake(Emaly) Cockle, Cameron and Miles, Caitlyn Homeyer, Darnell Simms, Uriah Homeyer, Jakobi Homeyer, and Brock Homeyer, Jay (Nicole) Jackson and children Seth & Garrett of Verdon, Joe (Rachel) Jackson and children Tanner & Alaina of Verdon, Shelby (Jorge) Rodriguez of Florida, Madison (Sam) Marx and children Ephraim and Elle of Colona, IL; Josh Murphy, Sydnie Murphy and fiancé Trevon Snell and son Oscar of Lincoln, Abigail (Skylar) Martin and children Colton, Weston, Remington, and Leighton, brother Chuck Sailors of Falls City, and many other relatives, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at The Seid’s Center, 71085 651 Blvd. outside of Falls City, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions may be given to the family’s choice with a later designation.

Condolences can be left at www.hallfuneral.net

Services entrusted to Hall Funeral Home-2403 Harlan St-Falls City, NE 68355 (402) 245-3131 

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Susan was born November 20, 1951, in Sidney, Nebraska, to Charlyn (Hagemeister) and Bennie Herboldsheimer. She grew up the third of four children on the family’s 2,200-acre wheat farm seven miles south of Potter, Nebraska.  She enjoyed a childhood rich with wide open skies, road trips, beloved cousins, and more than a few memorable hijinks with her younger brother, Steven. Those early years shaped her into someone who was hardworking, creative, deeply rooted in family, and a bit ornery.

Susan graduated from Potter High School in 1970, the same year she was crowned Nebraska Wheat Queen — a title that suited her perfectly. She went on to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she joined Gamma Phi Beta sorority and built friendships that would last a lifetime. She graduated in 1973 with a degree in Home Economics Education and Extension.

On January 4, 1974, she married the love of her life, Darrell Kruse. Together they built a beautiful life across southeast Nebraska.  The couple resided first in Lincoln, then Humboldt, Falls City, and eventually Auburn, where they put down deep roots in 1989. 

Susan stood faithfully by Darrell’s side through his health challenges in their later years, never wavering in her devotion to him. They were blessed by 52 years of marriage.  In 2024, they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with their daughters and grandchildren with a memorable vacation in Estes Park, Colorado where they had honeymooned.  

Susan had a career as colorful and creative as she was. She served as a Nebraska Extension Home Economist across Richardson, Pawnee, Nemaha, and Johnson counties, and later owned and operated Ultra Stitches, her own custom drapery and home interior business, for more than 20 years. She touched countless homes — and made countless friends — through that work. In her later years, she brought her warmth and playfulness to the children at Trinity Lutheran Preschool, where she was exactly the kind of teacher every child deserves.

But if you asked Susan where she shined brightest, she would have said at home with her girls. She was a mother who never said no to making a mess if it meant making a memory. Cardboard forts, crafts, dress up, paint and more.  She poured herself into motherhood without reservation. She never missed a volleyball game, a swim meet, golf match, a school performance, or a speech competition. She was always there. 

Her Christmas cookie baking was nothing short of legendary — a multi-day production that she made sure her daughters understood was meant to be shared with neighbors and friends. She created holiday magic like it was her calling, because for her, it was.  As long as the girls were willing, she made them matching dresses for holidays like Christmas and Easter.  

Susan was an extraordinary artist. Her quilting was known throughout the region, earning her ribbons and awards at county fairs and the Nebraska State Fair, including a first-place finish for her hand-appliquéd miniature wall quilt she titled “Puddy’s on My Quilt” which was a loving tribute to her cat, Pudd. She blessed many people over the years with handmade table runners and lap quilts made with her own two hands and a whole lot of love. 

Susan had a gift of making special celebrations even more special.  When Kristin got married, she sewed the bridesmaid dresses. When Sarah graduated college, she made her an incredible quilt of the periodic table in honor of Sarah’s chemistry major. 

Susan was a woman of deep faith and generous community spirit. She was active in her church throughout her life by singing in the choir, leading Sunday school, participating in women’s Bible study, and helping with vacation Bible school and Christmas programs. She was a founding member of the Prayers & Quilts group, a member of the Heritage Needlework Guild, Kiwanis Club, and Toastmasters, and sang with the Sweet Adelines barbershop group in Falls City. She gave of herself freely and without keeping score — to her church, her neighbors, her friends, and most tenderly, to her own mother, Charlyn, whom she cared for in her final years.

Her faith was steadfast, and the greatest comfort to those who are missing her now is knowing she is exactly where she always believed she would be: reunited with God, with Jesus, and with the loved ones who went before her. That faith was one of the greatest gifts she passed on to her daughters and grandchildren, and it will carry forward in all of them.

Susan is survived by her husband, Darrell Kruse of Auburn; her daughters and sons-in-law, Kristin and Casey Tyler of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Sarah and Edward Ibinson Jr. of King George, Virginia; her grandchildren, Henry and Quinn Tyler, and Eleanor and Edward Ibinson III; her sister, Patrice (Mike) Egging of Pratt, Kansas; sister-in-law Lori (Kent) Evers of Beatrice; brothers-in-law Steven (Terri) Kruse and Timothy (Angela) Kruse, both of Beatrice; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

 She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Alicia Eagan; her brother, Steven Herboldsheimer; and her niece, Mendi Cotter. 

A funeral service was held June 5, 2026, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Jackie Gfeller. Edith Schlange played accompaniment for congregational hymns led by Ron Heskett. Blaine Eagan, Matt Egging, Patrick Egging, Luke Egging, Lynette Freeman, and Kevin Hamm served as casket bearers.  Burial took place in Steele Cemetery at Falls City.  

 Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.

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Over the coming weeks, Falls City Journal staff, readers, advertisers and community members will work together as part of an important national effort examining how local newspapers can remain strong, sustainable and community focused for generations to come.

The project brings together newspaper leaders, journalism researchers and rural communities to help develop new models for local journalism at a time when newspapers across the country continue facing enormous challenges.

Teri Finneman, a journalism professor at the University of Kansas and co-author of Reviving Rural News: Transforming the Business Model of Community Journalism in the U.S. and Beyond, will be leading the initiative.

Finneman, who has worked with newspapers across the Midwest as part of the initiative, said communities selected for the project are chosen carefully.

“Falls City was a clear choice to be the next selection in this national project,” said Finneman, who is originally from a town of 2,500 in western North Dakota. “I was very impressed with how dedicated everyone on the staff is with serving this community. With the community’s help, we can really make the newspaper a beacon for others across the country to follow.”

The initiative will include community surveys, focus groups and public discussions designed to gather feedback from residents of all backgrounds and perspectives. Organizers said public participation will play a major role in helping shape future decisions and priorities for the newspaper.

The Falls City Journal is among only a limited number of newspapers nationwide given this incredible opportunity, which has already strengthened newspapers in North Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska and Kansas.

Falls City Journal publishers Brian and Nikki McKim said they are honored to have the newspaper chosen and believe the opportunity represents something much larger than the newspaper itself.

“This is a major opportunity not just for the Journal, but for our entire community,” said Nikki McKim. “We are incredibly proud that Falls City was selected to help lead conversations about the future of local journalism and rural communities.”

Since taking ownership of the Falls City Journal in September 2024, the McKim’s have focused heavily on investing in the newspaper.

“We truly believe in this newspaper and in our community,” Brian McKim said. “This initiative gives residents a chance to directly help shape the future of their newspaper. That is exciting and incredibly important”

Take the survey HERE

 At a time when many rural newspapers are disappearing, Falls City has been given an opportunity to help shape what the future of community journalism could look like locally and nationwide.

“The business model most newspapers still rely on was developed in 1833, when Andrew Jackson was president,” Finneman said. “It assumed news should be dirt cheap and endlessly subsidized by advertising. That model no longer works. No other business could survive on a 200-year-old structure. Newspapers have to change, and we need the community’s support to do so.”

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He married Carol Ramsey on January 28, 1965 at Hiawatha, KS. She passed away September 16, 1998.

Gilbert was raised in the Rulo area and following his schooling he worked as a farm hand and then did commercial fishing on the Missouri River. He also worked at Falls City Creamery, Frontier Trailor Factory and Excel Meat Company at Rock Port, MO and Falls City Meat Company. He retired from the White Cloud Casino where he worked in maintenance in 2005.

Gilbert is survived by his children, Shawn and his wife Heather, Rita Coonce and her husband Kevin, Raphael and his wife Anna, all of Falls City, brother, Norman and his wife Pamela of Rulo, fourteen grandchildren and eighteen great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Larry, and a sister, Shirlee Fee.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 10:30 AM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home with Pastor David Showalter officiating. Interment will be in Rulo Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

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She met her soul mate, Rolland E. Vice, at the age of seventeen. They were married three years later on April 5, 1953 at Stella.

The couple established their home in Ft. Dodge, IA for three years where she learned to cook from her sister-in-law Wilda Halligan. Growing up, she spent more time outside, riding horses, showing calves and being a tomboy. In 1957 they bought their family home in Stella where she lived with her lifelong love for the next 67 years. While in Stella, she worked at Lockard’s grocery store and the Sewing Factory in Auburn until they bought a propane company in 1979. After retiring in 1994, she worked at Anderson’s One Stop for several years. She was the back bone of her family, providing unwavering support to all members of her family without ever being in the spotlight. She was a member of Good News Assembly of God Church at Falls City.

Iris is survived by her husband of 72 years, Rolland of Stella, children, Terry of Brownville, NE, Lori Landes and her husband Greg of Jamesport, MO, Lisa Schrader of Omaha, eight grandchildren, Dan (Wendy) Vice of Auburn, Jayme Burlingame of Falls City, Brittney (Bradley) Burke, Bailey (Chris) Mazur, Briana Hixson all of Gallatin, MO, Chance Vice of Omaha, Tyler Schrader of Kansas City, Quinton Schrader of Omaha, ten great-grandchildren, five step-great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents.

Her funeral will be held on Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Good News Assembly of God Church with Pastor Leonard Reimers officiating. Interment will be in Harris Cemetery.

The family will receive friends on Monday from 7-8:00 PM at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Family prefers memorials to be made to the Good News Assembly of God Church.

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Maxine Marie Berg was born on May 14, 1930, to Arthur and Viola (Nichols) Berg. She met the love of her life, Norman, at a country school dance. On April 14, 1948, they were united in marriage at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church near Verdon, Nebraska. Together they built their home and life on the family farm south of Barada.

Maxine devoted her life to her family as a farm wife and homemaker. She was independent woman and strong-willed, never afraid to speak her mind. Wonderfully stubborn in all the right ways, she carried herself with determination, grace and a spirit all her own. She had a deep love for chickens, gardening, canning, and baking, and she delighted in sharing those passions with her children and grandchildren. She became well known throughout the Barada area for her homemade noodles and cinnamon rolls. She also found great joy in feeding and watching the hummingbirds and wild birds through every season.

Their love story, which began at a young age, truly stood the test of time. Norman and Maxine shared 66 blessed years of marriage before Norman was called to Heaven. Maxine was a devoted member of the Barada Global Methodist Church, the Barada Sewing Circle, and the Barada Bells Choir. Her life was marked by love, compassion, kindness, and an unwavering faith in God. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.

Maxine is survived by her daughter, Pam (special friend George) of Falls City; sons, Rick (wife Fran) of Shubert and Gerald (wife Betty) of Falls City, sister Dorothy (husband Harry) of Nashville, Indiana.    

Her beloved grandchildren include Craig Dungan (wife Mara), Becky Vonderschmidt (husband Justin), Brian Kuker (late wife Cassandra), Stephanie Kuker, Crystal Eickhoff (husband Robert), Desi McQueen (husband Brandon), Cassie Gaddis (special friend Joe), Shelby Kuker, and Eli Kuker (wife Shelby).

Maxine was also blessed with 19 great-grandchildren, one great-great-granddaughter, and numerous step-great-great-grandchildren.

She was welcomed into the Kingdom of Heaven by her parents; her husband, Norman; their infant son born at rest in 1953; her brother, Dale Berg; her sister, Marcelin Bahr; and a great-granddaughter born at rest.

Viewing will be held Saturday afternoon until 5:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 5:00 p.m. at Dorr and Clark Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Monday, June 1, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Barada Global Methodist Church in Barada, Nebraska, with Pastor Mike Hader officiating. Interment will follow at Barada Harris Cemetery, where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.

Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the family for a special memorial to be designated at a later time.

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He married his sweetheart, Joyce Elizabeth Schneidewind, in 1957, and together they had a daughter, Donna Sue (Balke), and a son, Brent Lee Elliott. On August 25 of this year, they would have celebrated 69 years of marriage.

A 1957 graduate of Verdon High School, Norm earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska Omaha and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies from North Central University. He worked in banking, insurance, real estate, and appraisal services throughout Nebraska and Kansas. He was active in many community organizations, including the Falls City Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Hospital Board, Lions Club, and local realtor associations.

Above all, Norm was a man of God who spent his life showing the love of Christ to others through kindness, service, encouragement, and missions work. Norman served as a minister at a nursing home, alongside his wife Joyce, for over 30 years. His faith in God guided every part of his life and inspired those around him. He had a deep love for Israel and the Jewish people and treasured the opportunities he had to visit there. Norm and Joyce travelled to Israel 15 times.

Norm loved traveling, bicycling, hiking, and serving others around the world. Together, they explored 75 countries and travelled across many countries on their bicycles. Norm also enjoyed gardening, reading, writing, collecting pens and pencils, volunteering as a chaplain at Sac River Cowboy Church, and cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Elliott of Springfield, Missouri; daughter Donna Sue Balke and husband James of Ridgedale, Missouri; son Brent Lee Elliott of Falls City, Nebraska; sister Elaine Lippold and husband Harold of Mankato, Kansas; along with five grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. His great-grandchildren lovingly called him “Papa Great.”

Norm’s greatest legacy will be the example of his unwavering faith in God and the love of Christ that he showed to his family. Through his kindness, servant’s heart, devotion to prayer, and deep love for his family, he leaves behind a spiritual legacy that will continue to guide and inspire generations to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers, Roger Lee Elliott and Duane M. Elliott. A private, intimate family gathering to celebrate Norman’s life will take place at a later time.

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