Obituaries
Please note: Our office relies on families, congregations, and schools to provide obituary information. If you do not see an obituary here that you believe should be shared with the district, please contact [email protected] to notify us.
Below are obituaries from the past 6 months.
Rev. Donald Becker, November 29, 2024
The Reverend Donald H. Becker, pastor emeritus, rural Gibbon, Nebraska, departed this life on Friday, November 29, 2024, at the age of 81 surrounded by his family at his home. He was born July 16, 1943, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the second son of five born to Harold and Evelyn Becker. In August of 1943, he became a child of God through baptism at Grace Lutheran Church in River Forest, Illinois. The family then moved to River Grove, Illinois, in 1950. He was confirmed on May 5, 1957, at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in River Grove, Illinois. Don graduated from River Grove Public School in 1957, then attended Leyden High School for his freshman and sophomore years. In the summer of 1959, he attended a Career Day at Concordia Teachers’ College which led to his decision to attend Concordia High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and begin the process of answering his calling to become a Lutheran minister.
After high school, he attended Concordia Senior College in Fort Wayne, Indiana, where he completed his pre-seminary training. While there, he was on the Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran Cadets basketball team. Through basketball, he met his future wife Sandy who was attending the Lutheran Hospital School of Nursing. The all-men’s college relied on the nursing school to provide cheerleaders for their games. While attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, he played basketball in his freshman and sophomore years and coached an intramural basketball team to the championship. Later, in 2017, he was inducted into the Concordia Falcons Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sandy and Don were married on August 19, 1967, at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The day after their wedding, they left for Don’s vicarage in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he served for one year. Returning to St. Louis, he completed his theological education and graduated from the seminary with a Bachelor of Divinity degree on May 30, 1969. After seminary in St. Louis, he was then called to serve at Zion Lutheran Church in Burley, Idaho. In Burley, they welcomed the birth of their first two daughters, Andrea Lynn in 1970, and Jennifer Marie in 1972. He served this parish for five years before accepting the call to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden, Nebraska. One month after their arrival in Minden, they welcomed daughter number three, Heather Sue.
In addition to ministering to the church of St. Paul, Don and Sandy became foster parents in 1980, serving over 40 children ranging from infants to teenagers. Don was active in the Minden community volunteering as well, serving with the Head Start Program, Rotary, The Teammates Program, and Literacy Links at East Elementary School. He was a committed blood donor, with his total lifetime donations exceeding 8 gallons. In June of 2014, Don retired from 45 years in the ministry and 40 years serving St. Paul Lutheran Church.
After retirement, he continued God’s work serving as interim pastor and filling vacancies throughout Nebraska in Cambridge, Ravenna, Curtis, Arapahoe, Elwood, Loup City, Merna, Holdrege, Shelton, Grand Island, Blue Hill, and Wood River. In 2002, Don and Sandy fulfilled their dream of owning “a property that he could park a boat in front of” and purchased a small cabin at El Charman Lake near Gibbon, Nebraska. They later renovated it so that it could live up to its full potential and become their final residence. They permanently moved into the cabin in 2021. It is here that their children, grandchildren, granddogs, and extended family could come to fish, boat, swim, catch up, and, most importantly, unwind.
Don’s passions were numerous including: baiting hooks with worms; untangling fishing lines; casting for largemouth bass; fly-fishing for bluegills; the smell of burning leaves in the fall; the taste of apple pie or apple crisp; model railroading; trains; maintenance at the El Charman cabin; the care of the many dogs, cats, and animals that frequented his residences; his Friday morning men’s Bible study; and visiting with others.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Sandy Becker of rural Gibbon; daughters Andrea (Sergio) Loya-Perez of Kearney, Nebraska; Jenny (Rob) Hultquist of Heartwell, Nebraska; Dr. HeatherBecker of Colorado Springs, Colorado; grandchildren, Drew (Katie) Hultquist of Morrill, Nebraska; Vanessa Loya-Perez of Omaha, Nebraska; Nathan Hultquist of Heartwell, Nebraska; Maria Loya-Perez of Lincoln, Nebraska; Sarah Hultquist of Heartwell, Nebraska; and Sergio Loya-Perez Jr. of Kearney, Nebraska; great-granddaughter, Kendal Hultquist (Drew and Katie) of Morrill, Nebraska; brother, Wes (Laurie) Becker of Wheaton, Illinois; sister-in-law, Kathy Becker of Anderson, South Carolina; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and close friends.
Pastor Becker was preceded in death by his parents; his first-born infant brother; brothers, Russel (Chris) Becker, and Milton Becker; great-nephew, Luke Becker; and sister-in-law, Cathy Becker.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden. The service will be streamed to the church’s YouTube page. Interment will be held later that day at 3:00 p.m. at the Minden Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at Craig Funeral Home in Minden.
Memorials in Don’s honor are kindly suggested to St. Paul Lutheran Church in Minden, the Mary Lanning Healthcare – Morrison Cancer Center in Hastings, or to AseraCare Hospice in Kearney.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Sandy Becker, 4 El Charman Lake Place, Gibbon, Nebraska 68840.
Dorothea “Dottie” Huebschman, October 29, 2024
Dorothea “Dottie” Elsie Koepp Huebschman, Commissioned Minister—Teacher Emerita, departed this life on October 29, 2024. Dottie was born on October 20, 1940, in Chicago, Illinois, to Herb & Ella Koepp. Growing up, she attended Lutheran schools in the Chicago area (St. John’s and Luther North). She later graduated from Concordia Teachers College (now University), Seward, in 1962, and received a master’s degree in early childhood from Indiana University in 1980. Throughout her career she served as a teacher for preschool through third grade. Congregations and schools served include: Zion, Staplehurst, NE; Holy Cross, Ft. Wayne, IN; Messiah, Ft. Wayne, IN; and St. John, Seward, NE; retiring in July of 2003.
Mrs. Huebschman is survived by her husband, Ray Huebschman; son, Tim (Paula) Huebschman of Plymouth, WI; daughter, Kathy (Scott) McDonald of Overland Park, KS; son, Jeff (Erin) Huebschman of Lancaster, WI; grandchildren, Jaimie (Joshua) Ramsey; Eric (Bekah) Huebschman; Melody (Myles) Martinez; Jake (Faith) McDonald; Eli (Desi) McDonald; Isaac McDonald; and Sadie McDonald; and great-grandchildren, Peter, Jonathan, Christina, AnnElise, Grace, Titus, Harper, Carter, Lany, Truman, and Fox. Dottie is also survived by her brother Bob (Janet) Koepp and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her parents-in-law, brothers Herb and Howard, and sisters-in-law, Marge Trader and Millie Ayres.
Service arrangements are pending. Watch for details at https://www.volzkefuneralhome.com/obituary/DorotheaDottie-Huebschman.
Marvin Plamann, September 7, 2024
Marvin Henry Plamann, Commissioned Minister—Teacher Emeritus, departed this life on September 7, 2024, in Seward, Nebraska. He was born on May 15, 1934, in Hiawatha, Kansas, to Homer and Charlotte (Reents) Plamann. Marvin became a child of God through baptism on July 22, l934, at Zion Lutheran Church in Hiawatha, Kansas, and was also confirmed at Zion on March 27, l948. He graduated from Concordia Teachers College (now University), Seward, in 1956, and received a Master’s Degree from St. Louis University in 1962. Schools served throughout his ministry include: Bethlehem, St. Louis, MO (1956-1961); and Concordia, Seward (1961-2002); retiring in December of 2002.
Marv developed a love of travel from his parents and passed this on to his students and his family. He had memberships in several professional organizations while at Concordia including Association of American Geographers, National Geographic Society and American Geographical Society, and Lutheran Education Association. He served as faculty advisor to the student Habitat for Humanity club and accompanied this group on several working trips throughout the US. In l983 he became the curator of the Bartels Museum and served in this capacity for more than twenty-five years.
After his teaching career ended, he worked part time in the Admission Office recruiting primarily second career teaching students. Years of service at St. John Church included membership on various boards and committees, including the School Board, the Christian Nurture Board, the Stewardship Board, and the Mission Committee. He especially enjoyed his work as chairman of the Mission Committee since this brought him into contact with a number of missionaries serving throughout the world. As a member of St. John Church, he sang in the choir, delivered worship tapes to homebound members, and helped with Christ Cupboard. He became a member of the Kiwanis Club of Seward and as such he sang in the Kitones, delivered backpacks to the schools of Seward, and helped with bingo activities at Kinship Pointe and Greene Senior Living. He also became an active member of Gideons International and served in various capacities with the Seward/Milford Camp.
Mr. Plamann is survived by his wife, Pearl; six children, Steven Plamann (Teresa), Rebecca Neumann (Gary), Kristine Krause (Jay), Mary Russell (Jack), Jennifer Krause (Jon), and Nicolas Plamann (Anita); 18 grandchildren, Rachel Schad (Tate), Andrew Plamann (fiancé Mallory), Katie Schiavone (Mike), Karly Hernandez (Jose), Kelly Hanna (Dusty), Daniel Neumann (Maddie), Lindsey Crumpacker (Aaron), Landon Neumann, Jacob Krause (Amanda), Aaron Krause (Gabbie), Korianne Krause, Benjamin Russell, Alexander Russell (Natalie), Jack Russell (fiancé Kaci), Matthew Krause (Sami), Timothy Krause (fiancé Maddie), Rebekah Krause, Joseph Krause; and 14 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Ralph and Ella Richterkessing; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Fred and Lois Richterkessing; brother-in-law, David Richterkessing, and sister-in-law, Carol Goodall.
The funeral service will be held September 16, 2024, at St. John Lutheran Church in Seward, beginning at 10:30 a.m. Visitation will be Sunday, September 15 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. at Volzke Funeral Home in Seward. Interment will be at the Seward Cemetery.
Memorials can be made in care of Concordia University, Nebraska (Plamann Church Worker Scholarship Fund); St. John Lutheran Church, Seward, Nebraska (Missions); and Orphan Grain Train.
Rev. Lester Dumer, July 22, 2024
The Reverend Lester Herman Dumer, pastor emeritus, Omaha, Nebraska, departed this life on Monday, July 22, 2024, at the age of 95. Lester was born December 23, 1928, in Stewart, Minnesota, the son of Fred Dummer and Marie (Otto) Dummer.
After losing his mother when he was just seven, Lester was raised by his eldest sister, Mabel, who also taught at the one-room schoolhouse where he began his education. He graduated from Hutchinson High School and went on to attend the Dunwoody Industrial Institute for Automotive Mechanics. He furthered his education with a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Texas Arlington, followed by a bachelor’s degree in history from Valparaiso University. While working as an engineer, Lester received a divine calling and entered Concordia Theological Seminary. He received his Bachelor of Divinity in 1964 and was ordained as a Lutheran minister the same year. In 1984 he obtained a Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary, Ft. Wayne, to complete his higher education. Lester was married to Marion R. Gierich on December 16, 1961, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and they shared 61 years of marriage, faith, and family.
During his 55 years of ministry, Lester faithfully served at several parishes including Grace Lutheran Church, Lyons, Kansas; St. John’s Lutheran Church, North Prairie, Wisconsin; Trinity Lutheran Church, Coal Valley, Illinois; St. John’s Lutheran Church, East Moline, Illinois; and lastly at Concordia Lutheran Church, Warsaw, Illinois, and Messiah Lutheran Church, Keokuk, Iowa, where he served until he retired at the age of 90.
Lester also served his country working as a mechanic in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He was a dedicated member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Louisville, Nebraska, and the Gretna V.F.W. His hobbies included reading, writing, camping, and canoeing, having paddled over 2000 miles throughout his lifetime with many of those miles on the annual trips he orchestrated for his parish church youth groups.
He is survived by his loving wife, Marion Dumer of Omaha, Nebraska; daughter Lisa (Jim) Anderson of Omaha, Nebraska; grandchildren Kristen (Phil) Brunner, Heather (Andrew) Ohlsson, Jordan Dumer, and Katherine Anderson; two great-grandchildren, Ava and Noah Ohlsson.
Lester was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Marie Dummer; two sons, Joel and Jeffrey Dumer; and seven siblings, Mabel Erion, Edmund Dummer, Helen Olson, Daynor Dummer, Verna Henke, Dorothy Petrowski, and Vivian Ninke.
A funeral service was held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Louisville, Nebraska, with Rev. Jon Sollberger officiating. Lester was laid to rest with military honors at Omaha National Cemetery on Monday, July 29, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. Memorials may be directed to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Lutheran Bible Translators.
Condolences may be sent to Mrs. Marion Dumer, 16901 Oakmont Drive #1, Omaha, Nebraska 68136.
Rev. Curtis Brooks, July 11, 2024
The Reverend Curtis W. Brooks, Papillion, Nebraska, departed this life on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 60. Curtis was born February 7, 1964, in Jefferson City, Missouri, to William and Kay Brooks. He was raised in Madison, Missouri, attending and graduating Madison C-3 schools. After graduation, he attended the University of Missouri, receiving his Bachelors degree in forest management. After six years of service with the Missouri State Forestry Service, he heard his calling to serve the Lord.
He received his Masters of Divinity from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and was ordained on June 25, 1995. He served the following congregations during his ministry: St. John, Red Lake Falls, Minnesota (1995-2000); Faith, Menomonie, Wisconsin (2000-2022); Holy Trinity, Boyceville, Wisconsin (2002-2022); and Lamb of God, Papillion, Nebraska (October 2022-2024).
Curtis is survived by his mother, Kay Brooks, West Columbia, Texas; uncles, Mike and Tom Brooks; aunt, Patty (Mike) Gosdin; brother, Kelly (Sandy) Brooks, Lake Jackson, Texas; niece, Sara (Alex) Martinez and children, Rosharon, Texas; nephews, Genaro Ortiz, Austin, Texas, and Joshua Brooks, Lake Jackson, Texas; as well as many close friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William Brooks.
A funeral service will be held at First Lutheran Church in Papillion, Nebraska, on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. Visitation will also be on Thursday, July 18, from 5:30-7:00 p.m at First Lutheran Church in Papillion. Burial will follow at Sunset Hills Cemetery, Madison, Missouri.
Note to District Pastors Attending:
Please arrive around 6:30 p.m. and wear robes with green vestments. Toward the end of the service, I am asking that all clergy join in singing the Nunc Dimittis as our farewell to our brother. -Rev. Ken Hessel, Sarpy Circuit Visitor
Please join the family of Reverend John Changkuoth Deang in remembering and celebrating John’s life until we meet him around the throne of God one day.