July 4, 1930 – February 4, 2025

James “Jim” Barton Runyan, a cherished father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, at the age of 94 years and 7 months. Born on July 4, 1930, to Nettie and Chauncey Runyan, Jim lived a life full of adventure, love, and aloha.

Jim graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1948 and earned a BA in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln. His dedication to service led him to the Navy, where he served as a Lieutenant on submarines, embodying courage and commitment.

Born and raised in Lincoln NE, James married his high school sweetheart, Caryl Besse, and together they had three wonderful children: Debbie, James B., and Pat Chaunce.

Jim began his career in the insurance industry shortly after graduating from college. He soon found a promising opportunity with Dillingham Insurance in Hawaii, where he thrived both professionally and personally. Jim embraced the island life, immersing himself in Hawaiian traditions and culture. He cherished his time in Hawaii, spending over two decades enjoying the beauty and spirit of the islands.

After his divorce in 1976, Jim found happiness with his partner, Rosemary “Rhee” Bogin, with whom he shared many joyful years until her passing in 2015. Following this loss, he moved to Nebraska, where he loved the time spent with his children and grandchildren, creating lasting memories in his remaining days An avid storyteller, Jim captivated many with his tales, sharing his experiences and wisdom generously. He embraced the spirit of Aloha, living a life filled with kindness and warmth. In his later years, he resided in assisted living communities where staff and residents greeted him with “Aloha,” a testament to the positive impact he had on those around him. Everyone loved his bright colored aloha shirts, which became a signature part of his joyful presence.

Jim is survived by his daughter Deb Rogers, his son Patrick Runyan, his son-in-law Ben Rogers, his daughter-in-law Kathy Runyan, and his granddaughters Jaime Rogers, Megan Runyan, Rachel Runyan, Selena Harre, and Danika Harre. He was preceded in death by his parents Nettie and Chauncey Runyan, his brother Jack Runyan, his son James B. Runyan, and his granddaughter Danielle (Rogers) Harre.

Jim passed away just four days before his beloved daughter, Debbie. Throughout his life, Jim was a devoted father who always looked out for and protected his children. It is believed that in his final moments and the days beyond, he was spiritually present with his daughter, continuing to watch over her as she bravely faced her last days. Jim’s legacy of love, storytelling, and aloha will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and friends. He will be deeply missed.

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January 28, 1930 – March 11, 2025

Vera Mae Lutz, 95, longtime Lincoln resident and proud Nebraskan, died Tuesday.

Services will be at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church in Lincoln at 1 p.m. on Sunday, preceded by viewing beginning at 12. Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln.

She was a beloved Mother, wife, Grand-Mother and Great-Grandmother, a beloved neighbor and dedicated servant to her communities. She was as big a Big Red fan as one can imagine – a loyal follower of the volleyball team before it was popular, who spent Saturdays for decades on the East Side of Memorial Stadium. Loyalty to the University of Nebraska was only exceeded by her dedication to family.

Vera Mae was born Jan. 28, 1930 in Ansley, NE. She grew up on a farm at the end of a dirt lane with her parents and two sisters. After graduating from Ansley High School, she began office work in Broken Bow. There, she met Dan Lutz from Arcadia, at a church dinner for young singles. They subsequently married on Feb. 7, 1954. They started their family soon after, and moved to Lincoln in 1959 after they made a big decision to leave mid-Nebraska for Dan’s job with the University. It was perhaps then that the seeds of her later enthusiasm for community support were planted. She also put the many kitchen, gardening, cooking and baking skills she learned on the farm to good use. For years she helped raise, can and  preserve foods that she served the family throughout the year.

She followed her children to Hartley Elementary School, helping start the school’s first PTA. In recognition of her ongoing commitment to the school’s students, parents, faculty and staff she was awarded an honorary lifetime membership. As her children grew, left for college and then for their own live paths, she began spending more time outside the home in a variety of volunteer experiences. She even ran for election to the school board, an experience that convinced her once was enough.

She was a selfless supporter of others around her. For years, she taught Sunday School at 1st United Methodist Church, led a Bluebird group for girls and regularly attended Faculty Women’s Club, Ceres Club and a monthly dinner/discussion group. Through these groups and life experiences she began to develop her interests and sought opportunities for service. The first and most influential was the League of Women Voters. Her service on various boards and commissions gave her the chance to meet women of all walks of life. And, she become a good recruiter as well.

She held a variety of leaderships positions with LWV, included two terms as state president. She held a number of other leadership roles with the League, and played a key role in production of the Leagues’s Voter’s Guide. She helped organize voter registrations, which naturally led to  her serving fellow citizens for years on election days in a variety of polling official positions.

Her long-time community engagement also included helping found and grow the East Campus Community Organization (ECCO), ultimately serving two terms as president. She was a longtime member and past president of  Lincoln Chapter 100, United Nations Association – USA. There, she was active in efforts to promote world peace and the observance of human rights on the local, state, national and world levels. Closer to home, she served from 1993-2004 on the Wyuka Cemetery Board of Trustees, including a term as chairperson. All those achievements stem from a frank, feisty, open and honest personality that could be direct and brief,yet came from love.

Survivors include her son, Larry Lutz and wife, Ginny Green of Benicia, CA; daughters Barbara Gordon and husband, Randall Gordon, of Glen Allen, VA, and Bonnie Lutz and husband, Leif Neve, of Bethesda MD; six grand-children and three great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Daniel B. Lutz; daughter-in-law Sandy Lutz; parents Warren and Ella Bellinger, and sisters LuEtta Anderson and Helen Bellinger, both of Lincoln.

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She is survived by her beloved husband, Robert Neitzel; her children, Phillip A. Payne, Albuquerque, NM; Sherri Henderson, Detroit, MI, and Lily A. Payne, Lincoln, NE. She was a proud grandmother to Priscilla Hernandez, Omaha; Jasmin Wilson, Detroit, MI and Willie Johnson, Ft Campbell, KY; Lilyane Versch (Jesse Versch), Lincoln; Miranda Sanchez (Fiancé, Derek Hess), Lincoln; Isaac Sanchez, Lincoln; and an “adopted” son by love, Reese Kavanagh, also Lincoln; She leaves behind eleven cherished great grandchildren. Sylvia is also survived by her sister, Carol Clair, Lincoln, as well as her niece, Elaine Clair, and nephew, Jim Clair, who held a special place in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles J. and Bessie L. Svoboda; brother Charles A. Svoboda; brother-in-law John “Jack” Clair; and her great grand-daughter Rose Hess.

Cremation. Homegoing and Celebration of Life services will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home, Saturday, June 21^st, 2025, at 2 pm.

Flowers may be sent to Wyuka the day prior to services. Monetary donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to FoodNet, P.O. Box 29764, Lincoln, NE 68529 or Center for People (in Need), 3901 N. 27^th St., Lincoln, NE 68521.

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Maryalice was a compassionate and supportive beacon of love to all who had the privilege to know her. Residing in Lincoln, Nebraska, she dedicated many years as a teacher in the Lincoln Public Schools before retiring in 1999. But her true passion was her family, whom she cherished deeply. She was an unwavering source of strength and courage, a pillar for her husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

A devout member of St. Luke’s United Methodist Church since 1966, Maryalice found solace and joy in her faith. She loved singing in the church choir, echoing the words of her favorite hymn, “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father; There is no shadow of turning with Thee; Thou changeset not, Thy compassions, they fail not; As Thou has been, Thou forever will be.” Her unwavering Christian faith was a testament to her character and the love she spread around her.

Maryalice is survived by her loving husband, Marlin “Keith” Sheets; her children, Jim (Brenda) Sheets, Marla (Terry) Kurtenbach, and Bill (Kim) Sheets; her 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and numerous relatives and friends who will miss her dearly. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Dorothy Quig, and her brother, Charles Quig Jr.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 13, 2025, From 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in Rudge Chapel at Wyuka Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3600 O Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. The funeral service will follow the next day, Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 1621 Superior St, Lincoln. Memorials may be directed to the family for further designation.

Maryalice’s legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of those she touched. She continues to inspire us with the melody of her life, now part of the heavenly chorus. We invite you to share your memories and upload photos of Maryalice to the memorial page to celebrate her beautiful and impactful life.

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Diane (Roth) (Gaines) Wacker, 86, of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully on March 6, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Diane was born on August 1, 1938, in Lincoln, NE to Natalie and Henry Roth.  She spent the first years of her life in Lincoln’s South Bottoms and then moved to a farm outside of Ashland upon her mother’s marriage to her beloved stepfather, Allen Gillespie.  Diane graduated from Ashland High School in 1956, where she was a cheerleader and homecoming queen.

In 1959, she married fellow Ashland High School graduate Frank Gaines, and they relocated to Lincoln, NE to raise their family.  She was blessed with 3 wonderful children, 6 grandchildren, and 7 great grandchildren.

Diane worked a variety of jobs including Lincoln Telephone and Bankers Life, prior to becoming a full-time homemaker.  Later, she returned to work outside the home at Olson Construction, Ben Simons, Hospe’s Music, The Legionnaire Club/Legion Post, and Lincoln Northeast High School.  She was also an active member of PEO Chapter GJ and a frequent JDRF event volunteer.

She married Dan Wacker on April 27, 2002, and they enjoyed 16 years together prior to Dan’s death in 2018.

Diane is most remembered for her active spirit and quick wit. Known as “Red” to many due to the color of her hair, she was never known to slow down. She spent many years invested in the lives of her children; shuttling them to practices, rehearsals, concerts, games, and tournaments across every corner of the state. As her children aged, her dedication shifted to maintaining a lifelong loyalty to the Tastee’s Inn and Out Original Sandwiches, rotating her impressive collection of holiday décor for every occasion, and doting on generations of adored miniature schnauzers.

She will be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, loyal friend, chocolate milk connoisseur and ray of sunshine. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Diane is survived by her children, Scott (Patrice) Gaines of Lincoln, NE, Phil (Ann) Gaines of Overland Park, KS, and Mary (Steve) Mayfield of Wahoo, NE; grandchildren, Brady (Bri) Gaines, Karli (Derek) Hoffman, Ryan (Arica) Gaines, Allison (Kevin) Curry, Hana Mayfield, and Riley Mayfield; 7 great grandchildren; and cherished niece, Marlene Love.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Dan; and siblings, Marian Andrewjeski, Delores Flint, and Dennis Roth.

Visitation will be held Thursday, March 13, 2025, from 5 PM to 8 PM, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, March 14, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home. Interment to follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

Diane’s Funeral Service will be livestreamed HERE

Memorials are suggested to Saunders County Lost Pets HERE or The Floyd Rogers Diabetic Foundation (summer camp for youth living with diabetes). HERE.

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Duane Keck of Lincoln, Nebraska, sadly passed away on February 27, 2025, at the age of 72. He was born in Lincoln on November 16, 1952, to Clifford and Maria Keck.

A lifelong sports fan, Duane was a devoted supporter of Nebraska Cornhuskers football and the St. Louis Cardinals. He also had a passion for collecting antiques, always finding joy in discovering unique treasures. His love for sports, history, and collecting brought him many friendships and great memories throughout his life.

Duane is survived by his brother, Terry (Vicki) Keck; his niece, Maria (Jake) Spidel; and five great-nieces and nephews—Alexandria, Samantha, Jenna, Jacob, and Thomas. He will also be dearly missed by his friends and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Maria Keck.

Duane’s love for family, friends, and the things that brought him joy will be remembered by all who knew him

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Judith Ann Lindholm, the daughter of Lawrence and Reola Pelster was born April 21, 1953.  She grew up on a farm in Petersburg, NE.  After high school, she moved to Lincoln where she worked at Dairyland Insurance Company.

On April 26, 1975, she married Clifford Lindholm.  They lived in Valparaiso for a few years before moving to Lincoln.  They were married for 49 years and had four wonderful daughters.

Judy worked for many years as a receptionist for Sysco Corporation.  She retired from there about 10 years ago.  It was a job she really enjoyed.

Judy had a passion for finding a good deal and she often times shared her special finds with others.  She loved holidays, baking cookies and playing with her grandkids. Relationships were important to Judy, and she knew how to make a person feel special.  She always remembered your birthday or anniversary with a card and a note from the heart.

Judy is survived by her husband Cliff, daughters Jennifer (Bill) Osborn, Jill Lindholm, Danielle (Brian) Wing and Katie (Casey) Heller and five grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her mother and father-in-law and her little dog, Buddy.

Visitation will be held from 5 PM to 8 PM, Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, NE. A Rosary will be held at 10 AM, with a Funeral Service following at 10:30 AM, Thursday, March 6, 2025, at North American Martyrs Catholic Church, 1101 Isaac Dr, Lincoln, NE. Interment will take place at 1:30 PM, Thursday, March 6, 2025, at Fairview Cemetery, 8400 Adams Street, Lincoln, NE.

Memorials may be donated to the family for future designation.

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June 10, 1954 – February, 23, 2025

Millard Tarquintus Woods III, age 70, a beloved figure of Mentor, Ohio, sadly left our world on February 23, 2025, after a life richly lived in service, generosity, and kindness. Millard spent his life serving his community, first through his role as a serviceman in the United States Army and later through several first-responder roles. Throughout his career, he was often a beacon of hope and calm during what may have been someone’s most difficult day. Known for his wry sense of humor and wit, Millard was always ready with a well-timed joke. He was a wizard on the barbecue grill, a lover of fine bourbon, and a cigar aficionado.

He is preceded in death by his brother, Steven T. Woods; his father, Millard T. Woods Jr.; and his beloved mother, Ida (Adkins) Woods.

Millard leaves behind a legacy through his loving wife, Dawn Kuhn-Woods, his daughter, Miya Woods, his granddaughter, Madison Wright, his sister, Constance Woods-Brown, his brother Nathan Woods (Sandra), and many extended family members and friends.

Millard’s memory and impact on the world will be a guiding star for all who knew him.

A Memorial Service to honor his life and impact will take place on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at 10:30 AM CST at Wyuka Funeral Home in Lincoln, Nebraska. For those unable to attend the out-of-state service, it will be live-streamed. You may join the service virtually HERE A celebration of life “toast” will also be held at Billy’s – A Cappelli Martini Bar in Mentor, Ohio, on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at 2:00 PM.

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Lynnelle was a lifetime member of Bethany Christian Church. She was a proud member of the Lincoln Lacemakers tatting club, as well as a crocheter and knitter. Each year she would enter her creations in the Nebraska State Fair and was proud of the ribbons she would earn. Lynnelle loved many sports especially the Nebraska Husker Volleyball and Womens Basketball teams. She loved her two cats Izzy and Edward.

Lynnelle was preceded in death by her father Wendell Wood, her mother Beverly Wood, and her brother Wilber Wood.

Interment on Saturday February 22, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Wyuka Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday February 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Bethany Christian Church, Memorials to be designated to Bethany Christian Church.

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Duane deeply loved his Savior, his “Jules”, and his family. He was incredibly proud of all of them. He is survived by his wife, Julia; his younger sister Alice Jean Edwards; his younger brother David Baker who is married to Julia’s sister Ruth; his children Ty (Chanée) Baker, Trent (Robin) Baker, Troy (Katie) Baker, and Tarese (Phillip) Quelle; and his grandchildren Micah Baker, Lydia (Ethan) Robertson, Caleb (Klaire) Baker, Delaney Baker, Levi Baker, Hannah Quelle, Nolan Baker, William Quelle, and Josie Baker. He will be greatly missed.

Duane’s memorial service will be on Monday February 17 at 10 am at Heartlands Church, 10000 Yankee Hill Rd., Lincoln, Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, please give any memorials in Duane’s name to Nebraska Youth Camp or the Lincoln Pregnancy Center.

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