OBITUARIES

James Ridgeway

Jim “Doc” T. Ridgeway, 88, of Albion, NE, died Friday, May 29, 2026, at the Norfolk Veterans Home in Norfolk, NE.

A Military Graveside Service will be at 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2026, at Rose Hill Cemetery, Albion, NE. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post #162, VFW Post #736, Navy Funeral Honor Guard. Visitation will be Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at Levander Funeral Home, Albion, NE.

James T. Ridgeway was born June 14,1937 in Beebe, Arkansas to Owen and Charlene (Hill) Ridgeway. At an early age he moved with his family to Albion, Nebraska where he attended rural country school while living on the farm northeast of Albion. He graduated from Albion High School in 1955. He entered the United States Navy on May 31,1955 and served until June 5, 1958.

Jim was united in marriage to Cynthia "Kay" Mignery on August 10, 1958, at the United Methodist Church in Albion. Jim enrolled in the Colorado State College in Ft. Collins, Colorado where he received his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine. In 1964 Jim and Kay returned to Albion where he owned and practiced at the Albion Veterinary Clinic for over 50 years.

Jim "Doc" was a lifetime member of the Amateur Trapshooters Association and the National Rifle Association. He was also active in the Nebraska Trapshooters Association. He was an avid trapshooter and enjoyed all shooting sports including hunting. He followed his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting events and enjoyed seeing the additions of new great grandchildren.

He is survived by his four children: Steve (Angie) Ridgeway; John (Sheila) Ridgeway; Gregg (Shelly) Ridgeway; Jill (Kent) Wells; seven grandchildren: Dana (Justin); Zach (Morgan); Nick (Emily); Sadie (Torey); Parker (Sydney); Jake; Olivia (Austin); 11 great-grandchildren: Hollynn, Emmitt, Max, Cecilia, Annora, Margo, August, Murphy, Abigail, Charlotte, and Layne; one brother: Byron Melland.

He was preceded in death by his wife: Cynthia “Kay” Ridgeway; infant son: Thomas Ridgeway; parents: Charlene and Marvin Melland; siblings: Marvelle, John and Ann

Josh Harry

Joshua “Josh” James Harry, a one-of-a-kind man, ended his fight with cancer on Monday, April 27, 2026, at his home surrounded by the love of his family. His passing marks the end of a vibrant chapter defined by loyalty, humor, a need for speed, and a heart that loved deeply. 

We will celebrate Josh’s life at 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at Country Celebrations, 5606 Hamilton Blvd, Sioux City, IA. Visitation with family and friends will be from 4:00 P.M. until service time. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, May 7, 2026, at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden, with a reception to follow at Old City Hall Event Center in Hawarden. 

Josh was born on November 22, 1977, in Hawarden, Iowa, the son of Jim and Denise (Larson) Harry. Josh’s early years in Hawarden shaped a grounded, kind spirit who embraced life with a uniquely dry sense of humor, a stubborn streak, and an infectious goofiness. From these roots sprouted a man renowned for dad jokes galore and one-liners that could brighten any room, creating a legacy of laughter among family and those fortunate to know him. 

Josh made many life-long friends during grade school and high school, and he graduated from West Sioux High School in 1996. He attended WITCC, where he made lasting friendships at the Isabella house and helped create the Sunday Morning Bacon Association. Josh also spent a brief but meaningful period in Madison, Wisconsin, leaving him with lasting friendships that enriched his life. 

His career journey, woven primarily through the telecommunications industry, spoke to his innate talent for solving problems — he could fix anything. He worked at Siouxland Energy Cooperative, before his path eventually led him to FiberComm (now ImOn), where he spent the past twelve years forging many strong and special friendships that stood as a testimony to his camaraderie and warmth. 

He was a man of many passions that painted a vivid life: The thrill of drag racing his beloved 1969 Camaro at Thunder Valley Dragways, and treasured moments spent in the garage with his dad. The outdoors called to him endlessly, where he loved fishing and hunting, and the simple joy of being behind the wheel of his treasured truck. He was also known for putting on spectacular firework shows, killer drumming sessions, and his thirst for knowledge kept YouTube in business. Above all, Josh cherished being a dad, relishing every opportunity to support his daughter Gemma’s activities with unwavering pride and enthusiasm. 

Josh is survived by his wife, Jennifer "Jenni" Harry, and their daughter Gemma; his parents Jim and Denise Harry, his brother Levi Harry (Stephanie Arsenault); his parents-in-law: Dan and Nan Seger as well as Sheri and Brian Reynoldson; sisters-in-law Dacia Weir (Brandon Steele) and Ashley (Brett) Bloom; and brother-in-law Brock (Shelby) Reynoldson. His extended family includes nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins who, alongside countless special coworkers and friends, celebrate the light he brought into their lives. 

He was preceded in death by grandparents: Loyle and Roxy Larson and Richard and Evelyn Harry, his beloved uncle Randy Larson, and aunt Sherri Harry. 

Josh’s story is one of indelible spirit—marked by unwavering loyalty, spirited laughter, and a love that was fierce and wholly authentic. His memory lives on through the many lives he touched, the friendships he nurtured, and the family whose hearts he forever holds.

Janet Reichmuth

Janet Chloe Carson Reichmuth was born on June 27, 1933, in Columbus, Nebraska the only child of Richard Benjamin and Rosa (Test) Carson.  She grew up in Madison, Nebraska where she attended grade school and graduated from Madison High School in 1951, as class Salutatorian before enrolling in the Bryan Memorial Hospital Nursing program in Lincoln, graduating in 1954.  As a schoolgirl, Janet enjoyed music, playing the saxophone in the school band and was active in pep club.  She worked at Brown McDonald clothing store, the local dry cleaners and the local soda shop, where all the boys would hang out.  It was here that Janet met Billy Reichmuth, a kid from the wrong side of the tracks, in the 9th grade and they dated off and on through high school and nursing school.

Janet married Bill on December 21, 1953, at St. Leonard’s Catholic Church in Madison, Nebraska while Bill was on leave from his U.S. Army deployment in Philadelphia.  This was no easy task.  Bill had to make arrangements for his leave and Janet had to resign from nursing school and then reapply for the final four months of her schooling. (Bryan did not allow their nursing students to get married during their schooling without jumping through hoops).  They were blessed with three children: Jon, Kim and Jay.  Janet and Bill lived in Philadelphia for a year, Norfolk, Nebraska for two years while Bill attended college and Chicago for two years before settling in Valley, Nebraska in 1960.

Janet worked at a local hospital in Philadelphia, stayed home with her two children in Chicago and Valley.  Janet would help out at Dr. Denker’s office in Valley during vacations but never full time.  The family lived on Hudspith and Harrier streets in the south end of Valley until 1971 when they moved to the funeral home.   In 1991, Janet, Bill and Jon purchased the Swanson Funeral Homes in Valley, Elkhorn and Yutan.  Janet played an even larger role in the daily operations then and continued until 2002 when her health made it difficult for her to manage.  After Bill’s death in 1995, Janet sold the business to Jon and Mary but remained in the funeral home apartment until her move to Orchard Garden in 2010.  Janet enjoyed reading, nursing school reunions and convention trips.  Janet and Bill took their children on annual vacations including Colorado, the Ozarks, Washington state, Montana and Michigan.  They also enjoyed many vacations with their friends, most notable was their trip to Japan.  Janet enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and could fall asleep in her recliner late at night with a cup at her side.

In 2010 Janet move into Orchard Garden and after a short adjustment period she settled into a comfortable schedule.  After her second amputation in 2014, her mobility was even more challenged and required her to move to Brookestone Meadows in Elkhorn.

She became an even more active reader after retirement until her stroke in 2013 when her vision became just distorted enough that she required large print books to read.  Janet felt her greatest achievement was graduating from nursing school and her greatest disappointment was not being able to practice full time.  She spent most of her time helping Bill become successful in his career.  Janet had one big pet peeve: staying home to answer the business phone, which she did for over 40 years.  Janet endured many physical challenges during her life but took each of them in stride, not allowing them to define her or slow her down.  She was a 65-year member of St. John’s Catholic in Valley and a longtime supporter of the Valley Library.  She always enjoyed the “coffee group” which started as weekly, then monthly and finally whenever was possible, occurring at Brookestone Meadows.

Janet passed away peacefully on April 25, 2026, at Brookestone Meadows at the age of 92 years, 9 months and 29 days.  She was preceded in death by her parents Ben and Rosa (Test) Carson, husband Bill and son Jay.  Janet is survived by her children Jon and Mary Reichmuth of Elkhorn, NE and Kim and Mike Loseke of Columbus, NE;  Grandchildren Sarah and Dustin Kessler of Humphrey, NE; Melissa and Greg Ablett of Omaha, NE; Heather Loseke of Fremont, NE and Ellen and Kevin Thomsen of Bennington, NE; Great Grandchildren Braydon and Nola Lill (Patrick Lill); Karly, Nyla, Scarlett, Vance and Clyne Kessler and Thayer and Gemma Thomsen.

Ward Grosser

Ward Richard Grosser passed away March 20, 2026, at his home in Kingston, Oklahoma.

He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on Oct. 29, 1943, and grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and Beverly Hills, California. He lived in Roanoke, Virginia for many years. Ward was known by family and friends as a hardworking, kind man, willing to help where needed.

Ward’s childhood was spent exploring and fishing with his brother. He had an inquisitive mind. Always inventing and solving problems. He had a love for gaming and often played with his stepchildren and grandchildren at his home.

Ward married Rebecca Anstine on Dec. 1,1988. He spent most of his life in the construction industry operating heavy equipment, advancing to a superintendent role and finishing his career as an inspector in the high-power electric industry. Ward and Becky enjoyed spending time together watching the Rangers baseball team and trying their luck at local casinos in Oklahoma.

One of their favorite sayings was “just you and me babe.” A host of local friends visited them often as they spent time on their deck at the lake. Ward enjoyed his cat, “Sister,” who only would go to him. Ward and Becky traveled often to visit family in Kansas and Nebraska. A special highlight was a trip up the east coast traveling to the gravesite of his mother. They also traveled to Washington, D.C., and Hawaii. 

He was preceded in death by his father, Christian Ernest Grosser; mother, Virginia Herr Grosser;  granddaughter, Hermione Beatrice Rose Robinson; brother, Stephen Grosser; and step-mother, Dorothy Berry Grosser.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife of 38 years, Rebecca (Anstine) Grosser in Kingston, Oklahoma; daughters, Randall Hilton Grosser, of Henrico, Virginia, and Autumn Karen Robinson, of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; grandchildren, James Groce Yeats, Christian Jude Jean and Virgil Thomas More Robinson; step-children and their spouses, Robin (Jeff) Shaw of Pleasant Dale, Sheldon Stauffer of Kingston, Gretchen Stauffer of Beatrice, and Kathryn (Rod) Schildt of Pleasant Dale; step-grandchildren, Renae (Josh) Littrell, Jered Shaw, Jake (Britany) Shaw, Cody Stauffer, Abby Stauffer, Nate Stauffer, Kara (Joe) Lacey, Kylie (JR Douty) Schildt, Meghan (Brogan) Casey, and Martin (Jacquelyn) Schildt; sisters, Joan G. Eagle, of Richmond, Christine G. (Lou) Williams, of Manteo, North Carolina, and Deborah A. Clark, of Colorado Springs, Colorado. He is also survived by nieces, Laura E. Rebich, and Allison E. Kristel; and a nephew, Christian A. Eagle, all of Richmond. Ward was blessed with 19 step great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be conducted at the Seward Library on Saturday, April 18, from 3 - 4 p.m. with a gathering of family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family for future designation. Cards can be sent to Rebecca Grosser, c/o Kathi Schildt, 1125 168th Road, Pleasant Dale, NE 68423.

James Colbert

James William Colbert, age 85 of Louisville, NE passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026, at Nye Summit in Louisville, Nebraska. He was born on April 27, 1940, in Wabash, Nebraska to Lloyd and Pauline (Stubbendeck) Colbert. 

Jim grew up in Weeping Water and was a proud graduate of Weeping Water High School, in 1957. He received a scholarship to play football for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers. He furthered his education at Wayne State College, where he completed prerequisites before attending mortuary school in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. James began his career in the funeral industry, working in various funeral homes in Falls City, Lincoln, and Auburn. His passion for serving families in their time of need led him to establish the Colbert Funeral Home in Weeping Water, where he served the community with compassion and dignity until the early 1990s.

In October of 1961, James married Mary Jo Reihart at Immanuel Lutheran Church. Together, they raised two daughters, Cami Nutter and Mary Beth Colbert, the two later divorced. In his leisure time, James was an avid supporter of Nebraska football and enjoyed sports in general. He cherished annual trips to Las Vegas, where he happily gambled and played Keno

James is survived by his daughters, Cami Nutter of Lago Vista, TX and Mary Beth Colbert of Lincoln, NE, grandchildren, Ethan (Jennifer) Nutter, Calli (Khalad) Nutter, Mariah Colbert and Justin Colbert, great grandson, Samir. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Jean Colbert of Plattsmouth and her children, Scott (Shari) Colbert, Kelly Pellan and Carrie (Mike) Beam along with numerous great nieces and nephews. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd & Pauline Colbert, twin brother Robert Colbert, son-in-law, Will Nutter and nephew, Joshua Colbert.  

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home Chapel (former Colbert Funeral Home), 108 N. Elm Street, Weeping Water, Nebraska.  The family will greet friends from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM prior to the Service.  

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Weeping Water, Nebraska.  

Garry Stauffer

Garry Lee Stauffer was born on October 4, 1941, to Leonard and Anna Mae (Stutzman) Stauffer. He left this earth to be with his Savior on January 8, 2026, at the age of eighty-four.

Garry’s childhood was spent on the family farm south of Milford with his four younger siblings. After attending Milford for the majority of his schooling, he later attended Mennonite School located in Harrisburg, PA.

Garry married Rebecca Anstine on December 31, 1960. The union raised four children, Robin, Sheldon, Gretchen and Kathryn. Garry worked for Meadow Gold Dairy and later changed to working for Rolfsmeier Dairy. He shifted his trade to welding in a shop in Lincoln, then found his way to Air Research as a machinist in Phoenix, Arizona in the late 60’s. He started a company called Gold Star Campers until mid-seventies when the family relocated back to Nebraska to be closer to family. He married Marga Janikowski in 1981 and they resided in Lincoln for their entire time together. He began driving truck for Hilt Trucking, Stutzman Trucking where he hauled cattle. He then worked for Ace Hardware Trucking driving through Colorado and retired in 1998. During his tenure at Ace Hardware he won many safe driver awards.

Garry found lots of enjoyment hunting, fishing and spent time with his kids and grandchildren teaching him his “tricks” to the trade. Garry was an avid NASCAR fan and enjoyed his time traveling to races or counting laps at home. Marga and Garry spent many winters in Florida enjoying the sunshine at Mexico Beach. A host of friends were made during these winter ventures.

As the years went on, Garry was blessed with ten grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren. Garry’s life was filled with food, family, and you could be sure to visit with him when walking by his driveway until his very last day. Garry will long be remembered for being a highlight for the state TOAST Wine Festival helping with Wine Bingo and his signature prize chant “Garry! Garry! Garry!”. Garry and Marga’s travels took them to many states and some highlights included a trip to Germany and Hawaii.

Survivors cherishing his memory include his wife of forty-four years, Marga Stauffer; children and their spouses, Robin (Jeff) Shaw of Pleasant Dale, NE; Sheldon Stauffer of Kingston, OK; Gretchen Stauffer of Beatrice, NE; and Kathryn (Rod) Schildt of Pleasant Dale, NE; Step son Robbie Janikowski of Hatley, WI and step daughter Roxanne Janikowski Richter of Lincoln, NE. Grandchildren Renae (Josh) Littrell, Jered Shaw, Jake (Britany) Shaw, Cody Stauffer, Abby Stauffer, Nate Stauffer, Kara (Joe) Lacey, Kylie (JR Douty) Schildt, Meghan (Brogan) Casey, and Martin (Jacquelyn) Schildt; Step grandchildren Marcus and Lucy Richter of Lincoln, NE. Siblings, Dennis (Janet) Stauffer, JoAnn (Terry) Roth, Herschel (Donna) Stauffer; sister-in-law Ursula Zillman, Town of Weston, WI.

He was preceded in death by his parents; infant brother Jo Dean; mother-in-law Hedwig “Heidi” Siewert and stepson-in-law James Richter. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be designated to the family for future designation.