Jim Burnett
James H. "Jim" Burnett, 93, of Lexington, Nebraska, died Tuesday, December 17th, 2013, at his home.
Jim was born September 13th, 1920, in Lexington, to Oliver H. and Opal (Harris) Burnett. He was a 1939 graduate of Lexington High School and attended Kearney State College, participating in the concert band as first chair French horn.
While in high school, Jim worked at Barmore Drug behind the soda fountain. On July 14th, 1942, he joined the United States Army and after extensive training in Texas, Mississippi, California and Pennsylvania he joined the Allied campaign in France with the 95th Infantry Division serving under General Patton. He participated in the liberation of Metz (France), the relief of trapped Allied Forces in the Battle of the Bulge and the occupation of Germany. He was honorably discharged on November 19th, 1945, after receiving three Bronze Service Stars and the Bronze Star Medal.
On September 19th, 1942, he was united in marriage to Marjorie Carroll while being stationed in Austin, Texas, during his time in the Army.
Marjorie returned to Lexington when Jim sailed to Europe and Jim returned to Lexington in 1945. Upon his return to Lexington he worked at Farmer's State Bank and then would finish his career with 30+ years as General Manager and Vice President of Platte Valley Products.
The couple enjoyed traveling and attended many conventions for Jim's work. They visited most of the state capitals as well as many of the Presidential libraries. They had a wonderful circle of friends and enjoyed get-togethers for coffee and Canasta. Many summer days were spent at their Johnson Lake cabin with good memories of being with family and friends.
Jim was always very active in his community and played a large part in the formation of the Lexington Jaycees, he was also a member of the Lexington Chamber of Commerce, past president of the Rotary Club and Nebraska Dehydrator's Association as well as chairman of the American Dehydrator's Association; also, a member of the Masonic Lodge and Tehama Shrine, the VFW and American Legion. Jim was also an active 75+ year member of the First United Methodist Church in Lexington.
Jim coached little league baseball when his sons were young as well as being a Boy Scout leader. One of his greatest enjoyments was having coffee with his business associates and friends.
Jim is survived by his three sons; Dennis (Irene) Burnett of Springfield, Virginia; Terry Burnett of Lexington; David (Sue) Burnett of Danvers, Massachusetts; his daughter, Vicki (Loren) Danhauer of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sister Marilyn Wiessner of Green Valley, Arizona; his nine grandchildren, Carolyn (Todd) Hudson of Cairns, Australia; Christopher (Kristin) Burnett of Durango, Colorado; Carrie Kielty of Lincoln, Nebraska; Erika (Jim) Pearl of Lincoln, Nebraska; Thad Danhauer of Arlington, Texas; Andrea (Rao) Gutta of Omaha, Nebraska; Beth (Shawn) Nault of Somersworth, New Hampshire; Kate Burnett of Danvers, Massachusetts and Adam (LeAnne) Burnett of Ipswich, Massachusetts; his thirteen great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Harry (Carolyn) Dorwart of Reedsport, Oregon; and his nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marjorie on February 25th, 2013; his infant daughter, Sandra; his sister, Harriett Onstott; his brother-in-law, Dick Wiessner; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Delbert (Doris) Carroll; Geraldine (Virgil) Berryman; and Jean (Alice) Carroll.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, December 21st, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Chapel in Lexington with Rev. Dr. Dyton Owen officiating.
Burial with Military Honors followed in the Greenwood Cemetery at Lexington.Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family. Please share online condolences with the family through www.reynoldslovefuneralhome.com
Virginia Cumpston
Virginia Elaine Cumpston, 91, of Lexington, Nebraska, with her family by her bedside, peacefully left this life and entered an eternal life in Heaven with her Lord Jesus Christ on Tuesday, October 9, 2012, at the Plum Creek Care Center in Lexington.
Virginia (Dodge) Cumpston was born August 30, 1921, at Darr, Nebraska to Hugh and Esther (Mosher) Dodge. Virginia graduated from Lexington Senior High in 1939. She was united in marriage to Francis Cumpston on May 29, 1940. They lived in the Lexington area all of their lives. 
Besides being a homemaker, wife, mother and grandmother, she worked at Monroe's in Cozad for a time, and worked many years for Reach Electronics from where she retired.
She loved spending time with her grandchildren, going to Bible studies, reading her Bible, playing cards with friends, and crocheting. She was proud of her 50-year membership pin from the United Methodist Church.
Virginia is survived by her sons and spouses: Dennis and Bett Cumpston of Grand Island, NE; Richard and Lori Cumpston of Lexington, NE; also included are her grandchildren and spouses, Joshua and Allene Cumpston of Central City, NE; and Jill and Joe Sandmeier of Aurora, NE; surviving great-grandchildren are Katie, Trevor, Tyler Cumpston and Jacob Sandmeier.
She is also survived by sister and brother-in-law, Marjorie and Bill Hatting of Lexington, NE; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leroy and Mimi Dodge of Desert Hot Springs, CA, Roger and Bernita Dodge of Penn Valley, CA; brothers and sisters-in-law, Leonard and Phyllis Cumpston, Luther Miller, Barbara Cumpston, Janice Cumpston, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 64 years, Francis Cumpston, one grandchild, great-granddaughter, Alyssa Sandmeier, sister and brother-in-law, Normalee and Roy Uhler, brothers-in-law, Don, Jim, Harold Cumpston, and sisters-in-law, Wanda Miller, Lavonne Howat, Virginia Brixius and Naomi Prato.
Funeral Services will be Monday, October 15, 2012, at 10:30 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Lexington with Reverend Tess Hufford officiating. It was Virginia's wishes that her casket be closed. Burial will be in the Robb Cemetery south of Lexington. Visitation with family present will be Sunday, October 14, 2012, from 2-4 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the Alyssa Sandmeier Foundation at alyssasandmeierfoundation.com.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please forward online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
- Date Posted: 2012-10-09
- Maiden Name: Dodge
Ruth Louise (Haworth) Granger
DECEMBER 18, 1920 – DECEMBER 3, 2022
Ruth Granger (née Ruth Louise Haworth) passed away at the age of 101 on December 3, 2022. She died peacefully of natural causes. Ruth was born to John Wyatt Haworth and Mabel Jane Haworth (née Powell) on December 18, 1920. She was raised in Lexington, Nebraska, as the youngest of six children. Ruth was deeply loved and will be missed by her family.
Ruth graduated from Lexington High School in 1939. She then moved with her mother to Los Angeles, California, where she worked in secretarial and bookkeeping positions. Ruth married Murray Jennings Granger, a veteran of World War II, in 1950. Murray graduated from the University of Michigan, and Ruth did secretarial work there while Murray pursued post-graduate studies. After leaving Michigan, Ruth and Murray spent a year in New Orleans. They then moved to Southern California, where they raised their two daughters and a son. Murray passed away in 1986, and Ruth remained in California until 1996, when she moved to Florida to be close to her daughter’s family. In 2009, she moved to Roswell, Georgia with her daughter.
At a time when women were expected to focus on the home, Ruth was active in community affairs, working with the General Federation of Women’s Club organizations at the local and state levels. One of her proudest accomplishments was closely working with the “Make a Wish” foundation. She remained an active member of the Women’s Club until well into her 70s, when she moved to Florida. Once in Florida, her time was mainly devoted to her family. Ruth particularly enjoyed planning and hosting family dinners and celebrations. She was a loving grandmother to three granddaughters and five great grandchildren.
Ruth was a dedicated sports fan and always rooted for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team. She also enjoyed watching tennis and volleyball. She was known to get up at 3 A.M. to watch live tennis matches involving her favorite pro players. Ruth was an avid reader, and her favorite genre was crime fiction. She was very artistic and enjoyed painting ceramics and creating beautiful drawings with colored pencils. Ruth was also known for the lovely baby blankets she knitted for innumerable family and friends.
Ruth was predeceased by her husband, Murray; daughter, Nancy Granger-Herring (Scott); her mother and father, and her three sisters and two brothers. She is survived by her daughter Kathryn Hinton (Frank) and son Bradley Granger. She is also survived by granddaughters Kerry Reilly (William), Kristina Garcia, Courtney McMahon, and great-grandchildren Jordan Lira (Nestor), Lilianne Garcia, Emma Garcia, Jameson McMahon, and Knox McMahon. Ruth leaves behind many loving descendants and friends. Her legacy and accomplishments will always be fondly remembered.
- Date Posted: 2022-12-03
- Maiden Name: Haworth
Van Kloepping
Evangeline (Van) Kloepping, 97 of Lexington passed away Tuesday, October 22, 2019 at Avamere in Lexington.
Van was born March 20, 1922 near Holdrege, Nebraska to John N.E. and Matilda (Thorne) Lindblade. She attended rural school and graduated from Lexington High School with the class of 1939. After graduation she attended Wesleyan College, where she was a cheer leader, and received her teaching certificate. She then taught rural school for three years. 
On October 22, 1944 she was united in marriage to V. William Kloepping at the United Methodist Church in Lexington. One son and three daughters were blessed to this marriage: Douglas, Sally, Janelle and Lisa. The couple spent the next sixty-nine and one half years together until Bill passed away on March 15, 2014. The very day that Van died would have been their seventy-fifth wedding anniversary.
Van was a longtime member of the Calvary Assembly of God Church, the Christian Women’s Club, the hospital auxiliary and was very active in 4H activities that Bill was working on. She enjoyed knitting, playing cards and reading.
Van had moved to Avamere in Lexington after Bill’s death where she was often heard playing the piano for various activities. Van will be dearly missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include: one son Douglas and wife Barb Kloepping of Lexington; three daughters: Sally and husband Doug Nichols of Kearney, Janelle and husband Jim Hawks of North Platte; Lisa and husband Jim Davis of Thorton, Colorado; ten grandchildren, Jason and wife Dannette Kloepping of Bartley, Trent and wife Brandi Kloepping of Gothenburg, Chad and wife Jenny Fischer of Grand Island, Shannon and husband Jeff Anderson of Centennial, Colorado, Shiloh and husband Josh Martinez of Bailey, Colorado, Collin and wife Kate Nichols of Kearney, Matt and wife Briana Hawks of North Platte, Nate and wife Amy Hawks of North Platte, Jed Davis of Boulder, Colorado and Kayla Davis of Thorton, Colorado; nineteen great-grandchildren: Kristen, Austin, Jayden, Kinsley, Ryann, Hadley, Zaveri, Landon, Lucas, Carson, Kyler, Corinne, Case, Siahna, CharleeJo, Aiden, Macie, Ellie and Hadley.
Van was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Bill; grandson, Shon Kloepping, and two sisters and their husbands: Lindy (Gene) Curtis and Evelyn (Harold) Fagot.
Funeral services will be Saturday, October 26, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Assembly Of God Church in Lexington with Pastor Rex Adams officiating.
Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.
Visitation will be held Friday, October 25, 2019, from 5-7 p.m. at the Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.
Memorials In lieu of flowers are suggested to the Calvary Assembly Of God Church or the donor’s choice.
Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
- Date Posted: 2019-10-22
- Maiden Name: Linblade
Don Magnuson
Donald D. Magnuson, 97 of Lexington passed away Sunday, August 5, 2018 in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the Tabitha Residence – Harbor House.
Don was born June 3, 1921 in Gosper County, Nebraska to Miran A. and Maggie (Baldwin) Magnuson. He graduated from Lexington High School with the Class of 1939. Don and Gail McKee were married on July 29, 1945 at Buffalo Grove Presbyterian Church. Their marriage of nearly 73 years was blessed with two sons, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many close friends. Gail passed away just 15 days earlier on July 21, 2018. 
Don was a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He had a deep faith in his personal Savior Jesus Christ, always putting the needs of others first and giving profound thanks for God’s blessings. He loved people and would easily strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved telling stories about growing up on the farm south of Lexington, riding a motorcycle to the Pacific Northwest and his experiences in WWII. He loved a good joke, a good story and relished the opportunity to bring humor into a conversation.
On February 17, 1943 Don was drafted into the US Army Air Corps where he served his country until July 1, 1945, achieving the rank of Staff Sargent. He was Flight Engineer on a B-24 with the 15th Air Force - 459th Bomb Group, stationed in Italy where he was credited for over 50 missions. He survived a plane crash in the Adriatic Sea on July 15, 1944. Don was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal with 3 Clusters, a Purple Heart and the Soldier’s Medal.
Don’s career in hybrid seed sales and sales management spanned forty years, and included Cornhusker Hybrids, DeKalb and Agripro seed companies. He received many sales awards but always gave credit to the work of his dealers. Don was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, the American Legion and the Veterans Of Foreign Wars.
Survivors include two sons and spouses: James and Marilyn of Holmen, Wisconsin and Paul and Sandra of Dallas, Texas; Seven grandchildren: Carrie, Peter, John, Katherine, Joseph, David and Daniel; Eight great-grandchildren: Lily, Regan, Elliott, Anders, Stieg, Joseph Jr., Adaline Grace and Jean Rene’; One sister: Garlan Jacobson of Greeley, Colorado and many devoted nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Loren.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, August 11, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington with Pastor Eddie Mariel, officiating. Family will be greeting friends Saturday, August 11, 2018 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:15 a.m. at the Church. Interment with military honors will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, Dawson County Historical Society or the Lexington Public Library. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.
- Date Posted: 2015-08-05