Obituary Marion I. Geiger

 Marion I. (Kelly) Geiger was born to James P. Kelly and Stella M. (Becker) Kelly on October 29, 1930, in Exeter, Nebraska, and passed away on April 20, 2025 in Geneva, Nebraska, at the age of 94 years 5 months and 22 days. She was one of ten children in her family.

She attended country school, St. Stephen’s Catholic School, and graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1948.

She was married to Arnold L. Geiger on November 23, 1948, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Marion and Arnie were blessed with two children, Nancy and Jay.

The family resided on the family farm where Arnie was born and raised. Marion spent 64 wonderful years on that farm, during which time she helped with all cattle and hog operations. She also farmed alongside Arnie during all those years.

She was a strong-willed, witty, tough woman who radiated pure grace. She led with love and never wavered in her beliefs. She constantly demonstrated how one should live with faith at the center of their life.

Marion taught CCD for many years. She served on the Altar Society as President. She was so proud of all of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marion is survived by her children: daughter Nancy Waldron and husband Dale of Exeter, Nebraska and son Jay Geiger and wife Diane of Fairmont, Nebraska; grandchildren: Lindsey (Justin) Nelson, Christopher Waldron, Austin (Autumn) Waldron, Megan (fiancé Colton) Waldron, Corey (Christy) Geiger, Kacee (Brandon) Thompson, Kayla (Sam) Otte, and Jonah Geiger; and great-grandchildren: Leo Nelson, Olivia Nelson, Riddick Waldron, Alaina Waldron, Devyn Geiger, Knox Geiger, Elyse Thompson, Audrey Thompson, and Henry Otte; sister: Kathleen Rupert; and a host of other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Arnie, and eight brothers and sisters.

Death Notice Marion I. Geiger

 

A Mass of Christian Burial for Marion I. Geiger will be Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. A Graveside Service will follow in the Exeter Cemetery. Public Visitation will be Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska. A Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday April 23, 2025 at St. Stephen Catholic Church. Memorials to St. Stephen Catholic Church.

Exeter-Mililgan Update:

  

 

Life Cycles

by Kelsey Horne, Exeter-Milligan 2nd Grade Teacher

 

The 2nd grade class studied life cycles earlier in the year. Now that springtime is here, they are getting a chance to have a hands-on experience hatching chicks. Alexis Schmidt, from the Fillmore County Extention office, visited and taught the students what the eggs need to hatch and showed them the different parts of the egg. Students are eagerly counting down the 21 days waiting to hear the first peep!

 

 

Alexis Schmidt with the 2nd grade

 

Tuff Harvey and Rexton Wince

Leo Nicholas and Maddox Due with Alexis

DOT Update on Road Construction

 From Nebraska DOT

April 11, 2025 (Grand Island, Neb.) — Weather permitting, work will begin April 21 on U.S. Highway 6 (US-6), from reference post 256.48 to reference post 268.35, according to the Nebraska Department of Transportation.

Werner Construction, Inc., of Hastings, is the contractor for this project. Work includes grading, culverts, pavement repair, seeding, bridge repair, guardrail and bituminous paving. Traffic will be maintained with a pilot car and flaggers, as well as temporary traffic signals. A 12-foot width restriction will be in effect. Anticipated completion is Nov. 2025.

Motorists are reminded to drive cautiously in and near work zones, to buckle up, and to put phones down.

This is Fairmont to county line East of Exeter.

Reference post two 256 would be at the Anderson Grain just west of Fairmont and 268 is approximately the county line east of Exeter.

Obituary Ronald L. Petro

 Ronald L. Petro was born to Edward and Marie (Perron) Petro on December 12, 1957, and passed away on April 8, 2025 at the age of 67. He was 1 of four children in the family.

He was a graduate with the class of 1976 at Benedict High School.

Ron worked in construction for several years, working at Mead Lumber and Champion Home Builders. He finished his working career at the Farmers’ Cooperative where he was employed for 20 years.

He married Margaret Mueller on October 12, 1984, and to this union one son was born, Brian Edward.
Ron and Margaret enjoyed camping, being campground hosts at Lonestar NRD numerous times. Ron enjoyed gardening and tinkering around with his father’s 1937 John Deere tractor.

He loved spending time with his grandkids, especially his youngest, Calli Rose and giving her rides on his electric scooter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Marie Petro and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ed and Anna Mueller.

Ron is survived by his wife, Margaret; son, Brian (Kim) Petro of Grafton, Nebraska and their children, Calli, Abby and Maddie; siblings, Alice Petro of Stromsburg, Nebraska, David (Ramona) Petro of Stromsburg, Nebraska, Ida (Ron) Black of York, Nebraska; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Bob (Sharon) Mueller of Exeter, Nebraska and John (Anita) Mueller of Exeter, Nebraska.

Death Notice Ronald L. Petro

 

A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial for Ronald will be held on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska with Father Brendan Kelly presiding.

In honoring Ronald's wishes, cremation has taken place.

A Book Signing will be held on Sunday, April 13, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska

Private Family Inurnment will be held at a later date.

Memorials are to be directed to the family to be designated at a later date.

Exeter-Milligan Update: The Other March Madness

 The Other March Madness

by Laura Steuben, Exeter-Milligan K-12 SPED Instructor

 

While basketball fans are glued to their brackets each March, students at Exeter-Milligan dive into a completely different kind of madness: March Mammal Madness (MMM). This annual event, inspired by the NCAA basketball tournament, pits various animal species against each other in simulated battles to determine which creature reigns supreme.

March Mammal Madness has become a favorite event among students at Exeter-Milligan, sparking classroom debates and enthusiastic bracket predictions. Each day, Miss Lorie Sliefert, E-M Science teacher, has students gather to view the results of the latest brackets to see how well they have predicted the outcome. March Mammal Madness is a perfect blend of science and friendly competition, proving that learning about biology can be as exciting as any sporting event.

 

Pictured are the Exeter-Milligan students in grades K-5 watching the March Mammal Madness update.

Exeter-Milligan hosts "One Last Enchanted Evening"

Exeter-Milligan held their final prom before consolidation with Friend next school year.  The junior class chose the theme "One Last Enchanted Evening." After cruising in downtown Milligan the students spent time taking pictures with their families and classmates before being introduced as they walked across the street.  A dinner was served for the celebrants at Charlie's Pub before the dance.

The Junior class parents sponsored a post prom party which featured snacks, a hypnotist and games at the Milligan school building.

Exeter-Milligan Juniors and Seniors posed for a pictured at their Prom on Saturday night.  From the left: (front row) Selah Petersen, Kaydance Haase, Kierra Papik, Lily Jeffries, K'mila Benitez, Emma Meyer, Kiley Oldehoeft, Alivia Luzum and (back row) Neal Scott, Jonah Geiger, Logan Krupicka, Mikey Bartu, Aidan Vavra, Carter Milton, Jayden Capek, Brett Kallhoff, Tucker Svec and Jase Luzum.

Exeter-Milligan Update: Animal Adaptations!

 

Animal Adaptations!

By Ashley Arbuck, Exeter-Milligan 3rd grade Teacher

 

Exeter-Milligan 3rd graders have been learning about different adaptations animals have to survive in their environment.  After reading about the many different adaptations, they got to see what it would be like to pick up certain foods using different “beaks”. The students used a marble and a packing peanut as the food.  Their beaks consisted of a clothespin, straw, toothpick, chopsticks, and a spoon.  The students timed each other to see how long it took to pick up the food on land and in water with each beak.  After experimenting, the students had to answer questions and talk about which beak worked better with the type of food and environment. 

 

Picture collage clockwise:

 

Abigail Harvey, Parker Gloystein and Wyatt Lock

 

Paul Kallhoff, Jade Slezak, and Charlie Vejraska

 

Evelyn Rix and Ryker Wince

 

Kash Rischling, Laney Havel, and GraysonArbuck

 

Exeter-Milligan Update: Nuncio

 

Nuncio

By Lisa Ricenbaw, Exeter-Milligan Spanish Instructor

 

EM Spanish 2 students have been learning how to use formal commands and words for eating in a restaurant. To show their comprehension of these concepts, they created commercials for a restaurant, which they presented to the class. Pictured are Carter Milton and Kmila Benitez.

Family Art Night

Family Art Night at Exeter-Milligan included everything from princesses to light sabers as the Exeter-Milligan students designed and manned stations in the gym where preschoolers to any age could create masterpieces.

 

EMF Golf Team

EMF Seniors on the golf team include (from the left: Mikey Bartu, Jayden Capek, Zach Spohn, Aidan Vavra, Jacob Klooz and Carter Milton.

EMF golf team, from left: (front row) Cohen Harre, Deacon Erdkamp, Ty Svehla, Kalvin Lock, Tucker Svec, Student Manager Brenson Brandt; (middle row) Jonah Geiger, Logan Krupicka, Rylan Bartels, Jacob Spohn, Jaxson Brandt, Bob Milton, Brett Kallhoff; (back row) Head Coach Matt Nicholas, Mikey Bartu, Jayden Capek, Zach Spohn, Aidan Vavra, Jacob Klooz, Carter Milton and Assistant Coach Jordan Marr. Student Manager Neal Scott is not pictured

 

Exeter-Milligan Update: County Goverment Day

 

County Govt Day

By Brian Murphy, Exeter-Milligan Social Studies Instructor

 

On February 10, the Exeter-Milligan juniors attended County Government Day at the Fillmore County Courthouse in Geneva. They visited the different offices and learned more about each. A Kahoot game, lunch, and presentation by the Fillmore County Sheriff's Department followed. 

Exeter-Milligan juniors in the juror's box in the Fillmore County Courtroom.

Front Row (L to R): Jase Luzum, Selah Petersen, Alivia Luzum, Kiley Oldehoeft, Kaydence Haase. Back Row: Trevin Ronne, Jonah Geiger, Logan Krupicka, Tucker Svec, Brett Kallhoff. E-M juniors missing were Avery Nichols and Neal Scott.

 

Alivia Luzum and Jonah Geiger studied office holders of county and state government positions in class. 

Blizzard knocks power out for hours (27 hours for some customers) in Exeter

Exeter was not too far south of the bullseye for a storm that hit just after midnight on March 19.  The storm started with rain/sleet and quickly turned from ice to a heavy wet snow.  Exeter received over 10 inches that were nearly impossible to scoop.  Wednesday morning around 8 a.m. power went out in the southeast part of town with the rest of town losing power around 11 a.m.  School had been called off the night before.

Along with the storm were strong winds that piled the snow up into drifts and impaled it on windows and trees.  Power lines and poles were snapped by the weight of the ice and snow build up on lines and many trees, especially pine/spruce trees lost branches because of the weight.  Just a mile south of Exeter power lines were down for several weeks.  (Power utility workers were seen on the road working on April 7).

Power was restored to most of Exeter late in the evening on March 19 but southeast Exeter residents didn't get power back until 11 a.m. on March 20. There was no school March 19,20 or 21.  Many rural roads were not plowed and there were impassible roads.  

Heavy wet snow clung to the evergreen trees in Exeter breaking many branches.

The heavy wet snow was very difficult to scoop but fortunately most of it was gone by the weekend.

Trees were bent and broken by the heavy wet snow.

 The day before the storm, Tuesday, March 18, had a high of 80 degrees with lots of trees budding and blooming.

EMF boys ready to start track season

EMF Senior boys on the track team include (from the left): Mark Milton, Jacob Yocum, Chase Paulsen, Will Vyhnalek and Mason Vossler.

EMF Boys Track team picture from left (front row): Mason Vossler, Chase Paulsen, Mark Milton, Will Vyhnalek, Jacob Yocum; (second row) Head Coach Brian Murphy, Caleb Black, Zach Vossler, Josiah Oceguera, Hunter Svehla, Christian Conley, Assistant Coach Victoria Schwab; (third row) Assistant Coach Madalyn Fousek, Keltyn Kirchhoff, Evan Brahmstedt, Adrien Mueller, Gabriel Covarrubias , Zayde Arp, Truman Milton, Andrew Fennel; back row Assistant Coach Lori Klooz, Titus Petersen, Will Kallhoff, Josiah Oceguera, Kameron Schluter, Derek Conley, and Assistant Coach John Clouse. Tyrell Fennel is not pictured.
 

EMF girls gear up for track season

EMF Senior girls on the track team include (from the left): Kierra Papik, Lily Jeffries, Ashley Braun, Ella Archer and Reagan Bartley.

 EMF girls track team pictured from left (front row): Lily Jeffries, Kierra Papik, Ella Archer, Ashley Braun, Reagan Bartley; (second row) Head Coach Brian Murphy, Assistant Coach Madalynn Fousek, Kaydence Haase, Babe Weber, Selah Petersen, Assistant Coach Lori Klooz and Assistant Coach Victoria Schwab; (third row) Sophia Weber, Aniston Meints, Malorie Lawver, Cheyenne Krupicka, Lindsey Landis, Gracie Vyhnalek, Assistant Coach John Clouse; (top row) Aubrey Bachle, Ensley Stahl, Miley Ricenbaw, Meredith Paulsen, Reese Tuttle, Tori Bresson, MaKenna Burchett and Emily Bartels.

Medicare Information Session

 

EMF's falls in first round of State Tournament

EMF played a very tough Summerland team at Devaney on Thursday morning.  The EMF Bobcats had the lead after the first quarter but struggled to keep up with Summerland the rest of the game. Final was 55-68.  Summerland lost on Friday to Archbishop Bergan (that EMF beat in sub-district play).  Cross County and Archbishop Bergan will meet for the championship on Saturday.

 

Ties and Tiaras

 

Death Notice: Judith M. "Judy" Dinneen

 

Judith M. “Judy” Dinneen, age 85, of Exeter, Nebraska, passed away on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Wednesday, March 12, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, NE. A Graveside Service will be in the Exeter Cemetery. Public visitation will be Tuesday, March 11, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Rosary being prayed at 7:00 p.m., all at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska . Memorials are suggested to Exeter Cemetery or Mourning Hope Grief Support.

Exeter-Milligan Update: 7th Brains

 

7^th Grade Brains

By Sara Pella, Exeter-Milligan Middle School Language Arts Instructor

 

The 7th-grade English class has been busy studying the brain and how it works. They read a series about a man named Phineas Gage. He was a railroad worker in the 1800s who survived a serious brain injury. One day, an explosion sent a heavy iron rod through his skull, damaging the front part of his brain. Amazingly, he lived, but his personality changed. Before the accident, he was responsible and friendly, but afterward, he became rude and had trouble controlling his emotions. Scientists studied his injury to learn how the brain affects personality and behavior.

His story helped people understand that different parts of the brain have different jobs.

 

As we were reading the series, we made paper brain caps to help us understand the different parts of the brain and their functions. Once the Phneas Gage series was finished, we learned about how the brain affects teens and their decision-making. The 7th graders had some great discussion points, relating them to their own day-to-day lives.

We have now moved on to Edgar Allan Poe. They read parts of The Tell-Tale Heart and once they finished, they got into 2 groups and debated if the man in Tell-Tale Heart was legally sane or insane according to the M’Naghten Rule. This led to a lot of discussion about the brain from previous texts as well.

The brain is a complex and powerful organ that shapes thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Phineas Gage’s accident revealed how brain injuries can alter personality, while Edgar Allan Poe’s The Tell-Tale Heart explores the impact of guilt and paranoia on the mind. Similarly, teenage brains, still developing, are influenced by emotions and impulse control, highlighting the brain’s constant evolution. The 7th-grade class has had a great time studying all the different aspects of the brain.

Pictured L-R: Crosby Oldehoeft, Liam Capek, Archer Kanode, Gracelyn Becker, and Axel Erdkamp