Friday, September 11, 2026

Obituary: Larry G. Krasser

 Larry Gene Krasser, 73, of Geneva, Nebraska, passed away on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva.


Larry was born June 8, 1953, in Friend, Nebraska, to Rex Bennet and Virginia Louise (Hain) Krasser. He was the seventh of 12 children and one of two sets of twins in the Krasser family. Larry shared the special bond of being a twin with his brother, Leonard. His father passed away in 1972, and his mother in 2011.

Larry was raised alongside his 11 siblings on the family farm, located two and a half miles north of Cordova, Nebraska. Growing up in the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, life on the farm was simple. Twelve children shared a home with one bathroom, no air conditioning and no television until the 1960s. While their parents had grown up with even less, they gave their children a strong foundation of faith, family, hard work and perseverance.

In a family of 12 children, everyone had chores to do and there was certainly a hierarchy. Larry was known to challenge that hierarchy from time to time. Independent from an early age, Larry always wanted to be his own self, a quality that remained with him throughout his life.

During his school years, Larry participated in football and track. His senior year brought the loss of his father, leaving his mother to continue raising and guiding the children still at home.

Larry went on to spend much of his working life on the road. His career included hauling exotic breeds of cattle throughout the western United States. He later worked for Nolers Trucking, where he spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver before eventually getting a truck of his own. His years on the road provided no shortage of adventures, stories and friendships. Those who knew Larry undoubtedly have a story or two of their own to tell.

Away from the road, Larry enjoyed fishing and, true to his independent nature, always seemed to find his own way in whatever he chose to do.

As health problems arose later in his career, life led Larry back to what had been there from the beginning, his family.

Larry is survived by his significant other, Karen Elznic; his siblings, Arnold Krasser, Diane Krasser Plock and her husband, Richard, Kenneth Krasser and his wife, Peggy, Paul Krasser and his wife, Patricia, Deborah Krasser Petersen, Marcia Krasser Erdkamp and her husband, Richard, his twin brother, Leonard Krasser, Mary Krasser, Doug Krasser, Lee Krasser and his wife, Lisa, and Lois Krasser Petersen and her husband, James. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, extended relatives and countless friends.

Larry will be remembered for many things, but perhaps most of all for his big heart. He cared deeply for others and often focused more on what he could do for someone else than what he could do for himself.

9/11 Rememberance

 


Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Death Notice: Larry G. Krasser

 A Funeral Service for Larry will be Friday, September 11, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John Lutheran Church in Cordova, Nebraska. Pastor Shawn Kitzing will preside over the Funeral Service.


A Graveside Service will be at the Leland Cemetery, rural Cordova, Nebraska, following the Funeral Service.

Public Visitation will be Thursday, September 10, 2026 from 1:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the St. John Lutheran Church or the Prince Of Peace Lutheran Church.

Obituary: Barbara J. Heffelfinger

 Barbara Joan (Barkmeier) Heffelfinger was born on September 16, 1936, to Louis F. And Lucile M. (Peterson) Barkmeier in Friend, Nebraska.   She passed away on Friday, September 4, 2026 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 89 years, 11 months, and 19 days.   She was the oldest of two daughters.   

 
Barb attended St. Stephen Parochial School and graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1954. After high school, she attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education.   
 
Following graduation from UNL, she taught Home Economics at Plattsmouth High School for five years.   She met her future husband, Gail (Heff) Heffelfinger, who also was teaching in Plattsmouth.  They were married at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska on July 27, 1961. Three children were born to this union: Gregg, Brad, and Lynne. Heff and Barb were married for over 63 years.  
            
In May of 1963, they moved to Exeter, Nebraska to manage and later purchase Barkmeier’s, a grocery and general merchandise store, from her parents.  They operated the store until a July 1993 storm forced closure of the business.   After the business closed, Barb worked at Orv’s Grocery in Friend and then for 10 years as a teller at First National Bank in Exeter.   
 
Barb enjoyed playing bridge in several bridge clubs, was active in St. Stephen’s Altar Society, and the Exeter Senior Center.   She enjoyed her children's and grandchildren’s activities, including time spent at the family cabin at Smokey L Lake near Linwood, Nebraska.   Estes Park was a favorite travel destination. She also enjoyed watching Husker Sports with her husband, especially attending Husker Volleyball games.   
            
She and Heff were charter members of the Friend Country Club and enjoyed many friendships they made there.  
 
Barb was preceded in death by her husband; parents, Louis and Lucile Barkmeier; brother-in-law Roger Johnson, Sr.; parents-in-law, Robert and Ruth Heffelfinger; brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law, Douglas Heffelfinger, Richard Heffelfinger, Robert and Lyla Heffelfinger, James and Sandra Heffelfinger, Patricia and John Weigang, Shirley & Edward Craren, and Ed Smallman; and nephew, Roger Johnson, Jr.
    
She is survived by her sons, Gregg Heffelfinger and wife, Theresa of Jacksonville, Florida and Brad Heffelfinger and wife, Andrea of Papillion, Nebraska; daughter, Lynne Filipi and husband, Brent of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandsons, Christopher Heffelfinger, Nicholas Heffelfinger, Andrew Heffelfinger, Jacob Heffelfinger, and Dylan Filipi; granddaughters, Megan Heffelfinger and Tayah Filipi; sister, Suzanne Johnson;  sisters-in-law, Margaret Heffelfinger, Jeanie Heffelfinger and Sandra Smallman; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Sunday, September 6, 2026

Death Notice: Barbara J. Heffelfinger

 A Rosary for Barb will be prayed at 9:30 a.m. and a Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 both at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. Burial will follow in Exeter Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, September 8, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the St. Stephen Altar Society or the Exeter Library.


Saturday, September 5, 2026

Death Notice: Patricia J. Chaney

 A Funeral Service for Pat will be held on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Farmer & Son Funeral Home in Geneva, Nebraska, with Pastor Galen Rasmussen presiding.


No public visitation will be held. Cremation will take place following the funeral service.

Burial of Ashes will be held at a later date in the Exeter Cemetery in Exeter, Nebraska.

Friday, September 4, 2026

EMF Girl's Golf Seniors

 Photo credit: Leesa Bartu

EMF Girl's Golf Seniors L-R: Abby Klooz, Sydney Engert, and Gracie Vyhnalek.

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

EMF Girl's Golf Team

Photo credit: Leesa Bartu


EMF Girls Golf team pictured from the left (front row); Hannah Petersen, Sydney Engert, Bristol Sladek; (back row) Ava Svehla, Gracie Vynhalek, Kate Pribyl, Abby Klooz and Sadie Brandt.

Monday, August 31, 2026

EMF Volleyball Team

Photo credit: Leesa Bartu

EMF Volleyball team pictured front row from the left: Student Manager Lindsey Landis, Kendall Filipi, Alexis Paulsen, Aniston Meints, Sophia Weber, Avery Tuttle; (second row) Head Coach Madalynn Fousek, Assistant Coach Katherine Glause, Meredith Paulsen, Makenna Burchett, Miley Ricenbaw, Reese Tuttle, Ensley Stahl, Assistant Coach Grace Thompson and Assistant Coach Taylor Erdkamp; (third row) Student Manager McKinley Bartels, Brynnlye Johnson, Jewel Lawver, Chezney Kanode, Lyra Fennell, Mackenzie Jaeger, Maddison Allen, Student Manager Gracelyn Becker; (fourth row) Maliyah Burchett, Valerie Spohn, Sailor Lloyd, Hannah Shonerd, Carlee Bresson, Adilyn Meints and Rylee Rohren.

Friday, August 28, 2026

Obituary: Debra D. Nichols

Debra Dawn Nichols was born to Charles Keith Barnes and Shirley Ann Novacek on August 14, 1959 in McCook, Nebraska and passed away August 25th 2026 at her home in Exeter, Nebraska at the age of 67. She was the second of 7 children.

Deb lived with parents and her grandmother, Mary Barnes, on farmstead north of Wauneta, Nebraska until her family moved to Imperial, Nebraska in 1968. On the farm, she loved learning to farm and taking care of her animals and siblings. She attended Imperial grade school and graduated from Chase County High School in 1977. While in high school, she continued to take care of her siblings, enjoyed hanging out with friends and worked at Jack’s Place as a waitress. In the summers, she would run a swather, and in the fall and winter she would help haul sugar beets for local farmers.

In 1978, she met Michael A. Nichols and they married on October 4th 1980. They continued to live in Imperial and raised 4 children together: Jennifer, Nicole, Michael, Jr. and Brandy.

Deb worked at the Frenchman Valley Coop as a scale operator and secretary. She also worked as a waitress, and at Wheeler's for several years before moving to Exeter, Nebraska in 1995. While in Exeter, she worked at the Dorchester Coop, and was a volunteer EMT with the Exeter Fire Department. After her kids graduated high school, she joined Mike on the road as a team truck driver for 18 years.

She was a devoted wife, mother and sister. She enjoyed spending quality time with family and friends no matter the activity. One of her favorite things to do was to beat her kids and grandkids at card games like rummy and pitch. She loved being out in warm weather and growing her garden and flowers. She attended many kids and grandkids activities and sporting events. She enjoyed raising chickens and many other farm animals over her lifetime. She especially enjoyed cooking and hosted many annual thanksgiving events at her home.

Deb was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Shirley Barnes; parents-in-law, Norman and Ima Nichols; grandma, Mary Barnes; daughter, Michelle Nichols; and nephew, Davey Barnes.

She is survived by her husband of 45 years Michael A. Nichols, Sr. of Exeter, Nebraska; children, Jennifer Houck (Lewis Hayes) of York, Nebraska, Nicole Nichols (Lance Sprouse) of Morristown, Tennessee, Michael Nichols, Jr. (Melanie) of Milligan, Nebraska, and Brandy Nichols (Cory Engert) of Exeter, Nebraska; 13 grandchildren, Alan Loeffler of Lincoln, Nebraska, Alex Loeffler of York, Nebraska, Shiann Houck of York, Nebraska, Craighten Rea of Lincoln, Nebraska, Cooper Rea of Lincoln, Nebraska, Taylor Engert of Fairmont, Nebraska, Sydney Engert of Exeter, Nebraska, Archer Engert of Exeter, Nebraska, Katie Moody of Lincoln, Nebraska, Sean Gibson of Friend, Nebraska, Mordekai Krause of Milligan, Nebraska, Nova Krause of Milligan, Nebraska, Ender Krause of Milligan, Nebraska; brothers, Duane "Barney" Barnes of Exeter, Nebraska, David Barnes (Mary) of Ogallala, Nebraska, Dwight Barnes (Sherry) of Enders, Nebraska, Daryl Barnes of Imperial, Nebraska, and Danial Barnes of Omaha, Nebraska; sister, Diane Vandike (Tony) of Bird City, Kansas; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and great friends.

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Death Notice: Debra D. Nichols

 Wife of Michael Nichols, Sr. - Mother of Jennifer Houck, Nicole Nichols, Brandy Nichols, and Michael Nichols, Jr.

It was Debra's wish to be cremated. The family will be hosting friends at the Exeter American Legion on Friday, August 28, 2026. There will be a private family burial in the Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta, Nebraska on Saturday, August 29, 2026.

Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation.

Monday, August 24, 2026

Classroom Update: Mrs. Brandi Perez

 The 2026-27 school year officially kicked off with the district-wide theme "All In." Each school year brings on new students, new staff members, and new possibilities both in an out of the classroom. This year everyone is reminded to be all in with what they do. This is no different for the classes I teach: Speech, Study Skills, English 10, English 12, and Creative Writing.

In Speech, students are starting the semester learning the foundations of public speaking and have just begun their first speech entitled, "Scrapbook Speech." They get to present to their classmates about their life using only pictures as visual aids. This speech really helps students get to know one another with a topic they know a lot about...their life!

Study Skills, required for both 7th and 8th grade students, have been working on utilizing their planners in the most effective way possible while also reviewing their current note-taking skills and working on strengthening new skills. This course has also allowed student to have social-emotional learning through a program called Character Strong.

English 10 students have hit the ground running by working through their curriculum and answering the question, "Are there differences that can't be bridged?" 

English 12 students are on their final stretch before graduation and have gotten a head start on updating their resumes for scholarships. They have also dove into the heroic world of Beowulf and have been discussing the ways in which evil plays a role in the world around us.

Creative Writing is a new class this year and is being co-taught alongside Mrs. Anderson. The classroom has been filled with wonderful ideas, stories, and great thinking that has aided in the process of becoming better writers for both the students and the teachers. 

As mentioned previously, this new school year come with new possibilities and it has been an important reminder that even if you are the student or the teacher, everyone is always learning and should be all in with what they do. 

Monday, August 17, 2026

Exeter Public Library Wrapped Up Summer Reading

The Exeter Public Library recently wrapped up another successful summer reading program, encouraging local students to spend their summer immersed in books and reading. With assistance from the Nebraska Extension Office, students participated in the program and collectively read an impressive 13,100 minutes. The summer reading program provided students with the opportunity to keep their reading skills sharp over the summer while enjoying stories and exploring new books. The Exeter Public Library thanks all of the students who participated, as well as the Nebraska Extension Office for its support in making this year's summer reading program a success.





Friday, August 14, 2026

EMF Goes Back to School

 


The EMF district went back to school on Wednesday, August 12. Pictured above is all the staff members within the district.


Tuesday, August 11, 2026

What's New on the Library Shelves?

 Check out these new novels at the Exeter Public Library.

The Rom Com Collection by Lynn Painter


Novels include: Betting on You, The Do-Over, Better Than Thee Movies, and Nothing Like the Movies
















Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury

Guy Montag is a fireman. His job is to destroy the most illegal of commodities, the printed book, along with the houses in which they are hidden. Montag never questions the destruction and ruin his actions produce, returning each day to his bland life and wife, Mildred, who spends all day with her television “family.” But when he meets an eccentric young neighbor, Clarisse, who introduces him to a past where people didn’t live in fear and to a present where one sees the world through the ideas in books instead of the mindless chatter of television, Montag begins to question everything he has ever known.









Fake Skating by Lynn Painter
Growing up, Dani couldn’t help but follow around the adorable son of her mom’s best friend. Funny, kind of nerdy, and a little soft, Alec was always down to hang with Dani when they were little. From play dates to sneaking into movie theaters, Dani and Alec were inseparable. Until Dani moved away. Alec promised they’d stay in touch—except, they didn’t.

Flash forward and Dani is back in Minnesota for her senior year, she and her mom living with her grandfather. Dealing with the fallout of her parents’ devastating divorce, Dani wouldn’t mind a nerd-out with the cozy and comforting Alec (and maybe a chance to confront him on his MIA status for all these years). But teenage Alec is nothing like the kid Dani remembers. He’s a hockey star in a town where hockey players are worshiped as gods. Dani’s place as his shadow has been taken up by drooling female fans…and he
loves it.

Dani is resolved to ice out her former best friend until an unlikely series of events brings them together—and forces them to fake being a couple. Once stuck together, the former childhood sweethearts begin to reconnect, unearth complicated family secrets, and face their true feelings towards each other…including the real reason Alec has been pushing Dani away all these years.
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
They say you can never go home again, and for Persephone Fraser, ever since she made the biggest mistake of her life a decade ago, that has felt too true. Instead of glittering summers on the lakeshore of her childhood, she spends them in a stylish apartment in the city, going out with friends, and keeping everyone a safe distance from her heart.

Until she receives the call that sends her racing back to Barry’s Bay and into the orbit of Sam Florek—the man she never thought she’d have to live without.

For six summers, through hazy afternoons on the water and warm summer nights working in his family’s restaurant and curling up together with books—medical textbooks for him and work-in-progress horror short stories for her—Percy and Sam had been inseparable. Eventually that friendship turned into something breathtakingly more, before it fell spectacularly apart.

When Percy returns to the lake for Sam’s mother’s funeral, their connection is as undeniable as it had always been. But until Percy can confront the decisions she made and the years she’s spent punishing herself for them, they’ll never know whether their love might be bigger than the biggest mistakes of their past.

Told over the course of six years and one weekend,
Every Summer After is a big, sweeping nostalgic story of love and the people and choices that mark us forever.


Monday, August 10, 2026

Exeter Swimming Pool Remaining Hours

As summer winds down, check out the updated hours of operation for the Exeter Swimming Pool.

August 1-11 Regular Pool Hours: 

  • Sunday-Fridays: 1:30-5:30pm and 6:30-8:30pm
  • Wednesdays: Late Swim 6:30-10pm
  • Saturdays: 1:30-5:30pm
August 12-23 School Year Hours
  • Monday-Thursdays: After School-7:30pm
  • Fridays: 2:30-8:30pm
Weekend Hours
  • Saturdays: 1:30-5:30pm
  • Sundays: 1:30-5:30pm and 6:30-8:30pm