Exeter GFWC Members attend National Convention

GFWC/ NFWC Exeter Club members Bonnie Cudaback, Elaine Oldehoft and

Judy Dinneen attended the International Convention on June 11th and

12th and acted as hostesses at the State Night Banquet.

The 119th GWFC Annual International Convention was held in Omaha at
the Quest Center June 11th through June 22, 2010. Nebraska Federated
Women’s Club hosted the Nebraska State Night banquet “Nebraska The
Good Life” on Friday evening June 11. Welcome was given by Janice
Predoehl, GFWC Nebraska State President. Jan Jones, GFWC Nebraska
Treasurer said Grace. Following dinner, Pat Gage GFWC Nebraska 1st
Vice-President and a member of NFWC District IV spoke on “Nebraska
What Makes Us Special” and Rose Ditto, GFWC International President
from Wamego, KS addressed the convention. Entertainment was provided
by Heidi Joy a professional vocalist originally from Omaha now
residing in Palm Coast, FL.

Saturday, June 12th, Procession of State flags and State Presidents
was followed by call to order by Rose Ditto, International President
and presentation of colors by the Offutt Air Force Base Honor Guard.
The National Anthem was sung by the Wamego Dutch Mill Sweet Adeline
Chorus and the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was recited by the
convention attendees. First Lady of Nebraska, Sally Ganem, and Steve
Oltmans, Chief of Staff of Mayor Suttle, City of Omaha gave the
official welcome. Janice Predoehl, GFWC Nebraska State President
again welcomed the convention to Nebraska with a response given by
Marianne Potter, GFWC Wisconsin State President and hosts to the 2011
International Convention. The preliminary credential report showed
553 GFWC members in attendance with 24 attending from Nebraska. The
International GFWC slate of officers for 2010- 2012 was presented with
election of officers by the convention delegates to take place on June
14th. The Keynote Speaker for the morning session was Deborah
Rodriquez, author of the national best-selling memoir, “Kabul Beauty
School: An American Woman Goes Behind the Veil. The GFWC Program
Partners Luncheon was held at noon. Afternoon workshops were held in
the Qwest Center meeting rooms. GFWC Exeter members attended “Creating Healthy Relationships: Learn to Love Yourself" and Programs A
to Z.

Exeter Legion Avenue of Flags

Avenue of Flags at the Exeter Cemetery

Flags on the cemetery road put up by Dennis and Doreen Johnson.

Exeter Pack 218 Cub Scouts Joey Bartu and Ben Bartu put the flags up on main street in downtown Exeter.

It was about honor, respect, gratitude and of course, the symbolism of the flag. The site of those two proud rows of flags flying on a sunny morning will bring any patriotic American to tears when they understand the meaning of the flags.

The Exeter Avenue of Flags started in the 1980’s with twelve flags, flag poles and spots to hold them and has grown to 100 plus flags flying at the Exeter Cemetery every Memorial Day.

The Exeter American Legion Auxiliary members saw the idea in the early 1980’s in a Legion newspaper, recalls Erma Adamson. Adamson, Tess Moor and Margaret Moravec were the members of a committee formed to pursue bringing the idea to Exeter.

The Auxiliary members dove into the project, purchasing 12 flags and flag poles. They enlisted the assistance of the Legion to provide the manpower to dig the holes and help with the flag pole assembly. The flags were placed near the war memorial at the Exeter Cemetery.

The 12 flags represented the 12 Exeter Legion members who had lost their lives in service to their country, the gold star boys. From there it grew and continues to grow. Individuals with ties to Exeter donate a flag and purchase a flag pole to be added to the avenue in memory of their loved one, according to Adamson. The names of the veteran are written on the flag in an appropriate spot.

Often after the Memorial Day services at the cemetery family members will wander up and down the Avenue of Flags searching for their veteran’s flag and taking a moment to remember him and his service.

Currently over 100 flags fly in the Avenue of Flags at the Exeter Cemetery. Members of the Legion, Auxiliary and community volunteers put the flags up every Memorial Day and the twelve original flags are also placed in the avenue for funeral services of Exeter Legion members, weather permitting.

The flags used to be placed at the cemetery every patriotic holiday but now with so many flags to be placed they are only all placed on Memorial Day. Flag Day, Fourth of July, Memorial Day and Veterans Day bring flags to the downtown area sponsored by the Legion and put up by a variety of volunteers, including Legion members and Cub Scouts.

In the last eight years Exeter residents Dennis and Doreen Johnson have decorated the trees on their property that sits on the road to the Exeter Cemetery. On Memorial Day the Johnson’s post 13 flags on the trees that guide visitors to the Exeter Cemetery, making it a beautiful patriotic welcome.

The United States flag was adopted by the Second Continental Congress on June 14, 1777 and in 1916 President Woodrow Wilson established June 14^th as Flag Day by an official proclamation. Flag Day was nationally recognized in August 1949 by an Act of Congress.

Obituary: Jay Luzum

Jay D. Luzum was born on August 19,1964 to James J. and Arlene Rischling Luzum at Friend, Nebraska. He passed away on June 7, 2010, while doing what he dearly loved, working on the farm.

Jay attended Exeter Public School, graduating with the class of 1982. After high school, Jay continued with farming along with his father, Jimmy where he also raised cattle. On February 18, 1997, Jay was united in marriage to the love of his life, Rebecca (Becky) McCoy of Fairmont. Jay dearly loved his family and he enjoyed spending time with his family, and many friends. He was also proud of his step daughter and her husband and grandchildren.

Jay took great pleasure in raising cattle, and working in his shop. One of his greatest enjoyments was being active and cooking with the Milligan Sons of the Legion. His culinary talents were exhibited at every stag party and wild game feed. Jay also enjoyed working with the Legionnaires and he had quite the reputation as a practical joker.

Jay loved hunting and he made several trips to Colorado, Wyoming, Montana, Arizona and New Mexico hunting elk. He never scored the elk of his dreams, but he always made the trips quite entertaining for his fellow hunters.

Four years ago, Jay was diagnosed with cancer and he began a very courageous battle to conquer this terrible disease. Jay’s true character could be seen as he endured rounds of chemo and difficult surgeries with a positive outlook and determination to get well. After several years of treatment, Jay appeared to be cancer free.

Jay’s illness brought together many dear friends and family who faithfully volunteered to help him continue with his farming and cattle. Jay and Becky could never be able to express in words the thanks that should be given to these wonderful friends and family for their countless hours of work. Like his friends, Jay also possessed this same kindness and strong work ethic, and love for life.

Jay is survived by his wife, Becky of Exeter, step-daughter, husband, Jessica and Nick Mayfield of Eagle, mother, Arlene Luzum of Exeter, sister and brother in law, Julie Erdkamp and Dale, of Exeter, three grandchildren, Barrett, Jackson and Wyatt Mayfield, nieces and nephews, Danielle, Taylor and Richard Erdkamp, father-in-law, mother-in-law, Robert and Imelda McCoy, Fairmont, Nebraska. Preceded in death by his father, James Luzum Jr. and infant sister, Kim.

Thank you, Jay, for the wonderful memories.

Jay funeral was held along with his mother’s funeral at 10:30 a.m., Friday, June 11, 2010 at the Milligan Auditorium with Kim Dunker officiating. Honorary pallbearers were Dale Luzum, Jeff Thompson, Bob Thompson, Jim Zeleny, Dennis Oliva, Dave Zeleny, Will Jansky, Brian Hafer and Jan Rischling. Inurnment was in the Bohemian National Cemetery with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials are directed to the Sons of the American Legion.

Obituary: Arlene Luzum

Arlene (Rischling) Luzum passed away on June 9^th, 2010 at Bryan LGH Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. Arlie, as she was affectionately called, was born on December 18^th, 1933 on a farm south of Milligan. She was one of five children born to Adolph and Mary (Kratina) Rischling. She attended Milligan Public School all twelve years and graduated with her class in 1951. After graduation she worked at the Milligan Drug Store. Her high school sweetheart, James Luzum, was a frequent customer and they were married on the hottest day of the summer, July 30^th, 1955. The newlyweds made their home near Exeter and continued living there until late July 2005 when they moved into Exeter and their son and daughter-in-law, Jay and Becky Luzum, took over the family farm. They continued living in town until their deaths.

James and Arlene were the parents of three children, Kim, who died in infancy, Julie, now Mrs. Dale Erdkamp, and their youngest, Jay, who was married to Rebecca McCoy. Her pride and joy were her three grandchildren, Danielle, Richard, and Taylor Erdkamp. A family tradition came every holiday where the grandchildren and Grandma Arlene would bake her famous rolls, and even Richard was learning the art of roll-baking. Her children Julie and Jay, along with their spouses made every holiday a truly memorable experience. Arlene was also known for her delicious pickles which were loved throughout the county. No one could can delicious pickles or fruits as well as she could. Many of her grandchildren's friends soon claimed her as their own grandma. She loved having them to talk to and their frequent and spontaneous visits. She had three grand kids by blood, but really many, many more.

Her three grandchildren kept her and Jimmy busy throughout their lives. She was so very proud of Danielle and her many accomplishments in high school and college. Arlie especially enjoyed many of her wonderful vocal and band concerts at Doane. Both Jimmy and Arlene enjoyed all sports but most of all watching the high schoolers play. Their love of softball was a particular joy that kept them busy following Danni and Taylor throughout the summer. They both enjoyed watching Richard along with his cousins and friends under the Friday night football lights. Richard's love of his grandma's rolls always kept him close by. Taylor's talents in track, volleyball, and basketball always made her grandma proud, she especially loved following the volleyball team all the way to a state title. Taylor would love to visit her grandma during the summer with her young cousins to do anything from making puzzles, painting ceramics or just talking until the day was gone.

Arlene faced many hardships in her lifetime with her husband's sickness and her son's battle with cancer. She managed to be upbeat and not complain, but her health began to fail about six years ago. She fought gallantly against diabetes and kidney failure. She was forced into going to dialysis three times a week in York, where she made the best of it by becoming friends with everyone she met, nurses and patients alike. Many thanks go to her twin sisters Irma and Alma for all of their love. Her sister Alma Placek was a wonderful caregiver and helped to keep her spirits high even in the darkest of times, taking her to all of the sporting events they were able to go to and keeping her happy on the way to doctor's visits. Her other sister Irma Kudlacek baked to bring smiles to everyone when Arlene wasn't up to strength and she also would help keep the house clean and the flowers up to a status that would make Arlene proud. Arlene was preceded in death by her husband James J. Luzum Jr., her infant daughter Kim, her parents Adolph and Mary Rischling, and her only son, Jay.

She is survived by her daughter Julie & husband Dale Erdkamp of Exeter, NE; Brothers, Robert and wife Carolyn Rischling of Milligan, NE, Richard & wife Kathy Rischling of Milligan, NE; Sisters,; Alma Placek of Milligan, NE, Irma & Al Kudlacek of Geneva, NE; Grandchildren, Danielle, Richard & Taylor Erdkamp; Daughter-in-law, Becky Luzum of Exeter, NE; Step-granddaughter, Jessica and Nick Mayfield; and Step-great grandchildren, Barrett, Jackson and Wyatt Mayfield.

Funeral services were held Friday, June 11, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. from the Milligan Auditorium. Arlene and her son Jay services were conducted together with Rev. Karla Sheffy serving as pastor for Arlene and Kim Dunker serving as pastor for Jay. Casket bearers were; Scott DeCamp, Tim DeCamp, Steve Briske, Jim Svec, M. Ron Svec Jr., Brad Kresak, Dwayne Luzum Jr., Dale Luzum, Ryan Rischling, Jan Rischling and Bob Svec. Honorary bearers were: Michelle Edgecombe, Becky Vonderfecht, Mitzi DeCamp, Dawn Baxa, Debbie Adams, Jennifer Wurzelbacher, Paige Kronhofman, Marci Stewart, Amanda Barney, and Kristine Briske. Interment was in the Bohemian National Cemetery with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Memorials are directed to the Exeter-Milligan School Foundation.

Exeter Public Library Making a SPLASH!!!!

Exeter Public Library Reading program got off to a Splash the first few weeks of June. Preschool through third graders are enjoying special times for reading stories about sea life, doing special "oceany" crafts and playing games.

It's time for the sea turtle races! Christopher Kelch, left, moves his turtle fast down the racing lane, leaving Emma Olsen to catch up. The other participants watch the race progress before taking a turn to race.

Kindergarteners and first graders gather to make an ocean scene of sea animals and seaweed. The are pictured from the left facing forward, Ben Bartu and Christopher Kelch. The girls intently working are from the left Emma Olsen, Cami Harrison and Summer Auld.

Kindergarteners and First graders are memorized by the book Exeter Librarian Nina Bartu is reading to them.

Exeter Pack 218 Webelos Scouts Enjoy Rockets and Leathercraft

Exeter Pack 218 Webelos Cub Scouts enjoyed making rockets Saturday afternoon with their pack. They shot the rockets off in the park later in the afternoon with the help of their dads and leaders. They also made leather belt holders for pocketknives in preparation for their upcoming trip to Camp Cornhusker, near Humboldt. The five boys are from the left, Joey Bartu, Peytan Brandt, Johnny Babula, Eric Olsen and Travis Gilliam. Johnny Babula's rocket (thanks to an extra powerful engine) flew the farthest. It went over a half a mile to the southeast.

New Books at the Exeter Library

What's New At Exeter Public Library

For Adults:
Blue-eyed Devil by Robert B. Parker
Innocent by Scott Turow
Hannah's List by Debbie Macomber
This Body of Death by Elizabeth George
The Scent of Rain and Lightining by Nancy Pickard
This Time Together by Carol Burnett
Every Last One by Anna Quindlin
Storm Prey by John Sandford
61 Hours by Lee Child
Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin
The Lion by Nelson DeMille
The Mountain Between Us by Charles Martin

For Kids:
The Science Project That Almost Ate the School
Dogku
Deep & Dark & Dangerous

Plus lots of new books for Summer Reading Program.

Memorial Day Program

The Exeter American Legion Post 218 presented their annual Memorial Day program on Monday at 10:00 a.m.

After the presentation of the flags by the Legion members assisted by Army National Guard Members Jason and Lacey Hood (granddaughter and her husband of Terry and Elaine Salyer of Exeter) Bob Dumpert, master of ceremonies presided.

The Exeter-Milligan Band played the Star Spangled Banner as all stood and then the invocation was given by Rev. Tim Adams. Adams prayed that our leaders would have both "sound judgement and right motives. . .bring peace so that we may no longer add names to this memorial list."

Exeter-Milligan senior class President Charlotte Andreasen read the Gettysburg Address followed by Travis Yound reading In Flanders Field.

The band played the Salute to America's Finest before Tim Wilbeck gave his address. Wilbeck told stories of heroes from several different wars. He spoke of the nearly one million who have died in war since 1775 "they cannot be replaced. When asked how a nation left in their debt should remember them? They would answer, take care of my family."

Wilbeck reminded the crowd of Dr. Martin Luther King's words while imprisoned, "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."

In closing, Wilbeck encouraged the crowd ,"Let us always remember."

After the salute to the dead, Blake Papik played taps and there was also a taps echo played. Later in the morning the National Guard was scheduled to flyover the cemetary.

The American Legion Auxiliary welcomed the large crowd to the Legion home for rolls and coffee.

Alumni Banquet Well Attended

The Exeter Class of 2000 greets alumni as the come to the banquet.

The Exeter Alumni Banquet hosted by the class of 2000 was well attended Saturday evening. The Class of 2000 President Mitchell Schlegelmilch welcomed the group and then invited classmate Monika Ekeler to give a blessing for the meal. Buffet supper was Roast Beef, Chicken Marsala with baked potato, vegetables, salad and roll.

The class of 2010 was well-represented and introduced by class president Charlotte Andreasen. Each honor class was invited to introduce their classmates present. During the evening, Exeter-Milligan counselor Tim Wilbeck reminisced of times at Exeter High.

Justin Harre gave out the golf tournament awards. This year 25 teams of 2 participated in the Alumni Golf Tournament.

Alan Songster presented some information on the Exeter-Milligan School Foundation and Jen Murphy gave the crowd some great information about the recently formed Exeter Area Community Foundation. She spoke of the recent challenge grant given by Dick and Louisa Manning and also an additional $20,000 just given to help meet this challenge.

The annual business meeting was held and the meeting and banquet was closed.

Alumni Classes

The Exeter Class of 1940 are pictured from the left Boyd Bivens, LaRayne (Steyer) Wahlstrom, Gladys (Ferguson) Hopken, Evelyn (Harre) Coffey and Reta (Harre) Coffey. While many of the members of their class are deceased, there was a special bouquet of flowers on their table in memory of Tom Votipka who died recently.

The Exeter class of 1955 celebrating their 55th class
reunion at the American Legion before the Alumni Banquet. The 1955
Crown Victoria car belongs to class member Mary Pribyl and her husband Roger
Pribyl. From the left class members are: Wayne Olsen, Doris (Harre) Nicholas, Donna (Petersen) Jasinski, Ray Franzen, Jane (Miller)Thomsen, Richad Michl, Wilma (Erdkamp) Sporel, Jack Noragon, Charlotte (Rouch)Hayek, Mary (Becker) Pribyl, J.J. Dinneen, and Galen

Crowder.

The Exeter Class of 1965 are pictured from the left, back row, Barb (Ethington) Jansen, Leon Harre, Jane (McCabe) Drake, Sylvia (Coffey) Christensen, Sharon (Hall) Hassler, Alan Songster, Roland Jensen. Front row from the left Tim Murphy, Linda (Becker) Wilhelm, Sharon (McLeese) Dyer, and Carolyn (Papik) Geiger.

The Exeter Class of 1970 are pictured from the left, back row, Jim Votipka, Dick Erdkamp, Ken Rouch, Kathy Rouch, Larry Hunt and David Krupicka. Front row from the left are Marcia (Krasser) Erdkamp, Merry Beth Adamson-Strauss, Sherrill (Papik) Murphy and John Tauriella.

The Exeter Class of 1980 back row from the left Wade Harre, Mark Due, Dean Bartu, Rusty Ruhl, Darren Eberspacher, Kenny Harre, Tom Bell, Roger Johnson, Jr. Front row from the left Kay (Ruhl) Due, Sylvia (Ekeler) Ruhl and Lisa (Dinneen) Rhodes.

The Exeter Class of 1990 are pictured in the back row from the left , Amy (Heller) Kissinger, Aarik Jensen, Joanna (Geiger) Webster, Ben Salyer, Mike Zeleny, Hope (Nicholas) Androyna. Front row from the left are Delayne Eberspacher, Sara (Krejci) Ochsner, Jackie (Ring) Miller, Stacey (Erdkamp) Toms and Barb (Bristol) Koca.

The Exeter Class of 2000 back row from the left Mitchell Schlegelmilch, Justin Harre, Mary Ekeler, Jim Mueller, Chad Oldehoeft, Jason Krupicka, Monika Ekeler. Front row from the left Rebecca (Votipka) Streff, Amanda (Parker) Johnson, Amber (Rassette) Simmons, Brett Carrigan and Christina (Callahan) Wetton.