Melissa Eckert-Geiger was born in Lynnwood, California on July 8, 1965. Parents Karl Eckert and Cheryl Krueger recall how from a young age, she was always setting the tone, making the rules and living life on her terms. Those who knew her know it is impossible to have known her without remembering her fiery personality and quick-witted humor. Melissa was undoubtedly a free spirit. She was who she was, and she always did things her own way. Many of us admire that about her because she was fearless. Since she was baptized in the Ponca Creek in Verdel, NE, the primary way she expressed her Christian faith was by serving others who shared her struggles. She served as a counselor at Fresh Start for people who were battling addiction and dedicated the better part of a decade chairing meetings and sponsoring for Alcoholics Anonymous. Passionate about her interest in medicine, she earned several degrees in the medical field during her career. Among her many roles in healthcare, she was an EMT, LPN, CNA, MA and volunteered with the Red Cross. She loved her family fiercely and her 5 children and grandchildren were her pride and joy. She married her husband, Brad Geiger in 2010. With him she was content going to watch Salt Dog games, movies, have family cookouts and going camping. She and Brad relished going to Sturgis, or wherever the road took them, just as long as they were together. Always the adventurer, she was equally at home on the back of a horse or a Harley and spent phases of her life dedicated to riding one or the other. She was an avid reader. Melissa spent much of her free time reading, with her favorite author being Stephen King. She was glued to every episode of Forensic Files and Judge Judy, and spent spring and summer months gardening at her home in Lincoln with her faithful dogs at her side. A traveler at heart, she was at home driving coast to coast with her dad as part of the family dog business. Her CB handle was, “Beetlejuice” and as such she easily made friends of strangers over the airways of the open road. Her personality was sociable and bold and she could talk to anyone about anything. We all loved this about her. If you wanted to know what she thought or asked her for advice, she’d gladly give you her two cents. We’ll sure miss you, Melissa. Until we meet again, “Beetlejuice”, catch ya on the flip side.

Wilma Doris Kruger, 101, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away peacefully on May 14, 2018. She was born near McLean, NE on August 19, 1916 to William Edward and Martha Jane (Pickering) Niday. She married Alfred Frank Kruger on February 3, 1934.

Edward M. Lewandowski, 81, of Lincoln, NE, passed away May 13, 2018 of natural causes. Ed was born September 3, 1936 to Paul and Mary (Woskowiak) Lewandowski in Broken Bow, NE.

Laura Mae Baldwin, 92, of Lincoln, NE. Passed away December 27, 2017 in Lincoln, NE. Born May 20, 1925. Survivors: children, Reba Wester, Nita Baldwin, Mark Baldwin and Lynn Baldwin all of Lincoln, NE. Kaye Gakemeier and husband Robbie of Elmwood, NE. Dean F. Baldwin and wife Mariko of Honolulu, HI. Alan Baldwin and wife Janet of Seward, NE. Deanna Vokoun and husband Jason of Willington, CT. Dean L. Baldwin and wife Noriza of Lincoln, NE. Fourteen grandchildren and twenty-four great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by husband Floyd Baldwin, parents Jack and Dollie Lowrey, brother Clarence Lowrey and son-in-law Warren Wester.

Tracy C. Craig, 58, of Lincoln, passes away May 1, 2018 in Lincoln. She was born in Norfolk, VA to Frederick and Cecil (Culbertson) Hutchison. Tracy worked for Jefferson County Law Enforcement for many years and was the owner of Attic and Sellars Consignment Store in Lincoln. Survived by husband, Neal; son, Travis (Carrie) Hines, Columbus, OH; daughters, Ashley (Dan) Arner, Kearney, NE; Rachelle (Cody) Boeve, Palmyra, NE; Vicki Garrett (Tim Wylie), Aurora, NE; Allison Garrett, Grand Island, NE; Kachine Bartels, Fairbury, NE; grandchildren, Kaleb Hines, Kennedy Arner, Julian Arner, Braylee Hines, Kahle Greenwood, Izzy Wylie; sisters, Machelle Greene, Austin, TX; Mindi Elam, Tuscaloosa, AL; parents, Fred Hutchison, Ft. Scott, KS; Cecil and David Barkley, Tuscaloosa, AL. Preceded in death by brother, Andy Hutchison.

Thomas “Mike” Lyle Bryant, Jr, 61, of Lincoln, passed away 4/15/2018. Born 8/24/56 in Nebraska City to Thomas Bryant Sr. and Corrine Balfour. Lived in Beatrice for 15 years as a Welding Foreman for Kees Manufacturing. Mike was a stock car builder and racer with Uncle Butch, avid Nebraska football fan, NASCAR, and Richard Petty fan. Former member of the Nebraska Army Reserve.

James W. Vnuk, 57, of Lincoln, passed away April 13, 2018 in Lincoln. He was born February 22, 1961 in Omaha, NE to Dr. Wallace and Frances Vnuk. James is survived by sons, James Vnuk(Kellie) Omaha, NE; Dustin Vnuk ( fiancé, Whitney Nielsen) of Denver, CO; brothers John Vnuk( Dawn) and their three sons Jeremy, Jeffery and Jamison of Loveland, CO; Tom Vnuk( Leanna ) of Ft. Collins, CO. Jim lived in Denver, Colorado as a youth and it is here that his love for the outdoors blossomed. He carried that enthusiasm for outdoor living and experiences in his years lived in Nebraska. Jim carried that love for adventure throughout his life. Jim enjoyed the Rocky Mountains and all the beauty and adventure that he found in living and spending time in places that he held dear to his heart in Colorado. Jim graduated from Kearney High School class of 1979 and attended Ft Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. Jim found happiness in his time living and working in Breckenridge, Colorado. Jim was a gentle and kind soul. Everyone that ever worked or spent much time with him admired his irreverent sense of humor and forgiving nature. He was a loyal friend and loving father who took great pleasure and pride in his sons’ academic and leisure pursuits. Jim loved riding his motorcycle and having every new and awesome gadget to support his riding experience. Jim had a particular love for University of Nebraska Women’s Volley Ball.

Connie "CJ" Remington passed away March 24, 2018

Donna Marie Wright, 48, of Goehner, NE, passed away February 16, 2018. She was born November 25, 1969 in Falls City, NE to Kennether and Lona (Dondlinger) Herling.

Ardell Nance, 73, of Lincoln, passed away February 3, 2018 in Lincoln. She was born February 14, 1944 in Kensett, Arkansas.