Loreen Bird

Loreen Faye Bird, the first daughter of Cecil Russell and Irene (Bisbee) Figgins, was born April 10, 1934, on a farm southwest of Northbranch. She died Oct. 20, 2022, at the Heritage Care Center in Red Cloud.

She attended the Walnut country school and completed her formal education attending the Burr Oak High School and graduated with the Class of 1952. She was united in marriage with Donald Eugene Bird on June 15, 1952, at her parents’ home.

Following their marriage she and Don moved to Plainville.  Loreen was employed at the Plainville Rural Hospital as a lab and X-ray technician from 1954 to 1959. They then moved to Colby for Don’s work. In 1960, they moved to north of Esbon.  In 1975, they started a business called Tuf Lube Sales, that sold lubrications and farm supplies. She then had a full-time job working alongside her husband managing a farm and their business. Don and Loreen greatly enjoyed square dancing during the 1980s and 90s.

Both Loreen and Don loved the life at the lakes, so they decided to start being park attendants during the summer months. They stayed eight years at Perry Lake, one year at Waconda and nine years at the Harlan County Lake until Don was no longer was able to go due to his declining health.  Loreen spent this time in her life taking care of Don, the love of her life, until his death Feb. 2, 2018.

Loreen enjoyed her community, church and family.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Donald; brothers, Franklin, Glenn and Carl Figgins; a sister, Carolyn Barnes; son-in-law, Brad Small; grandson, Brent Small; and brothers-in-law, Cleo Morris, Merl Reed, Norman Pletcher and Jr. Mills.

Survivors include her daughters, Theresa Small and Mrs. Ray Morrison (Mary); her son, John Bird; sisters, Charlotte Pletcher, Pauline Mills, Twila Morris, Fern Reed, Mrs. RIck Warneking (Marilyn) and Mrs. Terry Pate (Joan)

Graveside service was held Saturday, June 3, at the Burr Oak Cemetery with the Rev. Les Ellis officiating.

Karis Kuhlmann

Karis Valjean Kuhlmann of Chester, the son of Charles and Ella (Weers) Kuhlmann was born on a farm near Chester on Dec. 1, 1937. He died June 1 at his home near Chester.

He attended a country school and graduated from Chester High School in 1955. He joined the United States Navy June 30, 1955, and was honorably discharged with a good conduct medal Nov. 21, 1958.

Karis married Shirley Gehle on Sept. 12, 1959. This union was blessed with three children. Karis managed and worked at Hill Oil Company in Chester. He also worked in construction. Farming and raising cattle were his passion. He was a member of St. John Lutheran Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley; his parents and a sister, MaryAnn Thornton.

His funeral was held Tuesday at St. John Lutheran Church in Chester. Officiant was Pastor Greg Schaffer.