Obituary
Joseph George Ekeler

Requiem Mass for Joseph G. Ekeler was celebrated by Msgr. H. H. Ingenhorst at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Exeter, Nebraska, on Saturday, April 20, at 10:00 a.m. He died suddenly Wednesday, April 17, 1974, at the age of 65.

Joe was born April 14, 1909 in Exeter and has been a resident of Fillmore County all his life. He was a 1925 graduate of Exeter High School.

He is survived by his wife Vione; his children, Larry of Lincoln, Mrs. Roger (Joan) McKay of Waverly, Joyce, Linda and James all of Lincoln, and Tom who is residing at home; five grandchildren; his brothers, Henry, William, Leo and Alfred of Exeter and Dr. L. J. Ekeler of Lincoln.

The Rosary was said at the Farmer Funeral Home on Friday evening.

Pallbearers for the funeral were Wilfrid Ekeler, Gene Graff, Mike Schafer, Fred Ekeler, Kenneth Ekeler and Don Ekeler, all nephews of the deceased.

Services were followed by interment in the Exeter Cemetery.

Card of Thanks

We would like to thank all our friends, neighbors and relatives for the cards, flowers, Spiritual Bouquets, memorials, and other acts of kindness shown us at the loss of our dear one, Joe Ekeler. Also, a special thanks to the rescue unit for their quick response.

Mrs. Joe Ekeler
Mr. and Mrs. Larry Ekeler
Mr. and Mrs. Roger McKay
Joyce, Linda, Jim and Tom Ekeler

Fillmore County News
 Exeter, Nebraska
May 2, 1974 

Obituary
Vione Theresa (Schafer) Ekeler

Vione Theresa Ekeler was born to Edward Henry Schafer and Mabel Ellen (Mulligan) Schafer on January 30, 1919 in Grafton, Nebraska and passed away October 23, 2004 at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 23 days.

Vione was one of three children in the family and was raised in Fillmore County. She graduated from Exeter High School in 1937.

Vione was married to Joseph George Ekeler of Exeter, Nebraska on February 18, 1943. To this union were born six children.

She raised their children, and worked in area businesses until Joe's death on April 17, 1974. 

She then moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where she began work with Miller & Paine Bakery, and retired from Latsch's at the age of 65.

She remained very active, volunteering for Bryan Memorial Hospital. She was a member of The Cathedral of the Risen Christ, where she was involved in the Altar Society and the Ladies of the Eucharist.

She enjoyed her frequent visits to the Pink Sisters Adoration Convent, where she was a member of the Auxiliary.

Vione was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her greatest joy was her family.

Vione was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Joseph; brother, Edmund "Pat" Schafer; brother-in-law, George Graff; and son-in-law Roger K. McKay.

She is survived by sister, Fauneil Graff; by sons, Larry and Virginia Ekeler of Lincoln,  James Ekeler and Mary Beth Ekeler of Lincoln, Tom and Sheila Ekeler of York; daughters, Joan McKay, Waverly, Joyce and Jim Flaherty, Auburn, Linda and Dan Koch of Lincoln; 12 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren,

Visitation was held Monday, October 25, 2004, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m at Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.  Rosary was Monday, 7:00 p.m. and funeral Mass was Tuesday, 10:00 a.m., both at Cathedral of the Risen Christ, 3500 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, with Father Robert Tucker officiating.

Burial was in Exeter Cemetery in Exeter, Nebraska on Tuesday at 2:00 p.m. with Father Kenneth Borowiak officiating.

Memorials were directed to The Pink Sisters Adoration Convent, 1040 South Cotner Blvd, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510.

Betherus, Maser & Love Mortuary in Lincoln was in charge of the arrangements.

The Nebraska Signal
Geneva, Nebraska
October 27, 2004