Phyllis J. Gausman, 83 of Fairbury, NE passed away April 8, 2017 at Heritage Care Center in Fairbury. She was born December 7, 1933 to Robert Joseph and Daisy Marie Grunwald at Union, NE.

Phyllis attended Union Grade School and High School, graduating in May 1950. She went on to Peru State Teachers College where she met the love of her life, Robert Allen Gausman. She would go on to teach at a country school in Cass county before she and Robert were married on June 5, 1954. To this union four children were born: Julie Little (Rick), Joni Backer (Michael), and Jeffrey Gausman. Before moving to Fairbury, the family lived in Davenport, Nebraska until 1965, where Robert taught science and coached high school football, basketball, and track.

Phyllis remained a stay-at-home-mother until her youngest started school. She worked at Kellwood sewing factory, then at Jefferson Memorial Hospital (now Jefferson Community Health and Life) as a pharmacy technician until her retirement.

She was an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels and the Senior Diner, where she decorated the tables with her collection of holiday trinkets. Active in the First United Methodist Church, she worked tirelessly in the women’s group, an eternally gracious, loving and invaluable part of the local community. In her final two years, she resided in Heritage Care Center in Fairbury, where she stole the hearts of staff and residents alike, and will be greatly missed by those who knew her.

Phyllis is survived by her three children and grandchildren Karenna Awtry (Josh), Mikaela, Jareb, Andrew, Mallory, and Madelyn Liewer, and Patrick Backer, as well as great grandchildren Allison and Drew Awtry, Ivan Liewer, and Aurora Nelson.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother Robert Duane Grunwald; daughter Jill Suzanne; grandson Jordan Gausman.

Services will be Thursday, April 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Fairbury with Pastor Doug Griger officiating. The family will greet friends Wednesday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 at the Funeral Home. Burial in Chester Cemetery, Chester, NE. Memorials will go to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Steven “Steve” Joseph Toelle, 62, died April 6, 2017, of colon cancer, at his home in Corpus Christi, Texas.

Steve was born on April 21, 1954. He grew up in Fremont.

During his 35-year career as a North Platte police officer, Sergeant Toelle was twice recognized as the American Legion Outstanding Officer of the year. A graduate of Northwestern University’s Center For Public Safety, he also held an Associates Degree in Business.

Steve is survived by his wife of 24 years, Gloria (Ronje) Toelle of Corpus Christi, and other family listed in an expanded obituary at maxwellpdunne.com.

Margaret M. Gerd, 85, of Delta, Colorado, passed away March 11, 2017, at her residence.

Margaret M. Gerd was born on Oct. 20, 1931, to William Lloyd and Margaret Maher in North Platte. Margaret spent her childhood in North Platte, where she was a professional softball player at 16, earning 80 cents per hour per game, practice. Growing up with six brothers, Margaret was very athletic and very family oriented, helping her mother after the difficult loss of her father. Along the way she also graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1950.

After getting married to the love of her life at age 20, Margaret and Donald Gerd raised two sons. She was a wonderful mother and role model to her children and others. She was senior manager for all the Jeffco R-l school cafeterias, a title she earned without a college degree, along with her position as senior EMT for the Conifer Ambulance Service, one more time leading her family by example. Eventually, Margaret became senior manager for her own company, D Gerd trucking and excavating. But not all of her life was hard work. Margaret was a very happy person who enjoyed the country and loved to plant flowers; yellow roses were her favorite.

Margaret was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Donald A. Gerd; her son, David John Gerd; and her brothers.

She is survived by her son, Don A. Gerd; one granddaughter, Chelsea; and her clan, nieces and nephews, dear to her heart.

Online condolences may be shared at taylorfuneralservice.com. Memorials are suggested to North Platte St. Patrick School.

Graveside service will be at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 14, at the VA Cemetery in Grand Junction, Colorado. Taylor Funeral Service and Crematory, Delta, is in charge of arrangements.