Katherine "Katie" Eberspecher

Rites for Katherine Eberspecher Are Held

Katherine Doyle was born December 25, 1902 to Thomas and Mary Doyle in Sioux County, Neb. She died December 18, in Chadron Memorial Hospital after a lingering illness. She would have been 70 years old on Christmas Day.

"Katie" grew up and attended school in the Bodarc community of Sioux County. She was graduated from Sioux County High School with the Class of 1926 where she served as captain of the champion girl's basketball team.

She was married to Jess Christian (Chris) Eberspecher in Crawford on February 4, 1928. They were the parents of eight children. They lived on the old Sam Hill homestead near Bodarc. Following her husband's death in 1951, she continued to operate the ranch until 1966. In 1970 she purchased a home in Harrison where she resided until April of 1972 when she entered Ponderosa Villa at Crawford.

Mrs. Eberspecher will be remembered for her great love and devotion to her family, its members say. Her happiest times were days in the country home with all the family present. She was proud to be honored at the 1971 Sioux County High Alumni banquet for having graduated in 1926 and for having all eight of her children present, all of whom are graduates of the school.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, one brother, one half-brother, one half-sister, and two grandchildren.

She is survived by her eight children: Patricia (Mrs. Alan Holmgren), Crawford; Betty (Mrs. Herb Hanson), Harrison; Jerry, Crawford; Kathleen (Mrs. Warren Gilbert), Casper, Wilma (Mrs. Fred Bartelt), Lusk; John, Harrison; Evelyn (Mrs. Keith Lemons), Lusk; Edward (Spike) of Scottsbluff; one sister, Mary (Mrs. Allen Jordan), Harrison; one brother, Tom Doyle, Harrison; one half-sister, Tracy (Mrs. Jim Lacy), Riverton; and 19 grandchildren.

Rosary service was held at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Crawford at 7:30 p.m. December 20 with Father J. F. Hartgarten officiating.

Funeral service was held at the Church of the Nativity in Harrison at 10:30 a.m. December 21 with Father John Dennett officiating. Mrs. Louise Serres, organist, accompanied Mrs. Roberta Shockley and Mrs. Shirley Schaefer singing "The Old Rugged Cross," "Abide With Me," "Be Still, My Soul," and "Oh, What Could My Jesus Do More". Liturgy was read by a great-nephew, Steve Jordan of Harrison.

Honorary bearers were Charley Wickersham, Norrie Wickersham, George W. (Buster) Wickersham, Charles Thayer, John Engebretsen, Charles Schaefer and Milford Brewster. Pallbearers were six nephews; Bill Bourret, Glenrock; Rex Ellis, Newcastle, Robert Staudenmaier, Richard Carnahan, Robert Jordan and Harry Zimmerman of Harrison.

Burial was in the Harrison Cemetery. Houston Funeral Home of Crawford was in charge of arrangements. Memorials to the Sioux County Rescue Unit and the Save the Crawford Hospital fund have been established.

Images & Attachments

Related/Linked Records