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Members of the Class of 2024 at Humphrey St. Francis celebrates after Commencement Exercises Saturday afternoon, tossing their motar boards into the air. Democrat photos

Learning many lessons

An education is more than the classes and Humphrey St. Francis. Saturday afternoon, the Class of 2024 received their diplomas during Commencement Exercises at St. Francis Catholic Church. Valedictorian Karly Kessler, and Salutatorian Emma Classen...

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Ott defeats Pfeifer

The only area contested race saw challenger Joe Ott defeat incumbent Ron Pfeifer in the Platte County Board of Supervisors District 4 race in Tuesday’s Primary Election. Unofficially, Ott received 453 votes, and Pfeifer 368, who has spent 27 years...

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Karley Vering and Garett Durkop are heading to the state track and field meet this week. Vering qualified in the shot put and Durkop in the 400-meter dash. Courtesy photo

Vering, Durkop earn berths at state meet

Karley Vering and Garett Durkop are heading to state for the Bulldogs. Humphrey-Lindsay Holy Family competed Thursday in the Class C-3 District track meet at Oakland-Craig. Vering placed second in the shot put with a personal record of 35-03.75 and...

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Qualifying for the Nebraska State Track & Field meet from Humphrey St. Francis are, front row, left to right, Lillie Beltz, Alexis Kuchar and Jayda Krings. Back row, Emerson Krings, Isabel Preister, Whitney Wegener and Kali Jarosz. Democrat photo

Field events lead HSF into state track meet

St. Francis is sending seven to the State Track & Field Meet in nine events. The Flyers competed May 8 in the Class D-2 District meet May 8 at Osceola. The girls scored 93 points to finish third, and the boys placed sixth with 32 points. Osceola...

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The America Red Cross held a blood drive May 8 for the Espiritu and Coble families. Deco Espiritu and Riggs Coble, preschoolers at Platte Center Elementary School, have acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Pictured are Carlos Espiritu, Karla Espiritu, Karina Espiritu, JenCarlos Espiritu, Joaquin Espiritu and Jessica Coble. In the front are Deco and Riggs. Democrat photos

Community turns out for Riggs, Deco

American Red Cross Blood Drive in Platte Center May 8 for Riggs Coble and Deco Espiritu. The Platte Center Elementary School preschoolers each have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (A.L.L.), so a blood drive was held in their honor at the St. Joseph’s...

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Primary Election turnout expected to be low

There’s not much anticipation locally in the May 14 Primary Election. Just one race is contested as challenger Joe Ott goes up against incumbent Ron Pfeifer for a seat on the Platte County Board of Supervisors District 4. All other local races...

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Joyce Van Diest

Wed, 04/05/2023 - 4:00am

Joyce Van Diest passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on her birthday, Saturday, March 25, 2023 (what a wonderful gift) after a 22-year battle with cancer.

Mass of Christian Burial was 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, March 29, 2023, at St. Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus. Visitation was Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. with a 7 p.m. vigil, all at the church. Interment was in Roselawn Cemetery in Columbus.

Joyce Carol (Speicher) Van Diest was born March 25, 1959, to Dick and Toodie Speicher in Columbus. She attended Columbus High school graduating class of 1977. Joyce married Keith Van Diest on Aug. 11, 1978, at St. Bonaventure Catholic Church in Columbus.

Joyce lived in Columbus where she worked at Nebraska Public Power District for 22 years. She was a member of St. Isidore Catholic Church. Joyce enjoyed crafting, stockcar racing, Nebraska football, music and most of all, her children, and grandchildren.

She is survived by: Husband Keith Daughter: Tricia (Kieran) Chew Grandson: Lennox Son: Shane (April) Van Diest Granddaughters: Haley and Kinsley Son: Brent (Natasha) Van Diest Granddaughters: Emma and Khloe

Joyce Van Diest

Siblings: Dave (Peg) Speicher Lynn (Joe) Pensick Bill (Mary) Speicher Jack (Ruth) Speicher Gary (Mary) Speicher LouAnn (Terena Kring) Long Jim (Connie) Speicher Julie (Pat) Kaasch Mary (Whitey) Meyer Sister-in-law: Karen (Jim) Hake Brother-in-law: Terry (Maggie) Van Diest Many nieces and nephews Joyce is preceded in death by: Parents: Dick and Toodie Speicher Mother and Father-in-Law: Harold and Doris Van Diest Sister-in-law: Renee Van Diest Services are with McKown Funeral Home.

The Humphrey Democrat

314 Main St
Humphrey, NE 68642
402-923-1400