Obituaries

Betty J. Zahn, 86 of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home on December 30, 2021. She was born on January 26, 1935 to William & Louisa (Brinkhoff) Auer near Syracuse. Betty attended Burr High School, where she participated in softball and volleyball, while winning many championships along the way. She continued her love of sports as she got older, playing golf and bowling. On September 6, 1957, she married Harold Zahn at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Syracuse. She was a wonderful wife to Harold and became a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Robert A. Long, 73 of Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on December 19, 2021. He was born to Leo & Frances (Ormrod) Long on December 10, 1948, in Elmhurst, IL. He served honorable in the Marine Corps in Avionics from 1969 until his retirement in 1989 from MCAS in Yuma, AZ.

Larry Richard Lawton, Sr., age 73 of Nebraska City died December 22, 2021 at CHI Bergan Mercy Hospital in Omaha. Larry was born December 13, 1948 in Lincoln, the son of Richard and Laura Marjorie (Stoner) Lawton. Larry married Hazel Miller February 23, 1968. He formerly lived in Syracuse before moving to Nebraska City several years ago. Larry served in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He was a member of the V.F.W. and American Legion and worked at Wheaton’s and Arbor Day Farms before his retirement. Larry loved going on road trips, planting flowers and was an avid sports fan.

Mary A. Griepenstroh, 92 of Syracuse, passed away on December 22, 2021 at home. She was born on February 8, 1929 to Wilkie & Sophia (Schalk) Harms near Syracuse. Mary attended country school at district 89.