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Martin Gene Stava

Obituary

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Martin Stava Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Jan. 23, 2012.

Sept. 2, 1925-Jan. 19, 2012

Gene Stava of Rushville passed away Jan. 19 at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs. He was 86.

Funeral services were Jan. 23 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Rushville with Pastor Michael Wittrock officiating. Burial was at Fairview Cemetery with full military honors.

Martin Gene Stava was born on Sept. 2, 1925, at Rushville, to Martin and Beatrice Michaelson Stava.

He was baptized as an infant and confirmed as a youth at the Presbyterian Church at Rushville. He was also confirmed at St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, in Rushville.

Gene attended grade school in District 14 and graduated from Rushville High School in 1942.

He entered the United States Army in1945, and served eight months in Japan. He was discharged Feb. 5, 1947. Gene was very proud of his military service and was a true patriot.

Gene was married to Mildred Schaer on June 17, 1951. They farmed and ranched eight miles northwest of Rushville on the home place which was homesteaded by his grandfather. This is where they raised their three children, Diane, Barbara, and Frank.

Gene and Mildred both liked to travel and enjoyed many nice trips together.

Gene was a member of the VFW and the American Legion Post 161, where he served as Commander and also as County Commander. Gene was a member of National and Nebraska Stockgrowers and a member of St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church.

Gene loved the prairie and one of his pleasures was driving the pastures to check on his cattle and windmills.

He is survived by: his wife, Mildred; daughters Diane (Steve) and Barbara; son Frank; brother-in-law Olin Webb; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Jack, and sister Ardis.

A memorial has been established for St. Paul's Lutheran Church, the Rushville Fire and Rescue Unit or the Hay Springs Fire Department Building Fund. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Pier Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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