JOSEPH VERSEMANN

FARRAR, Mo. -- Joseph Leonard Versemann, 75, of Friend, Neb., died Monday, April 23, 2001, at Bryan LGH East Medical Center in Lincoln, Neb.

He was born Oct. 2, 1925, at Red Rock Landing near Farrar, son of Joseph and Lina Brueckner Versemann. He and Ella Mae "Mick" Rule were married April 29, 1951, in Friend. She died Dec. 9, 1999.

As a child, he helped keep daily recordings of the Mississippi River for the Corps of Engineers. After moving to Nebraska, he helped build the Harlan County Dam. He later worked at Moreman Feed in Friend, and then worked in the shipping and purchasing departments at Alpo Dog Food in Crete, Neb., from 1965 until retiring in 1987.

Versemann was a member of the United Methodist Church and Ford-Banka American Legion Post 183 in Friend.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II.

Survivors include a daughter, Sharon Lovelace of Lees Summit, Mo.; a brother, Harold "Jim" Versemann of Denver, Colo.; a sister, Delores Harrelson of Hot Springs Village, Ark.; two grandchildren; and a great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, an infant daughter, a sister, and three brothers.

Friends may call at Lauber-Moore Funeral Home in Friend from 1-9 p.m. today.

Funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at Friend United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Patricia A. Kelley officiating. Burial will be in Andrew Cemetery.