Royce Herman Stute

Nov. 28, 1944 - May 16, 2006

BENKELMAN -- Royce Herman Stute, 61, died Tuesday (May 16, 2006).

He was born Nov. 28, 1944, to Alfred and Mary Stute. Following high school, he attended McCook Junior College for two years on a football scholarship. After receiving an associates degree from McCook Junior College, he furthered his education at Southern Colorado State College in Pueblo, Colo., again on a football scholarship.

He returned to Haigler to assist his parents with their farming and ranching operation.

On July 1, 1967, he married Marsha Smith.

In later years, he drove a truck for Lee Ohrman.

He participated in range management with the local 4-H club and later lead a range management 4-H club.

He was a lifelong resident of Dundy County. He served on several boards includingthe Co-op, the Fair Board, Farm Bureau and the Zion Lutheran Church Council. He also umpired baseball games for the youth of Haigler.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Mary Stute; and his father-in-law, James A. Smith.

Survivors inclde his wife, Marsha; a son, Royce J. "Jimmy" and wife, JoAnn Stute of Elkhorn; a daughter, Stacy and husband, Cris Fries of Parker, Colo.; three sisters, Alfreda and husband, Dennis, Schroeder, Kay and husband, Russell Edeal and Bonnie and husband, Tim Hansen; his mother-in-law Velda Smith: and seven grandchildren.

Funeral services were Saturday, at the Haigler Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler, with the Rev. Chris Farmer officiating. Interment was in the Haigler Cemetery in Haigler.

Memorials may be made to the Zion Lutheran Church in Haigler.

Spellman-Schmidt Funeral Home in Wray, Colo., was in charge of arrangements.