Music will be by organist Celine Fehringer, duet and Cantors Rick and Cheryl Higgins. Pallbearers will be Matthew Pentico, Mark Pentico, Andrew Pentico, Laura McLaughlin, Tim Musser. Jenny Musser, Jamie Watson, Eric Schaible, Lindsay Schaible, Kristin Schaible, Patrick Rowley, Pamela Rowley, Ben Rowley, Tyler Ray, Dylan Ray and Spencer Ray.

Gov. Pillen requests federal disaster declaration for August storm damage

LINCOLN – Governor Jim Pillen has requested a federal major disaster declaration for Nebraska counties impacted by a severe summer thunderstorm that produced hurricane force winds and flash flooding from Aug. 8 to 10. The request includes the following 12 counties: Burt, Douglas, Fillmore, Lancaster, Nemaha, Nuckolls, Saline, Saunders, Seward, Thayer, Washington, and Webster.

The storm resulted in damage to schools, public facilities and businesses. Power infrastructure was the hardest hit – impacting hundreds of power poles, transformers and downing electrical lines. Downed power lines and trees blocked roadways and significant flooding also forced road closures.

A woman was killed during the storm and a man severely injured at Two Rivers State Recreation Area. High winds also blew the roofs off two housing units at the Nebraska State Penitentiary.

Preliminary damage estimates exceed $39 million, with costs expected to increase as assessments continue to be reported from impacted areas. The request from Gov. Pillen would help provide federal funding to cover costs associated with repairs and replacement to public infrastructure.

Dorothy died on Monday, Septem- ber 8, 2025 at the Accura Health Care Nursing Home in Pierce. Stonacek Memorial Chapel in Pierce is in charge of the arrangements.

Dorothy Marie (Stech) Rowley was born on May 18, 1925, to Victor and Ida Jilg Stech in Osmond. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Osmond through the eighth grade. She made her First Communion on May 27, 1934. She graduated from Osmond High School with the Class of 1943. Dorothy worked at the Pierce County Attorney's Office for E. D. Beech and Sheriff Earl Dean from 1945 through 1949. She married James N. Rowley on June 2, 1948. James operated the Rowley Auto Repair. James passed away on June 9, 2004. Seven children were born to them: James D. of Pierce, Thomas of Tucson, AZ, Marilyn of Denver, CO, JoAnn of Omaha, Janet of Pierce, Joyce of Aurora, CO, and Barbara of Austin, TX. In 1969, Dorothy began working at the Pierce Telephone Office, until 1982. She was a member of Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Pierce. Leisure time was spent traveling to visit children, playing cards, crocheting, reading and volunteering. She enjoyed being with friends and family.

Dorothy is survived by her seven children: James D. and Rhonda Rowley, Thomas and Nancy Huhra Rowley, Marilyn and Al Stocker, JoAnn Schaible, Janet and Mike Pentico, Joyce and Randy Musser, and Barbara and Doug Ray; 16 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.

She was proceeded in death by her husband James; brother, Edwin; sister Delores Muller, and parents Victor and Ida Stech.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel. com.