Twiford family remembered during memorial service

LAUREL, Neb., (KTIV) - The community of Laurel, Nebraska, came together, Friday, to remember three of their own tragically taken from them on August 4th.

Family and friends said goodbye, Friday morning, to three members of the Twiford family, who were killed in a quadruple homicide, in Laurel, Nebraska.

Cars, trucks and SUVs filled the parking lot of the United Lutheran Church. And, parking was scarce on surrounding streets as people turned out to remember Gene, Janet and Dana Twiford.

During the service, the Twifords were remembered for their countless contributions to the community of Laurel. Gene enlisted and served in the Army from 1958-1964. “He was a very active member of the Laurel Veterans Post and the American Legion for 48 years and was honored to serve as the Nebraska State Commander of the American Legion from 2000-2001,” said Pastor Matt Quanbeck, United Lutheran Church.

Gene was also instrumental in getting Highway 20 across Nebraska renamed a “Medal of Honor Highway”. “He worked tirelessly to honor those who served,” said Quanbeck.

Janet was born in Sioux City. But, met Gene, who lived in Laurel, while working at a Sioux City store. “She worked at T.S. Martin before becoming a bookkeeper at Weatherwax Clothing Store in downtown Sioux City,” said Quanbeck. “There she met her future husband, Gene Twiford, who had come in to buy a suit for a friend’s wedding.”

Janet was active in the church, and the American Legion Auxiliary for almost 40-years. “The title she was most proud of was grandma and great-grandma-- GG for short-- to all her grandkids,” said Quanbeck.

Dana, their daughter, worked at Hillcrest Care Center for 20 years. “She greatly loved talking and laughing with the residents,” said Quanbeck.

She was a lifetime member of the church, was an avid Husker volleyball fan, and loved her family. “She loved being an aunt and spoiled all of her nieces and nephews every chance she had,” said Quanbeck.

KTIV has also learned the funeral for the fourth victim, Michele Ebeling, has been set. Michele’s daugher, Richele, says her mother’s funeral service will be September 9th, in Atchison, Kansas.

LAUREL, Neb. (KTIV) -Family and friends said goodbye, this morning, to three members of the Twiford family, who were tragically killed in a quadruple homicide, last week in Laurel, Nebraska.

Gene, Janet and Dana Twiford were remembered for their countless contributions to the community of Laurel.

Gene served six-years in the U.S. Army, was an active member of the American Legion, and was instrumental in renaming Highway 20 a “Medal of Honor” highway.

Janet was active in the church, and the American Legion Auxiliary for almost 40-years.

And, Dana, their daughter, worked at Hillcrest Care Center for 20 years, was a lifetime member of the church, and was an avid Husker volleyball fan.

“You have people from this community, people across the state, people throughout the nation who are greiving with you today,” said Pastor Matt Quanbeck, United Lutheran Church. “And, that so many are gathered here today is a testament to the lives of Gene, Janet and Dana, and the people that they impacted with their lives.”

The Twifords will be laid to rest in Laurel City Cemetery.