Directory at Blanche Cemetery a dream come true for board

    It was always a dream of John Osler’s to one day acquire a modern directory at the Blanche Cemetery.
    Thanks to the efforts of its current cemetery board members, that dream will come true next year.
    Located in the rural countryside of northeast Chase County 23 miles from Imperial, Blanche Cemetery, by many accounts, is a beautiful place.
    Recent upgrades have made it even more attractive.
    The state-of-the-art directory will be the final step in modernizing the cemetery, said Osler’s son Scott, now board president.
    Other board members were also well aware of John Osler’s leadership in the cemetery’s modernization. He pushed for a new gate, white PVC fencing and a gazebo.
    “It was always on John’s plate to do the directory, and ours,” said Terri Leibbrandt, board secretary.
    “We’re pretty excited about it.”
    John Osler led the cemetery board as its president for 15-20 years, Scott said. It will be a real tribute to see its completion following John’s death in July 2021, he added.
    Currently, people wanting to locate a Blanche Cemetery plot open up a toolbox by the gate where a 3-ring binder lists all the 228 graves on a spreadsheet.
    The new steel directory will measure 48” x 48” held up by two steel support legs. A window display area measures 25” x 21” with a tempered glass panel.
    The directory from Windy Prairie Systems in Indianola will be able to hold 400 names.
    Osler said in early December the company was still waiting on a piece of material to finish it, and then it will be shipped.
    Plans are to place the directory inside the gazebo for added protection, he said.
    “Dad put a lot of work and leadership into upgrading the cemetery. For what is a little country cemetery, it’s pretty nice,” Scott said.
    Getting the directory in place means a lot to him.
    “It’s a little bit of satisfaction we’re able to finish up something Dad wanted a lot. This is the last step in getting the cemetery modernized,” he said.
    Cost of the directory is close to $9,000, plus installation, half of which was paid for by cemetery funds, Osler said. The other half is being raised by donations, and they are getting close to meeting the fundraising effort, he said.
    Anyone wanting to donate to the effort can send a check to treasurer Teresa Hayes, Box 188, Wauneta NE 69045. Donations can also be mailed to Scott Osler, 34550 Rd. 751, Elsie NE 69134.
    The board hopes to have the directory in place by Memorial Day.