Arleen Evelyn Gifford, age 91 of North Platte, passed away Friday, September 26, 2014.
Arleen was born on November 23, 1922 in Gothenburg, NE to Martin and Anna “Molly” (Friesenburg) Sommer. She grew up in that area and graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1939. She married John Gifford on February 8, 1948 and the couple moved to North Platte where they raised their family. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in North Platte and belonged to the First Lutheran Church. She was an avid doll collector. She loved life, animals, and everybody she met. She focused her life on her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Arleen is survived by her children, Karla (Steve) O’Rourke, Jay Gifford, and Brian (Kathy) Gifford all of North Platte; grandchildren Scott (Melissa) O’Rourke of Kearney, Stacey (Rob) King of Lee Summitt, MO, Kari (Ryan) Grigg of North Platte, Lisa (fiancé Austin Priest) Gifford of North Platte, Zach Lindstedt of North Platte, Tim Timmerman of Salina, KS, Derek (Samantha) Gifford of North Platte, Mike Kackmeister of Grand Island, David Kackmeister of Omaha, Adam Kackmeister of North Platte and Eric Kackmeister of North Platte; 16 great grandchildren; sister Alverda Cook of Gothenburg; nieces Sharon Hewgley of North Platte, Sandy Werner of Gothenburg, and Debbie Clark of Gothenburg; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John in 2010; and infant sister LaVonne Sommer.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday October 1, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Frank Fitch officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.