Thurston Fay Allen, age 81 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday March 2, 2016 at the Medical Center of The Rockies, in Loveland, CO.
Thurston was born on February 16, 1935 in Monte NE, AR to Clarence and Daisy Elizabeth (Crossan) Allen. He grew up on a ranch North of North Platte, being raised by his Aunt Laura and Uncle Ben Allen. He attended North Platte Public Schools and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1952. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He then attended college for a year in California. He married the love of his life, Joyce Marlene Zimmerman on August 23, 1959 and to this union two children were born, Steve and Sheri. Thurston was a masonry bricklayer, then later became a general contractor. He owned and operated T.F. Allen Construction for many years in North Platte. He enjoyed golfing in his early years. His passions were “cars and guitars”! Music was an important part of his life. He was a member of the Eagles Club and First Christian Church. Thurston will be remembered as a kind, generous and hard working man with a great sense of humor.
Thurston is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Allen of North Platte; son Steve (Natalie) Allen of Ft. Collins, CO; daughter Sheri Jo (Jerry) Howell of Lombard, IL; 2 grandchildren, Luke and Elsie Howell of Lombard, IL; brother, George (Donna) Allen of North Platte; sister Mary Parrish of Cascade, MT; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Laura and Uncle Ben Allen; parents; brothers, James and Clyde; and granddaughter Mariana Howell.
Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s choice and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday March 6, 2016 at the First Christian Church with Reverend Jan Ekstedt officiating. Cremation was chosen and inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson at a later date. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday March 5, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Cullen Harold Rishel, age 76 of North Platte, passed away at his home on Thursday March 3, 2016.
Cullen was born on December 5, 1939 in Plankinton, SD to Zura and Florence (Rademaker) Rishel. He joined the US Navy and served from August of 1957 until August of 1963. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy he worked as an auto body mechanic. On September 3, 1965 he married Delsey Meeker in Hartington, NE. The couple and their three sons moved to North Platte where he worked at Joe Dye Ford, Cement Products, Simon Construction and Western Engineering. In 1987 he was forced to quit working due to health issues. He was a member of the Salvation Army and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed family genealogy, hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who would give you the shirt off his back.
Cullen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Delsey Rishel; 3 sons Vernon (Jodie) Roepke, Bob (Julie Lyon) Roepke, and Mark Roepke all of North Platte; 5 grandsons, Nathaniel (Sally), Andrew, Jordan, Brandon (Ashley), and Caleb.; 1 granddaughter, Taylor; sister Irene Refior of North Platte; 9 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ardella Styles; and granddaughter Jessica Lynn Roepke.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Cancer Center – Poudre Valley Hospital, UN of CO Health Cancer Center, 2121 E Harmony Rd., Suite 170, Ft. Collins, CO 80528. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 11;00 a.m. Tuesday March 8, 2016 at the Salvation Army Church with Captain Tony Bowers officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday March 7, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.