Mary Frances Eychner Deutschman 87, of North Platte passed away March 18, 2017 at Linden Court.  Mary was born August 2, 1929 in Grand Island, NE to Vernon and Margaret Eychner.  She graduated from Grand Island High School in 1947.  Mary attended Hastings College as a music major with a burning desire to teach.  North Platte Public Schools needed an elementary teacher with the love of music, so she began her teaching career September 1, 1949 at Jefferson School in North Platte.  On July 31, 1953 she married Robert Deutschman and continued to teach at Franklin, McKinley, and Adams Junior High.

Mary retired the first time to enjoy being a mother to Dick and Jane.  After Jane’s death she returned to teaching at Osgood School.  Mary finally received her B.A. Degree in 1970 from Kearney State College and became an Elementary music teacher at Cody School.  She retired again in June of 1990 after 30 years.

She was a member of NEA, NPEA, and the North Platte Retired Teachers.  She was proud to be a charter member of the Sandhills Symphony Orchestra.  Mary was a life member of Monday Musicale.  She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma for 50 years.  Mary received special recognition for the Christa McAuliffe Award.  She was selected for North Platte Woman of Achievement in Education in 1989.  Her trio, The Singing Strings, gave her great joy for many years.

Survivors are her daughter-in-law, Robin Deutschman of North Platte; three delightful grandchildren, Benjamin (Toni) Deutschman of Blair, Ne, Andrew Deutschman of Omaha, and Makenzie (Seth) Scollard of Lincoln, Ne; two great-grandsons, Brock and Brody Deutschman; a sister, Helen Knapp of Minden, NE; and a brother, George (Judy) Eychner of Kerrville, TX.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her wonderful husband of 62 years, Robert; and her beloved Dick and Jane.

Memorials are suggested to the Sandhills Symphony and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Graveside Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 24, 2017 at the North Platte Cemetery with the Reverend Robin Storer officiating.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m.  – 9:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.