Sanford “Sandy” Kay Neal, age 70 of Tryon, passed away in the Sandhills, that he loved, on Saturday, June 10, 2017.

Sandy was born on February 5, 1947 in North Platte, NE to Archie and Cleo (Paxton) Neal.  After graduating from McPherson County High School in 1964, he continued working on the family ranch.  He married Margaret “Peggy” Kathryn Homan in North Platte on November 11, 1977, and the couple continued to ranch. In 1981 they remodeled and expanded Sandy’s grandfather’s house that was built around 1911, on the family homestead. That is where they raised their three children, Jeremy, Corey, and Stacy, and continued to live until his passing. In 1990 the family received the Nebraska Pioneer Farm Award, for 100 years of continuous family land ownership.

In May of 1995 Sandy and Peggy purchased Aunt Bea’s Café in Tryon, and continue to run it today. Sandy was a member of the Miller Cemetery Board and on the District #4 and #9 School Boards. He was also an active leader in 4-H and enjoyed helping his children with their projects.

Sandy was an avid reader, enjoyed spending time on the computer, especially researching genealogy, and was very good at leatherwork. He appreciated the outdoors and loved watching his birdfeeders and the wildlife. He had an eye for photography and delighted in checking the photos from his game cameras. He was very knowledgeable about the different birds, as well as the wildflowers, and enjoyed planting his own flowers. He liked the family trips to Wyoming and Colorado to fish for trout. He was detail oriented and a perfectionist in every way! He never knew a stranger and enjoyed visiting with people at the café. Sandy loved his family, and Dad was very proud of his children and their accomplishments; he will be greatly missed.

Sandy is survived by his wife Peggy of Tryon; children Jeremy Neal of Highland KS, Corey Neal of Wichita, KS and Stacy Neal of Rochester, MN; siblings Keith (Sharon) Neal of Pray, MT, Terry (Elnora) Neal of Tryon, Eugene Neal of North Platte, Doug Neal of North Platte, Gayle Neal of Tryon, Cheryl Neal of Terry, MT, and Kathleen (Kent) Fisher of Tryon; sister-in-law Ruth Neal of Pray, MT; brother-in-law Dick Schroeder of North Platte; uncle Kermit Paxton of North Platte; and mother-in-law Connie Homan of North Platte; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Archie and Cleo Neal; brother Archie Duane Neal; sister Betty (Neal, Rodewald) Schroeder; brother-in-law Leland Rodewald; and father-in-law Marvin Homan.

Memorials are suggested to the McPherson County Rural Fire District or the McPherson County High School Alumni Scholarship. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday June 16, 2017 at the Tryon High School with Pastor James Paine officiating.  Burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday June 15, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Lucille A. Malsbury, age 92 of North Platte, passed away June 9, 2017 surrounded by her family.  She was born on June 6, 1925 in Quinter, KS to Thomas Albert and Elizabeth Pearl (Huston) McElroy.

Lucille graduated from Quinter High School.  She then moved to Kansas City during WWII where she built airplanes for the war effort.  In September 1947, she married Albert Cale Malsbury.  The couple lived in Superior, NE then moved to North Platte.  Lucille was a devoted homemaker with many talents and interests. She was an excellent cook, loved tending to her flowers and canning produce grown in her garden. She was known for her sewing and reweaving skills. After her children were grown, she worked at JC Penney in the alteration department. Her greatest love was her family and she had an abiding faith in God.

Lucille is survived by her children, Ron (Jo) Penix of Valley Springs, CA, Nancy Rieker of North Platte, Beverly (Tim) Rehm of Holdrege, NE, Bruce (Linda) Malsbury of North Platte, Craig (Missy) Malsbury of North Platte, and Chris (Terri) Malsbury of North Platte; grandchildren, Christie (Brook) Gifford of Valley Springs, CA, Ron Jr. (Wendy) Penix of Lodi, CA, Troy (Stacey) Penix of Stockton, CA, Brooke (Ryan) Tracy of Bailey, CO, Spencer Bale of North Platte, Ryan Bale of Bailey, CO, Beno (Kelsey) Rieker of Lincoln, Heidi Rehm of Lincoln, Hayley (Dustin) Beaudette of Scottsbluff, NE, Troy (Lori) Malsbury of North Platte, Doug (Trina) Malsbury of North Platte, Brandon Malsbury of Colorado Springs, CO, Joe Malsbury (Connie McCarter) of Colorado Springs, CO, Season Malsbury of North Platte. Reed Wagner of North Platte, Aaron (Laca) Malsbury of Rapid City, SD, Travis (Shelby) Malsbury of North Platte, and Joshua (Lindsey) Malsbury of North Platte; 28 great grandchildren; and a son-in-law, John Darpli of Sandia Park, NM.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Albert in 1999; a daughter Sheryl Darpli; 6 siblings, Edith Milroy, Ruth Bynum, Helen Hurd, Pauline Penix, Jean Harms, and Dean McElroy

A memorial has been established and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Inurnment will be at 2:00 p.m. Friday June 16, 2017 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Harold Rhea officiating.  Memorial services will be held 6:00 p.m. on Friday, June 16, 2017 at The Church of Christ, 700 South Willow St., North Platte, with Chris Cadwallader officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Dellas Lavoyne Atchison, age 88 of North Platte, passed away Friday June 9, 2017 at Great Plains Health.

Dellas was born on February 15, 1929 in Minden, NE, the son of Ray and Ruth (Smith) Atchison.  He was raised and educated at Minden High School, graduating at Hastings High School in 1946.  He also attended Bayles College at Omaha.  He joined the Army in September of 1946 and did two tours in Korea; and was a veteran of WWII and the Korean Conflict.  He was wounded and received the Purple Heart.  He married Darlene Marie Kjargaard on August 20, 1950 and they had five children.  Dellas farmed wheat land in western Kansas before they moved to a farm at Stockville, NE where they farmed and raised cattle and maintained a dairy herd.  On November 19, 1964 he started a new job at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, NE as a wage grade employee.  He was converted to an administrative career and promoted to being a Cemetery Director in 1977.  He was also Director of National Cemeteries at Fayetteville, AR, Culpepper, VA, Camp Nelsen, KY, Long Island, NY, and St. Louis, MO.  In addition he was in charge of eight other cemeteries under contract.  He retired at St. Louis.

Dellas is survived by four of his children, Randal, Rock, Brad and Shanna (Garry) Wurth; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and step brother Keith Hovermale.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Ruth Atchison; wife Darlene in June 2015; son Timothy; and sister Carol.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday June 15, 2017 at Grace Community Bible Church with Reverend Mike Wing officiating.  Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday June 14, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Porfiria ‘Freda’ B. Alonzo of North Platte passed away June 8, 2017 at Cozad Care Center at the age of 66.

Freda was born December 28, 1950 at North Platte, Nebraska to Alfonso and Concepcion (Barela) Alonzo.  She graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1968.  Following graduation, Freda joined the US Army and was stationed at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  She returned to North Platte after completing her enlistment obligation.  Freda was employed by Union Pacific Railroad as a Welder/Boiler Maker for over 20 years.  She enjoyed working out, embroidering, getting her hair and nails done and spending time in her garden.  Freda loved all animals and was known for being strong and independent.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Monica; sisters, Ermalianda, Rosie and Lorenza; brother, Jose and grandson, Giovani Lopez.

Survivors include her daughter, Celestina Lopez of Grand Island; brother, Paul (Margie) Alonzo of Cozad; grandchildren, Cassandra Perez, Leonardo Lopez, Lidia Cabrera; 7 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Mass of the Christian Burial will be Tuesday, June 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father C.P. Varghese as celebrant.  Rosary will be at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 12, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be at North Platte Cemetery.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel in care of arrangements.

 

June L. Walker of North Platte passed away June 9, 2017 at Great Plains Hospital at the age of 83.

June was born June 22, 1933 at Farnam, Nebraska to Elmer and Eva (Keiper) Hilton. When June was very young the family moved to the farmstead north of  Cozad, Nebraska. June graduated from the Cozad High School in 1951. In 1956, she was united in marriage to Gerald Walker at the United Methodist Church in Cozad.

In 1962, the Walker family began with the births of Michelle Lynn, Monte David and Marsha Sue. Soon after they moved the family to North Platte, Nebraska. June was a great home maker and also worked at the Greyhound Bus Depot and NBC computer center. Her most treasured times were spent at home taking care of her family and spoiling her grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening, flowers, tea parties with her girlfriends, listening to country music and the Grand Ole Opry.

June was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; a daughter, Michelle Gill; sister, Doris Hergenrader; and brother, Leonard Hilton.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Monte (Anissa) Walker of North Platte and Marsha (Rick) Nester of Layton, UT; 6 grandchildren, Sam Gill and David Gill of Phoenix, AZ, Brittany Nester of Layton, UT, and Colton (Erin Lewis) Walker, Luke Walker and Bryson Walker, all of North Platte.

A memorial has been established in her memory.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Services will be held Wednesday, June 14, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the North Platte First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Doug Delp officiating.  Burial at Farnam Cemetery will follow at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation will be Tuesday, June 13, 2017 from 1 to 8 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

DeLoyce Elwood Robinson, age 89, of North Platte, died as the result of an automobile accident on Thursday, June 8, 2017.

DeLoyce was born May 10, 1928, to Elmer Lee and Bessie Mae Brittain Robinson at Maxwell, NE, where he grew up. He graduated from Maxwell High School in 1945 then worked for Fairmont Foods for many years before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1950. Following his discharge, DeLoyce returned to Nebraska and went back to his job with Fairmont Foods in North Platte then became a letter carrier for the U.S. Post Office in 1956. He was known as “Robbie” on his route and after working for 32 years, he retired in 1988.

On September 20, 1964, DeLoyce was united in marriage to Kay Juanita Patton Fry in Fort Collins, CO, and they made their home in North Platte.

DeLoyce was a member of the First Baptist Church and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion. He liked all kinds of cars and loved RVing and traveling around the United States. He also enjoyed gardening and woodworking. DeLoyce especially loved his family, which included his cat and dog.

He leaves behind his wife, Kay, and children, Randy (Sharon) Fry and Deanna (Russ) Hoatson, all of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Nathan and Matthew Fry, Westley and Kaitlyn Hoatson, Benji (Tonya) Hoatson, Julie (Kris) Howe and Michelle (Justin) Krumwiede; brother, James (Gloria) Robinson, of Maxwell; two nieces, three nephews and other family.

DeLoyce was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Bessie.

Funeral Service will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Clint Walker officiating. Burial with military honors will be at 2 p.m. in the Gothenburg Cemetery. The casket will be closed. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First Baptist Church.

James D. (Jim) Whitaker passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones on June 7, 2017 in the hometown he loved so much, North Platte, NE.

Jim was born on October 20, 1936 in Lexington, NE to James E. and Kathleen (Kennedy) Whitaker. The family moved to North Platte, NE in 1941 where Jim attended North Platte Public Schools and graduated in 1955. He attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln and earned a B.S. Degree in Business in 1955. He moved to Denver, CO, where he earned a J.D. Degree from the University Of Denver College Of Law in 1959.  On June 14, 1959, Jim and Nancy (Morris) Whitaker were united in marriage in North Platte.  They lived in Denver for four years before returning to North Platte in 1963. While in Denver, Jim worked for the law firm, Jones, Meiklejohn, Kilroy and Kehl, and Nancy worked for the Denver Department of Welfare. After returning to North Platte, Jim worked for and was part owner of Whitaker Furniture. Jim sold the furniture store to Dan Erickson in 1987, and it is now known as Erickson Furniture.  He was involved in many community activities and projects after his return to North Platte.  He served on the Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee from 1964 to 1967, after which he had the honor of serving as the first General Chairman of NEBRASKAland DAYS when North Platte took over the celebration from Lincoln in 1967. After two years as General Chairman he served for seven more years on the Board. During the first year, he organized 32 separate committees and spent hundreds of hours to give the celebration a good start. All of the work had to be done in four-and-a-half months, but Jim and eight hard-working Board members somehow got the work done. Jim was extremely proud of his association with NEBRASKAland DAYS. He was the last surviving member of the original eight, and their legacy will live on forever in North Platte.  He served as President of the North Platte Noon Rotary Club in 1973, Vice-Chairman of the Urban Renewal Authority, Chairman of the Civil Service Commission, first chairman of the North Platte Trail Committee, Chairman of the Airport Authority, and Elder in the Presbyterian Church, President of the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation and was a member of the North Platte Ambassadors.  He also served on the following boards: North Platte Chamber of Commerce; the Development Corporation; the Great Plains Regional Medical Center Board; the Salvation Army; the Downtown Merchants Board; Creativity Unlimited Arts Council; and Region II Advisory Board.  Statewide positions held by Jim are: two years as President of the Nebraska Retail Merchants Association; Nebraska State Historical Society Board; Executive Committee of the League of Nebraska Municipalities; and Board member of the University of Nebraska Alumni Association.  Jim was elected to serve for two terms as North Platte Mayor from 1996 to 2004. During his tenure as Mayor, North Platte was twice awarded Community of the Year honors by two state organizations. North Platte was also recognized during this period for its growth and positive attitudes by the Omaha World Herald. Jim loved North Platte and always sought to improve life for its residents and visitors. During his terms as Mayor, he helped bring more jobs and opportunities to North Platte through the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Menards, and the Flying J. He also helped increase tourism through the Golden Spike and started all of the trails in North Platte through the North Platte Trails Committee. He also helped facilitate bringing the statue of Buffalo Bill to Cody Park and remained lifelong friends with the artist.  Over the years, Jim received many awards and honors. Some are as follows: Jaycee Young Man of the Year in 1972; Nebraska Retailer of the Year in 1980; University of Nebraska Distinguished Service Award in 1988; NEBRASKAland DAYS Dale Studley Service Award; the President’s Award for Distinguished Service by the Police Officers Association of Nebraska; the Cody Scout Award; the North Platte High School Distinguished Alumni Award; the Chamber of Commerce Hall of Fame Award and the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation’s Above and Beyond Award. He was also named a Paul Harris Fellow of Rotary International in 1997.  Jim participated in sports most of his life. He began running road races at the age of 43 and ran in over 200 races, 10 of which were 26.2 mile marathons. He helped organize the North Platte running club known as ACES, and he was the race director for several North Platte races.  Jim had a passion for Nebraska football and began following the Huskers from around age 12. He listened to all of the games on the radio, then attended all of the home games while a student at UNL. He missed one televised game because of a Saturday wedding, but he kept a small radio in his pocket.

Survivors include: his wife and best friend, Nancy; his daughter, Kim (Mike) Weesner of North Platte; his son, David (Eduardo) Whitaker, of New York City; his three grandchildren, Sarah (Sam) Holley of Fremont, Eric Nichols of North Platte, and Kyle (Sarah) Nichols of North Platte; five great-grandchildren, Sadie, Sophie, and Jayden Nichols of Fremont, and Treyton and Benjamin Nichols of North Platte; daughter-in-law Danielle Remus; brother, William (Bill) Whitaker of McCook, NE; three nephews, Mark and Jeff of McCook and Kevin (Cindy) of Gilbert, AZ; cousin, Gary (Joan) Kennedy of Seattle, WA, and great-nephew, Sean Whitaker of San Francisco, CA; as well as other extend family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Clifford Milburn and Kathryn Blanchert Whitaker and William and Katharine Hofferber Kennedy; his parents, James E. and Kathleen Whitaker; aunt, Ellen Christensen; his parents-in-law, Loren and Maxine Morris; great-niece, Lindsey Whitaker; as well as  many close lifelong friends he considered family; and his beloved childhood Cocker Spaniel, Tinker.

A memorial has been established to the Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation or the First United Methodist Church.  Memorials can be sent to the Foundation at 121 North Dewey #112, North Platte, NE 69103, or to the First United Methodist Church at 1600 West E Street, North Platte, NE 69101.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.    Private family burial will be held at North Platte Cemetery.  Memorial services will be held 2:00  p.m. Monday, June 12, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church with The Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating.   There will be a reception at the church following the service.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with the family receiving friends from 4:00 p.m.  until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Nicholas “Nick” Whisler, 36, of Hershey, passed away June 6, 2017.

He was born December 15, 1980 to Charles and Susan (Faust) Whisler at North Platte.  He graduated from Hershey High School in 1999, where he played football and wrestled.  He was an apprentice electrician and loved playing the guitar and fishing with his children.

He is survived by his parents of Hershey; a brother, Matthew (Lynette) Whisler of Ft. Collins, CO; a daughter, Rylie; a son, Kalib; his grandmother, Arlene Whisler of Nebraska City; two nephews; his godson, Rowan and Brett; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorials are suggested to the Touchstone Rehabilitation Center in Lincoln.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Inurnment will be at a later date.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.