Leonard F. Buhrman, 89, of Grand Island passed away June 22, 2017, at Wedgewood Care Center in Grand Island.

Leonard was born on April 9, 1928, in Grand Island, the youngest son of Louis and Augusta (Schwenck) Buhrman.

Leonard was raised in Greeley, where he graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic High School. Although he earned a Regent Scholarship, Leonard enlisted instead in the U.S. Army on Jan. 8, 1951. He served in Korea, having earned a Bronze Star. He was honorably discharged from the Army on Aug. 9, 1962, but continued for 20 years in the Army Reserves.

On Sept. 21, 1950, he was united in marriage to Mary Leonard at St. Mary’s Cathedral. The couple made their home in Grand Island, where Leonard was employed as a conductor engineer for Union Pacific Railroad and in his free time, was also a master plumber. Leonard and Mary were blessed with daughters, Kathy, Connie, Jean Ann, Jeannette and Patty, and sons, Richard and Bill. In 1973, Leonard was transferred to North Platte, where he continued as a conductor for UPRR and owned and operated Buhrman Plumbing in North Platte and Grand Island.

After 51 years of service for Union Pacific Railroad, he was finally convinced to retire. Not one to be idle, he filled his days with keeping up with all of his grandchildren and extended family as well as his longtime friends and his faith. Leonard was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Moose Lodge and Elks Lodge, and American Legion. He had a wonderful memory and enjoyed playing cards. He was an expert at crossword puzzles and was an avid reader of western novels. Leonard was very personable and always made the effort to stay in touch with his friends and family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; two daughters, Jean Ann Buhrman and Jeannette Murrain; and brother, Bob Buhrman.

Leonard is survived by his children, Kathy Buhrman of Aurora, Colorado, Connie (Bill) Niles of Hastings, Patty (Don) McBride of Grand Island, Richard (Vickie) Buhrman of Gretna and Bill (Lisa) Buhrman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; 14 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and lifelong friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Grand Island Central Catholic High School. Online condolences may be shared at giallfaiths.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 27, at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church with Father Donald Buhrman and Father Marty Egging officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors by North Platte Honor Guard and U.S. Army Honor Guard. A Celebration of Life gathering will be from 5-7 p.m. on Monday, June 26, at All Faiths Funeral Home, Grand Island. Christian wake will follow at 7 p.m. All Faiths Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Jean Carlson, age 87 of North Platte, passed away Friday June 23, 2017 at North Platte Care Center.

Shirley was born on November 14, 1929 in North Platte, to Charles and Lydia (Castor) Beavers.  She grew up in Brady and graduated from Brady High School before marrying Harold Carlson in 1949.  The couple resided in North Platte and to their union 3 children were born.  She worked as a nurse’s aide at St. Mary’s Hospital.  Shirley enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and will be greatly missed.

Shirley is survived by her daughter Jeanne Anderson of Gothenburg; son Harold of Kimball, NE; 4 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; and sister LaVonne Foss Hammond of IN.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Michael Carlson; grandson Timothy Anderson; sisters Lila Sadi and Stella Cain; and brothers Harold, Gerald and Eugene Beavers.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday June 27, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Inurnment will follow at North Platte Cemetery.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday June 26, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Betty A. Gardner, age 82, formerly of North Platte passed away June 9, 2017 at Highlands Ranch, Colorado.

She was born on April 9, 1935 in North Platte to Dr. E. Bernard and Josephine (Brown) Drost.  Betty graduated from St. Patrick’s Catholic Schools in 1953.  She attended college in Colorado at Loretta Heights in Denver before marring C. James Gardner on January 2, 1954 in Julesburg, CO.  The couple resided in North Platte where Betty was a stay at home mom.  Later in life, she was office manager for her father, Dr. E.B. Drost.  They later moved to Chandler, AZ where she was office manager for an appliance company, and moved back to North Platte where they were members of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  Betty was active in the ladies group Catholic Daughters, and home visitation.  She was in the St. Pat’s choir for 26 years, was an avid bridge player, and her favorite job was the raising of her family.  She will be missed very much.

Survivors include her children, Linda (Bruce) Malsbury, Mike (Beverly) Gardner all of North Platte, David (Susan) Gardner of Federal Way, WA, Bill (Lucy) Gardner of Almsville, OR, and Thomas (Kristi) Gardner of Highlands Ranch, CO; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother, Larry (Linda) Drost of Boise, ID; and a special friend, Lynette Beckmann of North Platte.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jim; a son, Richard; brothers, Dr. Jerry and Bernie Drost; and a great-granddaughter, MaKenna Walters.

Memorials may be made to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Trust and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 30, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend James Novakowski as celebrant.  Inurnment will follow at the North Platte Cemetery.  Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.