Betty J. Thalken, age 91, of North Platte passed away peacefully on Wednesday March 13, 2019 at Great Plains Health surrounded by her loving daughters.

Betty (Hoefer) Thalken was born April 7, 1927 on a farm outside of Sutherland, NE to Henry and Margaret (Jochum) Hoefer.  She attended Star School south of Hershey until it closed in 1942 and then the family moved to North Platte where she attended St. Patrick’s Catholic High School, graduating with the class of 1944.  She married John “Jack” Thalken on April 7, 1947 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and the two shared a blessed life together for nearly 70 years.  Betty was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and enjoyed volunteering at Great Plains Medical Center, AARP, RSVP, and the Bargain Bin. She was a member of the Altar Society and Catholic Daughters and was the funeral salad lady for many, many years.  Everyone was always welcome in their loving home and Betty’s greatest joy was her large family and her faith.

Betty is survived by her son, David (Bette) Thalken of Granbury, TX; daughters, Cindy (Bill) Mills of North Platte, Deb Thalken of Peoria, AZ; Pat (Phil) Bahl of Omaha, Mary (Blake) Gigax of Hayes Center, and Diana (Terry) McCarty of North Platte; 21 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her special friends at Linden Estates.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Margaret Hoefer; husband John “Jack” Thalken; son Stephen J. Thalken; brothers Roman and Quentin; sisters Frieda Tepley, Irma Pueppka, Ione Dwyer, Callista Binegar, Jean Mueller, and June Kerkman; and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment Trust and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday March 29, 2019 prior to Mass of Christian Burial which will be 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant.

Inurnment will take place 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 1, 2019 at Ft.  McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.

Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Thursday March 28, 2019 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.