Bernard L. Block passed away at his home in El Mirage, Arizona on March 30, 2019 surrounded by his dear friend, Bonnie, and his sons.

Bernie was born on October 21, 1936 and was raised in Gothenburg, Nebraska, the son of Fred and Ella Block. In the late 1980’s, he moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where he met Bonnie. In his retirement years, he enjoyed parking cars for the University, going to the women’s volleyball and basketball games, golfing and having coffee with friends most mornings after his exercise routine. He also organized several summer family gatherings in Estes Park, Colorado that helped bring his family closer together. In the early 2010’s, Bernie and Bonnie decided to become snowbirds and spent several winters in El Mirage, Ariozona. There they gained an entirely new friend base in a community that involved playing shuffleboard, shows and music. He spent quality time at the dog park with his loyal companion Bennie and friends.

Survivors include his dear friend of 30 years, Bonnie Schwaninger; sons, Kevin (Linda) Block, Bernie Block, and Brad (Kerri) Block; daughter, Barb (Scott) Knuth; 11 grandchildren; sisters Sharon (Don) Abbott and Karen (Eddie) Wuehler; and many close friends.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Alan Block in 2017.

A memorial service will be held at the Gothenburg Cemetery in Gothenburg, Nebraska on Friday, May 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be shared at www.blasestrauser.com.

Mae Swindle, 68, of Gothenburg, Nebraska died on April 27, 2019 at Orlando, Florida. She was born on March 24, 1951 in Malad City, Idaho, the daughter of Gloma Hartford Swindle and Margaret (Isaacson) Swindle.

Mae grew up in Malad City, Idaho and graduated from Malad City High School. She lived in multiple states all across the country while employed as an over-the-road truck driver. She married Rodney Parrish on August 30, 1978 in Las Vegas, Nevada. She enjoyed playing with her grandchildren, crocheting, gardening, and doing home improvements.

Survivors include three daughters – Lori (David) Zimmerman, Cara Warvie, and MaeLynn Westbrook; three sons – James (Shaun) Stevens, Rodney Parrish Jr, and Wayne (Jacque) Parrish; 25 grandkids; 3 great grandkids; sister Jetta Joan Brown; along with many extended family and friends.

Mae was preceded in death by her parents, Gloma & Margaret Swindle; her husband, Rodney Parrish; daughter, Shawna Riggs; and three brotheres.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street in Gothenburg, Nebraska on Monday, May 6, 2019 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chaple on May 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Memorials may be given to the family in care of Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel.

Detta Darlene Shirley, 88, of Maywood, Nebraska died on April 28, 2019 at her home in Maywood.

She was born on November 13, 1930 in Eustis, Nebraska, the daughter of Henry John and Anna Marie (Yorges) Puls.

Detta grew up at Eustis, Nebraska and was a lifelong Nebraska resident. She married Robert Shirley on September 6, 1980 at Elwood, Nebraska. She workd at B & D where she was awarded for her ideas in reducing waste. She later worked in the auction business. Detta enjoyed dancing, gardening, sewing and westerns, but she especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Surviving are her husband, Rober Shirley of Maywood; son, Terry Lee Schweitzer of Glenns Ferry, Idaho; daughter, Sandra G. Englehart of Spokane, Washington; step-son, Robb Shirley of Berwyn, Nebraska; step-daughter, Dena Shirley of Austin, Texas; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; special friends Gordon & Alice Brown of Maywood.

Detta was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Anna; three children, Richard, Douglas and Barbra; grandson, Adam; five brothers and three sisters.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel at 317 Center Avenue in Curtis, Nebraska on Thursday, May 2, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with the family present from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Memorial services will be held at a later date. Memorials may be given to the family.

Mrs. Evelyn Viola Reece, 90, of North Platte, died unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday, April 30, 2019.

Evelyn was born at home with the help of a midwife on March 26, 1929 in Walnut, Nebraska. She was the 7th child born to Fritz and mary (Linquist) Block. The family moved to the North Platte, Nebraska area in 1935 where they settled on the North Platte River to farm.

Evelyn went on to graduate from Hershey High School in Hershey, Nebraska in 1947, then married a little while later. She was united in marriage to William Don Reece in Oberlin, Kansas on June 22, 1947 and the couple made their home in North Platte where they raised four children – Diana, Cathy, Rex and Kris.

In 1959, Evelyn went to work for Merle Norman Cosmetics, then purchased the business in 1973. She owned and managed the Merle Norman Studio in North Platte for 45 years until retiring in 2004. She loved what she did and enjoyed helping countless girls and women look their best. Evelyn also loved all her longtime customers as well as her newcomers and was proud to be a part of the Miss Nebraska and Miss Nebraska Rodeo Pageants, doing makeup for the contestants for several years.

Evelyn had a strong faith in God and had been an active member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church since 1939. She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post #163 and B.P.W. (Business & Professional Women’s group).

Evelyn was a great wife, mother and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and will be greatly missed.

She leaves behind her children, Diana Davis of North Platte, CAthy (Richard) Mikoloyck of Oshkosh, Nebraska, Rex (Marsha) Reece of North Platte, and Kris (Art) Hasenauer of Wellfleet, Nebraska; nine grandchildren, Chad (Lea) Reece, Josh Reece, Carrie (Brent) Begley, Lana (Brian) Stewart, Amy (Michael) Wilson, Michael Fought, Don (Kellie) Pell, Nicholas (Jessica) Mikoloyck and Jobi Hasenauer; many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Liela Block of Alaska; as well as many other family members.

Evelyn was preceded death by her husband, Don; parents, Fritz and Mary Block; all her siblings, Fritz Jr, Raymond and George Block, Irene Inman, Louise Stone, Matha Black and Mildred Young; great-grandson, Max Begley; and a great-great grandson.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church at 1400 East E Street in North Platte with Pastor Bob Deardoff officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson Natoinal Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials in remembrance of Evelyn can be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran School.

Dorothy Louise Davis, 99, of North Platte, passed away Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Peters, Missouri.

Born on March 26, 1920 to William A. and Maude (Miller) Campbell in North Platte, Nebraska, Dotty was the fifth of eight children. She met and fell in love with Jack L. Davis while living in Cheyenne, Wyoming where he was stationed with the United States Army. They married on March 7, 1938 in Kearney, Nebraska and were blessed with four daughters; Sandy, Sherry, Karen and Kathy.

Dotty was primarily a homemaker throughout her married life. During World War II, when the men were called to war, Dotty was one of the first ten women in North Platte to be hired by the Union Pacific to fill the men’s positions. She and the other women of the railroad were honored during North Platte’s 2011 Rail Fest and in the book “Powered Up” by Ann Milton. She was also one of the many women in North Platte who provided refreshments and hospitality at The Canteen to the soldiers traveling through. In order to provide a better life, Jack and Dotty moved their family to California in 1957 where they enjoyed the sunshine and loved maintaining their beautiful yard and growing flowers year-round. Although they lived several places over the course of their 63 years of marriage, North Platte was always Dotty’s true home, so upon retirement in 1978 they returned to North Platte to live out their golden years. They joined the 21 Dance Club and Dotty continued dancing weekly at the Senior Center until the age of 97. Dotty had a great sense of humor, she enjoyed reminiscing, story-telling, dancing, music, dressing up, flower gardening, paying cards and games, visiting with friends, her cats, and she loved her family more than life itself.

She is survived by many who loved her, including her daughters, Sheryl (Dennis) Desy of St. Louis, Missouri, Karen Stearns and Kathy Davis of North Platte; son-in-law, Buck Ripple of North Platte; 6 grandchildren, Michael (Carol) Ripple and Mark Ripple of North Platte, Pamela (Eric) Krause, Julie Oliver and Jennifer Desy of St. Louis, and Gregg (Lisel) Stearns of Lincoln, Nebraska; 10 great-grandchilren; 5 great-great-grandchildren; brother, Alvin Campbell of Springfield, Missouri; sister, Lela Aboe of Grants Pass, Oregon and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dotty was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jack; daughter, Sandra Ripple; step-granddaughter, Theresa Vierya; son-in-law, Dave Stearns; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Viola (George) Halsey, Evelyn (Ernest) Johnson, Helen (Earl) West, Kathryn (Howard) Everley, Betty 9Bill) Strauss; brother-in-law, Dean Aboe; and sister-in-law, Evelyn Campbell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, PAWS-itive Partners in North Platte, or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Dotty is at peace now, God having taken her gently by the hand to end her terrible struggle with dementia and reunite her with loved ones that reached Heaven before her. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. The family wishes to thank her special care givers from Home Instead and her loving care givers at the Villages of Saint Peters Memory Care.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019 at Adams & Swanson Chapel with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Those wishing to do so, may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, 421 West 4th Street in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald George Tophane was born on October 18, 1944 at St. Catherine’s Hospital in McCook, Nebraska and passed away at the age of 74 surrounded by his family, friends, and loved ones on Wednesday, April 24, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Nebraska.

Being a McCook native, Ron graduated from McCook High School in 1962, and then was inducted into the United States Army later that same year. He was stationed in Germany and served until 1965.

After his discharge, Ron returned to McCook where he worked for Safeway Grocery, then later drove for Hinky Dinky out of Omaha delivering to Omaha and parts of Iowa and South Dakota.

After moving back to the McCook area, Ron worked for the Cornbelt Chemical Comany. He then moved his family to North Platte in 1985 where he managed North Platte Bonded Wharehouse. After retiring from North Platte Bonded Wharehouse, Ron and his wife purchased a Mountain Man Fruit & Nut route and he became known as the “Mountain Man” to many people in Western Nebraska and Eastern Colorado. He finally retired in 2014.

On October 28, 1967, Ron was united in marriage to Marilyn Gail Bryan. Together they started a family of their own, raising two children and celebrated over 51 years of marriage.

Ron was a member of Valley Christian Church and enjoyed volunteering with the North Platte R.S.V.P. at the Golden Spike Tower & Visitor’s Center.

Ron is survived by his wife, Marilyn, of North Platte; son, Michael Tophane of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, Charles Tophane, Brycen Tophane and Justeena (Jesse) Dobbins; great-granddaughter, Chole; two nieces, Reesa (Jerry) Davis and Krista Beverly and their families; as well as other family and friends.

Cremation was chosen. Ron’s final resting place will be in McCook at the Riverview Cemetery. Graveside services with military honors will be at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019 at the Riverview Cemetery in McCook, Nebraska with Dale Heimer officiating. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The memorial book may be signed at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.

L. Louise Cullinan, age 78 of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on Sunday, April 21, 2019 at Great Plains Health.

Louise was born on January 11, 1941 in Ogallala, Nebraska to Benny and Lois (Bolin) Hoover. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1958. She moved to Ogallala where she met Robert ‘Bob’ Cullinan and they were married on October 14, 1961. The couple lived in Ogallala, at the family ranch near Arthur, Nebraska and south of Paxton, Nebraska until 1965 when they moved to Sarben, Nebraska where they remained until 2018 when they moved to North Platte.

Louise loved music, gardening, genealogy, Hobby Club and Cards, ranking lifelong friends in those clubs. She was an excellent housekeeper and organizer of her home. She loved baking homemade rolls and passing down family values and non-material things. She enjoyed her time with her family, family reunions and had an incredible memory for family names and dates. Although physical ailments kept her from attending church, Louise’s faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, held strong.

Louise is survived by her husband Bob of North Platte; children Mark (Gena) Cullinan of North Platte, Beth (Gordon) Morey of Fairbanks, Alaska, and Erin (Brian) Taylor of Snow Hill, Maryland; grandchildren Shane (Alyssa) Cullinan, Craig Cullinan, Kathleen (Colter) Craig, Ian Morey, Madison Morey and Emmett Taylor; sibly Terry (Tami) Hoover of North Platte; sisters-in-law Donna Hoover of North Platte and Honey Damman of McQueeney, Texas; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; son Robb; and brothers don, Tom and Dan Hoover.

Memorials are suggested to Paxton Fire and Rescue. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Memorial services will be at 10:30 a.m. Mountain Time on Monday, April 29, 2019 at the Paxton Methodist Church with Reverend Mark Baldwin and Ron Jay officiating. Those wishing to to do so, may greet the family and sign the register book from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 28, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home at 421 West 4th Street in North Platte, which is in charge of the arrangements.

John Albert ‘Jack’ Griffin, of North Platte, passed away at home at the age of 89 on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Jack was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 16, 1929, to Albert Lee and Lenora (Ecker) Griffin. The family lived south of Paxton, Nebraska so Jack attended country school for eight years then went into town for high school. He graduated from Paxton High School in ’46 then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked as a night helper in Sutherland and Chappell, NE.

In July of 1947 Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military policeman until his honorable discharge in 1949. He went on to refrigeration trade school in Omaha then returned to Paxton where he share cropped south of town for nearly 10 years.

Jack was united in marriage to the love of his life, Maxine Mary Wilson, on August 23, 1952, in Paxton. They had five children and celebrated nearly 67 years of marriage.

The family moved to a farm in Wellington, Colorado in 1962, where Jack continued farming and did a variety of jobs. In 1970 he got a job as a research tech and worked in the Animal Science Department at Colorado State University and also volunteered as a 4-H Leader. After retiring in 1992 Jack and Maxine bought a motor home to do some traveling, going as far as Alaska, and wintered in Arizona for over 20 years. They returned to Nebraska in 2016 to live in North Platte.

Jack had been a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He seemed gruff on the outside but really did care, especially for Maxine, and was there for her when she fell or was in need.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine, of North Platte; children, Cindy (Dennis) Burton, of North Platte, John Griffin, of Arkansas, Dave (Jodi) Griffin and James Griffin, of Fort Collins, Colorado and Michael Griffin, of Wellington, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, Angela (Alex) Barton, Eric (Ursula) Burton, Matthew Griffin, Travis (Erin) Griffin, Nathan (Amy) Griffin, Jeremy Griffin and Kyle Griffin; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; sister, RoseAnn Tridle, of Rapid City, South Dakota; and other family.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Lenora; and a sister, Mary Lammers.

In keeping with Jack’s wishes, cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte with Father Matthew Nash officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund.

Shirley May Gayman, 80 years old, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away at Linden Court after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Friday, April 12, 2019.

Shirley was born on January 1, 1939, to Clarence Joseph and Elta May (Brainard) Rose in Dryden, Michigan. She grew up in Michigan where she graduated from Lapeer High School. Shirley then moved to Denver, Colorado to attended Western Bible Institute and it was there she met her future husband, Larry Morehead. She graduated and the couple had two children, Dan and Rosemary.

Shirley was later united in marriage to Frederick Burl Gayman on December 23, 1972, at Imperial, Nebraska where they resided. They moved to North Platte in 1991 where they were members of the Berean Church. Shirley and Fred were married for 37 years when he died in 2009.

Shirley had a strong faith in God. Her relationship with Jesus and her family was most important in her life. She had a sweet spirit, was giving, and loved helping others. Shirley was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Along with her husband, Fred, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Elta Rose; and brothers, Richard and Lawrence Rose.

Shirley leaves behind her children, Rosemary (Don) Johnson, of North Platte and Dan Morehead, of Fountain Hills, Arizona; grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Justina (Brandon) Dean and Jason (Emily) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Alexis and Indiana Dean and Jens Johnson; sisters, Mary (Robert) Harmon, of Imperial and Carol Atwood, of Michigan; sister-in-law, Julie Rose, of Michigan; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the North Platte Berean Church at 202 West 8th Street with George Cheek officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the North Platte Alzheimer’s Support Group.

George Samuel Cox, 92, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died on April 12, 2019 at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg. He was born on December 15, 1926 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to Jerome and Hallie (Transue) Cox. His mother died while in childbirth and he was raised by his grandparents, George and Minnie Transue, in Summerfield, Kansas.

At the age of 12, George went to live with his father and stepmother, Dorothy, in Burchard, Nebraska. Following his graduation from Burchard High School, he served in the U.S. Navy, during W.W.II. On April 4, 1948 he married Anna Leone Baker in Fairmont, Nebraska. They made their home in North Platte, Nebraska where he worked many jobs, including Fairmont Foods, Goodyear Tire Compnay, and W.J. O’Connor’s Store. They moved to Gothenburg in 1971 to manage the O’Connor Variety Store. When it closed, he worked at Peterson’s Supermarket and the Ben Franklin store. He then worked for Huebner’s Nursery in North Platte for many years.

George was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother; sons, Marc and James; brother, Thomas Cox; and sister, Mary Utermohlen.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Leone, of Gothenburg; daughters, Madeleine (Mike) Kovanda of Monett, Missouri and Jocile (Gary) Peterson of Akron, Colorado; his son, John (Lori) of Sargent, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, and his brother, Jerry Cox.

Register Book signing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the family present from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, Nebraska. Graveside services will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. David Boyd officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cememtery.

Memorials may be given to the City of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Tree Board, 409 Ninth Street, Gothenburg, Nebraska 69138.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com