We have a brand new updated website! Click here to check it out!

Author: Chris Nelson

Jimmie Lee Applegarth

Posted on


Jimmie Lee Applegarth passed away at home in Hyannis, Nebraska on April 7th, 2019. Jim was born on December 8, 1937, in Hyannis to Grace Louise (Taylor) and William Theodore Applegarth.

After graduation from Hyannis High School in 1956, Jim joined the Navy. October 29, 1960, he married Sharon Sue Hunzicker at the Episcopal Church in Alliance, Nebraska. They made their first home in Lake Hurst, New Jersey as Jim was stationed at McGuire Airforce Base in New Jersey. After his Honorable Discharge in the fall of 1962 they moved back to the Taylor Family Ranch North East of Whitman, Nebraska, which he operated in partnership with his brother Bob. Then in the fall of 1972 Jim and Sherry bought the Sandhills Tack Shop which they owned and operated until 1978. Jim worked for the Monahan Cattle Company on and off for 25 years as well as various other Ranches. After retiring from ranching at age 62 he worked as Brand Inspector for several years. During his life he was a member of the Hyannis Volunteer Fire Department, the Veterans Service Commission, a member of the American Legion, 4-H Leader for several years, and served on Vestry for Calvary Episcopal Church until his passing.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob and sister-in-law Winnie Applegarth.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife Sherry of 58 years, daughter Jeannie (Lawrence) Schufeldt, son Greg (Wendy) Applegarth, 3 granddaughters, Danae Schufeldt, Krista (Nathan) Gamble, and Erica Schufeldt and great-grandson Grayson Gamble. Jim will be greatly missed by all his Family and Friends.

Memorial services will be Monday, April 15, 2019, at 10:30 AM MST at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Hyannis, Nebraska with Father Coke McClure and Deacon Cheryl Harris officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will be in the Hyannis Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Hyannis Fire Department or Calvary Episcopal Church. Mullen Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Duane P. Befort

Posted on

Duane P. Befort, 89, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on April 8, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. Duane was born on February 22, 1930 to Albert and Florine (Drieling) Befort in Weskan, Kansas. Duane was raised in Sharon Springs, Kansas where he graduated from Wallace County High School in May of 1947.

Duane joined the Army in December of 1950, serving in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 with the 7th Division 48th Field Artillery Battalion, retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1988.

Duane had four children from a previous marriage and was a wonderful father to them. In July of 1967, he married the love of his live, Beverly (Johnston) McCormick, who brought three children from her previous marriage. This is when they started a lifelong journey with seven kids and two loving parents.

After retirement, Duane and his living wife, Beverly, loved traveling in their motor-home. He also enjoyed working around the house and taking care of his yard.

Duane and Beverly are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and both feel strongly about their faith.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; sons, Rex of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mark (Tammy) of Sharon Springs, Kansas, Michael McCormick of Kearney, Nebraska, and Rnady McCormick of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; daughters, Joni (Charles)Turk and Michelle (Lester Seibert) Collins all of Sharon Springs, Kansas; granddaughter, Molly (Brandon) Freeze, who have been so helpful in caring for her grandpa and grandma; brother, Edwin (Ardell) Befort; sister, Judy (Robert) Bedford all of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Delores Befort, Maxine Brittenham, Pat (Ed) Weichel, and June Wolf; brother-in-law, Ed Johnston; 22 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ron, Don, Jackie and Oliver; sister, Veleria Cooper; son, David McCormick; grandsons, Chad, Charles “Chucky”, and David “Dusty” Turk.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are established in Duane’s name to the Callahan Cancer Center and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Cremation was chosen. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant. Innurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors by the North Platte Veterans organizations. Carpenter Memorial Chapelat 1616 West B Street is in care of arrangements.

Brenda Kay Holt

Posted on
Brenda Kay Holt, 74, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died April 3, 2019 in Gothenburg.  She was born August 24, 1944 in Alex, Oklahoma, daughter of Ueal and Ila Faye (Holder) Gay.
Brenda grew up in Alex, Oklahoma where she attended and graduated from Alex High School.  After graduation, she attended beauty school in Chickasha, Oklahoma.  She married Floyd Holt on June 3, 1961 at Alex Baptist Church in Oklahoma and they had two children – Rusty and Shellie.  They moved to Gothenburg, Nebraska in 1974 and Brenda worked as a hairdresser.  She later owned and operated Gothenburg Floral Express for many years.  She was a member of the Nebraska Appaloosa Horse Club and received the Hall of Fame Award in 2019.  Brenda was a busy wife and grandmother supporting her family in all their adventures.  She was very creative in her flowers, crafting and sewing.  She also enjoyed being outside fishing and gardening.  She spent many hours canning her garden produce.
Surviving are husband, Floyd Holt of Gothenburg; son, Rusty (Kay) Holt of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughter, Shellie Rossell of Gothenburg;  mother, Ila Faye Gay, sister, Linda Ray of Childress, Texas, brother, Randall Gay of Alex, Oklahoma, brother, Marlon (Janice) Gay of Duncan, Oklahoma, brother-in-law, Dan (Leta) Holt of Chickasha, Oklahoma, brother-in-law, Mac (LaFonda) Holt of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, five grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; along with many extended family and friends.
Brenda was preceded in death by father, Ueal Gay, mother-in-law, Rosa Holt, father-in-law, Reford Holt, brother-in-law, Roy Holt, sister-in-law Mimi Holt.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, Nebraska on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 from 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm.
Funeral services will be held at American Lutheran Church, 1512 Ave G, Gothenburg on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 at 11:00 am with Pastor Jon Mapa officiating.  Interment will take place in the Laflin Creek Cemetery in Alex, Oklahoma.
Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association or the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department.   To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Ieleen Marjorie Larsen

Posted on

Ieleen Marjorie Larsen, 95, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died at the Monarch Hospice House in Lincoln on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.  Ieleen was born January 17, 1924, in Marquette, Nebraska to Alfred and
Agnes Serine (Andersen) Nissen.  She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Marquette High School in 1941.  She attended Grand Island Business College and worked for Radio Intelligence of the Federal Communication Division in Grand Island, Nebraska.
Ieleen married Gilbert Danhauer Larsen on April 3, 1944, in Kronberg, Nebraska and they made their home near Marquette where they farmed.  Together they raised two children, Twila and Dan. They moved to North Platte, Nebraska in 1961 where Ieleen worked for Schweser’s Clothing and later the Internal Revenue Service for 10 years.

She was very committed to a strong relationship with God and supported many activities within the First United Methodist Church of North Platte where she was an active member of the United Methodist Women.  She was also an active member of the North Platte Shrine Auxiliary and supported the Salvation Army.

Ieleen was an excellent cook, sharing recipes from her Danish heritage for all to enjoy. She was a gracious hostess at holiday celebrations, with family traveling from throughout the U.S. to enjoy her warm welcome and family traditions.  Ieleen appreciated the beauty of flowers and planted lovely flower gardens around her home. Gifts of bouquets always delighted her and she would lovingly tend to them, extending the life of each blossom to enjoy their beauty as long as possible. She taught herself to play the piano and xylophone at a young age and entertained  her family and church congregation with her talent.

Ieleen’s spirit of nurturing was evident in the love and care she gave to her family. Her marriage to Gib lasted 66 years and they were known as an inspiration to all who saw their enduring bonds of devotion. Her children and grandchildren knew they could always depend on her wise guidance and comfort in times of need.

Ieleen leaves behind to cherish her memories her son and daughter-in-law, Dan and Ann Larsen, of Dayton, Ohio and son-in-law, Roger Voss, of Lincoln; nine grandchildren, Trevor Larsen, Tiffany O’Day, Tara Laymon, Tami Schmitt, Adrian Voss, Kristin Williams, Megan Scott, Devin Larsen and Dana Wright; 15 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and special friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Gilbert, and their daughter, Twila Voss; great-grandson, Douglas Hoegemeyer; her parents, Alfred and Agnes Nissen; and brothers, Dean Nissen and Irvin Nissen.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2019, at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd in Lincoln, Nebraska.  Graveside service and burial of her cremains will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte First United Methodist Church or the Shrine Club Transportation Fund.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the services.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.

V. Joan West

Posted on

Verona “Joan” West, 89, of Curtis, Nebraska went to be with her Heavenly Father on April 2, 2019 at Kearney, Nebraska.

Joan was born one of twin daughters on November 21, 1929 to John and Dorothy Durner of Wellfleet, Nebraska.  She attended Bell Prairie Grade School and graduated from the Nebraska School of Agriculture.  Following a semester of college, she married Truman “Jake” West of Hayes Center, Nebraska in December 1946.  Two daughters, Linda (Evans) and Marilyn (Cole) were born and raised on the family farm.  She farmed side-by-side with her husband for 19 years before moving to Curtis.  She was an Administrative Assistant to Ernest Nelson of the Farm Bureau, Dr. Everett Stencil of the Medicine Valley Veterinary Hospital, and Wayne Heather at the NRD before retiring.  She was a member of the Methodist church in Curtis, NE.

Joan had a special place in her heart for all farm animals, especially the horses.  She loved riding her favorite horse, Twister, with the Frontier Wranglerettes.  You might say her farm life continued in Curtis with a very large strawberry patch and vegetable garden.  She was proud to display her custom-designed yard art, especially at Christmas.  Joan enjoyed the days of camping and fishing, especially with a pontoon boat.  She loved music, played in a band at an early age, and loved to dance with Jake.  The scalding hot coffee was always on at her home or on the boat, and you never left her house without eating something.  Her Pride and Joy were her grandchildren, watching and cheering them on at rodeos, games or wherever their life lead them.

She was preceded in death by her husband, daughter Marily, brother Merle Durner, in-laws Truman and Nellie West, and sisters-in-laws June Bahl and Delores Myers.

She is survived by her twin sister, Romona “Jean” Elson and sister-in-law Evelyn Durner.  Joan’s Legacy lives on with her daughter, Linda; grandchildren, Codi (Greg) Mortell of Susanville, California, Stacy Cole (Mike) of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kelli (Donnell) Brown of Throckmorton, Texas, Kory (Jodi) Evans of Lincoln, Nebraska and Jodi (Ryan) Propst of North Platte, Nebraska; great grandchildren, Nathan Mortell, LaMare and Satore King, Tucker (Karley) Brown, Lanham Brown, Jordan (Jacey) Evans and Mason Propst.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 317 Center Ave in Curtis, Nebraska on Monday, April 8, 2019 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with the family present from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at the Curtis Community Center, 301 Garlick Ave, Curtis, Nebraska on Tuesday, April 9, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. with Greg Boller officiating.  Burial will follow in the Curtis Cemetery, Curtis, Nebraska.  To sign the guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com

Trina Marie (Vigil) Briones

Posted on

Trina Marie (Vigil) Briones, age 48, of Casper, Wyoming, died under hospice care and with her family at her side, on Thursday, March 28, 2019, in Casper.

Trina was born October 25, 1970, in North Platte to Dave Tony and Janet Lea (Anderson) Vigil.  She grew up in North Platte, Nebraska and Casper, Wyoming and graduated from North Platte High School with the Class of 1990.  Trina was married to Pat Casillas in North Platte and later married David Briones and they lived in Casper.

Trina was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  She worked in various places and dealt with health issues all her life, fighting her diabetes up to the end.

When she was younger, Trina participated in sports and especially enjoyed swimming.  At home she loved cutting and stacking firewood with her brothers, sister and stepsiblings. Trina loved hearing her dad say, “Load up, we’re going to go cut firewood!”

Trina will be remembered as a kind, generous person who was always smiling and good to people.

She is survived by her mother and stepfather, Janet and Doyle McIntosh, and father and stepmother, Dave and Patricia Vigil, all of North Platte; husband, David, of Casper; her siblings, twins David Vigil, of Lincoln and Victoria (Dan) Czech, of Kentucky, Brian (Jaci) Vigil, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Doyle, Jr. (Laura) McIntosh, of Eugene, OR; stepsiblings, Chris Frederick, of Hershey, Jake Frederick, of Colorado, Grady Frederick, of Nebraska, Brandi Sponie, of North Platte, and their mother, Peg, of North Platte, and Rick McIntosh, of North Platte, Mike
(Diane) McIntosh, of Sutherland, Derrick (Jennifer) Furse, of Gothenburg and Tia (Rich) Britten, of Brady; nephews and niece, Tylor (Kendra) Torres, of Colorado, Brett and Zachry Torres and April Vigil, all of North Platte; great-nephew, TJ Torres; and other family.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in North Platte.  Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  The family has established a memorial.

Robert E. “Bob” Pinneker

Posted on

Robert E. “Bob” Pinneker, age 81, of Paxton, Nebraska, died on March 30, 2019 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska.  He was born on December 6, 1937 in Sutherland, Nebraska to Fred and Helen (Lehl) Pinneker.

Bob Was a senior machine operator at Nebraska Public Power District for 34 years.  He was an avid hunter and fisherman, enjoyed gardening, helping with corn harvest each year and loved watching Husker sports.  Bob was a lifetime member of the Ogallala Elks Club for 60 years.

On May 16, 1975, he married Sally Chapman in North Platte.

Survivors include his wife, Sally Pinneker of Paxton; daughters, Becky (Chris) Condon of North Platte, Angie Thies (Ernesto Rivera) of San Diego, California; grandson, Chase and Riley Condon of North Platte; brother-in-law, Terry (Bonnie) Chapman of Sierra Vista, Arizona; and a sister-in-law, Jonelle Chapman of North Platte.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial donations are suggested to the Evangelical Trinity Lutheran Church and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com.

The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. MST on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at the Evangelical Trinity Lutheran Church in Paxton with J.A. Welsh S.A.M. presiding.  Burial will be in the Paxton City Cemetery.  Open visitation will be Tuesday, April 2, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home at 421 West 4th Street in North Platte.

Betty (McDermott) Halsey

Posted on

Betty (McDermott) Halsey, 83, of North Platte, passed away on March 31, 2019 at her home.  She was born on October 21, 1935 to Howard and Lola (Beerman) Wilmeth at Gothenburg Hospital.  when she was very young the family moved to a ranch south of Maxwell, Nebraska.  She attended a one room school house through the eighth grade.  When her father died, the family moved to Gothenburg, Nebraska.  She graduated from high school in 1953.

Betty went to work at the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company.  She was united in marriage to Sy McDermott on April 9, 1955.  They moved to Sidney, Nebraska where she transferred to the telephone company there.  She accepted Jesus in 1957.  Due to her husband’s job, they moved quite often.  Wile living in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sy passed away in 1983.  Betty then moved to North Platte, Nebraska where she worked at the Outlet-London Fog and Dress Barn, until they closed.  After that, she worked for Gateway Auction.

In 2001, Betty married George Halsey.  George passed away in 2011.

She was preceded in death by her parents; step-father, Les Clark; both husbands; an infant great grand son, Taten McDermott; step-brother, Nathan Clark; two step-sisters, Jane Miller and Karen Adams; and numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Betty is survived by her son, Troy McDermott; two daughters, Joy (Doug) Butolph and Shawna (Monte) Davison all of North Platte; brother, Larry Wilmeth of North Platte; sister, Creta Waltemath of Kearney; step-sister, Sharon Karre of North Platte; sister-in-law, Verdena Clark; eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Memorials are suggested to Parview Community Church of the Nazarene.  Services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene with Pastor James Trippett officiating.  Burial will be at the Wellfleet Cemetery in Wellfleet, Nebraska.  Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which in in care of arrangements.

Anna Marie Hoban

Posted on

Anna Marie Hoban, age 67, of Maxwell, Nebraska, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Nebraska.  Cremation was chosen.

Graveside services and inurnment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 5, 2019 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell with Robin Storer officiating.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com, at the graveside services, or from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at c & Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army.

Copyright Eagle Radio | FCC Public Files | EEO Public File