Nadine Ruth Spaugh, 92, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on
Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Nadine was born August 9, 1926, at Upland, Nebraska, the only child to
Nels and Ruth Ibsen.  She lived at Upland until 1942 when she moved to
Colorado Springs, Colorado with her parents. She graduated from Colorado
Springs Bible Training School in 1944.

On August 5, 1945, Nadine married David Spaugh at Frankfort, Indiana.
They moved to Texas then Oklahoma and later back to Colorado Springs
where her husband attended college.  After David graduated they traveled
in song evangelism work for a year until moving to North Platte in 1952,
which became home until her passing.

Nadine and David were blessed with two children, Ruthie and Glen, who
were both born in North Platte, and 71 years of marriage.  Nadine worked
at Sears in the catalog department for several years before going to
work for Hallmark.

At a very young age, she gave her life to the Lord.  She followed in her
parents footsteps as a dedicated “prayer warrior”.  Nadine was active in
the Wesleyan Church including youth and children’s work, was a Sunday
School teacher and church organist until her health began to fail.  In
later years she attended Parkview Church of the Nazarene.

Nadine loved and cared for her family, each one was special. She enjoyed
traveling and often talked about what a joy it was to see the different
parts of the country.  Her hobbies included collecting salt and pepper
shakers and gardening.  She also enjoyed cooking for her family,
especially at Christmas time with a vast assortment of cookies and
candies.  Nadine was very devoted to faith and family.  Her
encouragement and selflessness will be long remembered and she will be
greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles David; parents, Rev.
Nels and Ruth Ibsen; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Oscar and Ina
Spaugh; and sister-in-law, Lois Spaugh.

Survivors include her children, Ruthie (Jim) Sheets, of North Platte
and Glen (Doris) Spaugh, of Gordon, NE; granddaughters, Jennifer (Kyle)
Welch, of Fort Collins, CO, and Lindsey (Jonathan) Johansen, of Gordon,
NE; grandsons, Jim, Jr. (DeAnna) Sheets, of Lincoln, NE, and Mike Sheets
(Katie Hill), of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Aidan and
Alexis Welch, of Fort Collins, CO, Benjamin Johansen, of Gordon, NE,
Hailey, Carson and Emma Sheets, of Lincoln, NE, and Bailey Sheets, of
North Platte; special cousin, Maurice Bauer, of Vidalia, GA; special
friend, Everett Calkin; and other family and friends.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019, at Odean
Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore.  Burial will follow in the North Platte
Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial
Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Online
condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Memorials have been
established to the Wesleyan Global Partners-Jesus Film Ministry.

Jeannette Marie Knoles, age 77 of Wellfleet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Jeannie was born March 20, 1941 in Boise, ID to Orval and Marie Elsie (Neider) Vedder, and was raised on a ranch near Wallace, NE.  She met the love of her life and soulmate, Nyle Knoles, in the fall of 57’ at a dance in Elsie.  They were married May 24, 1958.  To this union three children were born, Denise, Harlan, and Kim.  They started out their life in Elsie and moved to Hershey, NE in 1961.  In 1966 they moved to a farm just east of Wellfleet, NE and moved into Wellfleet in 1972 when Nyle started working on the railroad.  Jeannie was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Women’s Club.  She loved gardening, crafts, camping, and mostly spending time with family.

Survivors include her loving husband, Nyle; 3 children, Denise (Randy) Maline of Wallace, Harlan (Linda) Knoles of Hershey, and Kim (Brett) Seamann of Maxwell; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sister, Gloria Schultz; brother, Henry “Hank” (Barb) Vedder, both of Wallace; 3 sisters-in-law, Lyla Hahn of Elsie, Lula Kennicut of Paxton, Millie Leonhardt of California; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and several brother-in-laws  and sister-in laws.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday December 31, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating.  Burial will follow at Morningview Cemetery at Wallace.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday December 30, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Daniel Marcellus Schaaf, 71 years of age – husband, father, grandpa, and friend passed away in North Platte, NE December 30, 2018 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He

was born February 17, 1947 in Norfolk, NE to Marjorie (Hansen) and Marcellus Schaaf.

Dan’s youth was spent in O’Neill, NE. In 1966 he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in O’Neill.  In 1969 he enlisted and served his country as a United States Marine until 1971 and was a Vietnam War veteran. Oorah.  He earned a Bachelor of Science at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA in 1972 and completed a Master of Science in 1984 from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.  He worked as a horticulturist for 45 years at the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center. A highlight of Dan’s horticulture career was researching penstemon with the American Penstemon Society in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Dan was known for his faith in God, his love of family, his faithful friendship, and unwavering appetite for Dr. Pepper, ice cream, coconut macaroons, and jelly bellies.  He loved Scripture and was enthused to hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judie Zelfer Schaaf.  His oldest daughter, Heidi, lives in Omaha, NE with husband Ben Gilbert and daughters Elle, Emily, and Edison. His second daughter, Jayna Schaaf, and husband Cameron Craig, live in North Platte, NE. His son, Joel Schaaf, lives in Bellevue, NE, and youngest daughter, Danielle, lives in Colorado Springs, CO with husband Dustin Savage and three children, Duke, Finnley, and Evi. Other survivors include sisters Dianne Hilger of David City, NE, Cathy Grutsch of Eagle River, AK, Yvonne White of Fort Calhoun, NE, his brothers Marcellus Schaaf of Anchorage, AK and Joseph Schaaf of Lake in the Hills, IL.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lauren Schaaf.

His family will miss his memorable laughter but are left with loving memories of “the Station”, learning how to change car oil, and appreciation of nature and adventure.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Women’s Resource Center of North Platte, NE, United States Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation, or Hope Lodge of Omaha, NE.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday January 8, 2019; Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday January 9, 2019 both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Ann Fleecs, age 85 of Sutherland, went to meet her heavenly Father on Tuesday January 1, 2019.  At the time of her passing she was at the North Platte Care Center surrounded by her family.

Peggy was born August 23, 1933 in Sutherland, NE to P.E. and Isabell (Willmus) Priel.  She graduated from Sutherland High School in 1952.  Soon after, she extended her education by attending Duchesne College in Omaha and then St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island.  Her nursing career started in North Platte at St. Mary’s Hospital and then onto Great Plains Regional Med Center’s Home Health Department and retiring from Centennial Park Retirement Village.  Peggy married the love of her life, Donald W. Fleecs on December 29, 1956 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland.  They lived south of Sutherland until they outgrew their home.  In 1965 they built their forever home, raising their six children together and residing there ever since.  She and Don traveled during their life together, with their most recent adventure being a trip to Italy where they met the Pope.  Peggy loved her gardens, from beautiful flowers to fresh fruits and veggies, especially her cantaloupe.  Cooking was a passion of hers as well as collecting cookbooks.  Quilting also consumed much of her time, as did knitting.  She loved life and lived it to the fullest every day.

Peggy has left behind Don Fleecs, her husband of 62 years; 6 children, Diane McConnell of North Platte, Jackie Williams of Kansas City, MO, Pat (Ruth) Fleecs of Sutherland, Joe (Nickie) Fleecs of Sutherland, Liz (Chris) Skov of Hershey, and Tina Fleecs of Kansas City, MO; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother Bud (Betty) Priel, sister Mary McVay, and sister-in-law Kathleen Hoatson all of North Platte.

She was preceded in death by her parents P.E. and Isabell Priel; parents-in-law; a son-in-law; and other in-laws.

Memorials are suggested to the Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday January 6, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday January 7, 2019, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland with the Reverend Matthew Nash as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland.  Visitation will be from noon until 4:00 p.m. Sunday January 6, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Ellisa “Ellie” Harris , age 24, passed away on December 30, 2018 AT Great Plains Health.  She was born on May 13, 1994 in North Platte to Doug and Vangie (Flores) Harris.

Ellie was loved by many and she touched their lives as well as many others she met on her journey through life.  She showed her love for others, maybe not by using words, but by giving someone a special smile or mischievious look.  She was a fighter, showing her strength every single day.  She inspired us to be thankful for the gift of life and make every day count.  Her mom and dad feel blessed to have had the time they had with her.  Ellie and her parents are so thankful for the care she was given by her caregivers over the years, especially RN Patti Brackett and physician Soogan Naidoo.

Ellie is survived by her parents, Doug and Vangie Harris of North Platte; aunts and uncles, Mike and Ranee Borowski of Kearney, NE, Alejandra and Chris Clark of Riverton, WY, Roby and Rachel Flores, and Ricky and Melanie Flores all of Grand Junction Colorado, and Adela and Robert Reyes of El Paso, TX; and numerous cousins, family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Roberto and Alejandra Flores of Laramie, WY; and paternal grandparents, Ervin “Fuzz” and Caroline “Corrine” Harris of Grant, NE.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. January 2, 2019, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, with  Pastor Doug Delp officiating.  Cremation was chosen, those wishing to sign the register book may do so noon – 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Myron Earnest Walker, 85, of North Platte, passed away at home
surrounded by his family on Monday, December 31, 2018.

Myron was born in Lewis, Iowa, on February 1, 1933, to Joe and Eva Marie
(Moriarty) Walker.  He grew up in Missouri and Lone Wolf, Oklahoma until
he was 13 years old at which time he and his brother, Joe, moved to
Colorado to work on a turkey farm near Brush.  By the time he was 16,
Myron and Joe moved to North Platte to live with their mother.

Myron was a hard worker and worked hard.  He did odd jobs until selling
his only pickup to buy a tractor so he could start his own business of
cutting down trees and landscaping.  He continued doing odd jobs to earn
extra money then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1949 and
worked as a Carman.

In April of 1953 Myron was drafted into the U.S. Army and served with
the 566th Transportation Company, Fort Eustis, Virginia. Following his
discharge in ’55, he returned to North Platte and went to work for
farmers, did hay contracting, and owned his own business baling and
hauling hay.  After selling his farm and ranch, Myron started a rental
business with old hotels, apartments and houses.

In 1950 Myron was united in marriage to Marilyn May Stearns in Ogallala.
They lived in North Platte then when he served in the Army, Marilyn
followed him from base to base until he was stationed overseas at which
time she returned to North Platte.

Myron liked collecting antique cars, which he showed and enjoyed driving
in parades, but most importantly he loved his family.

He is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Walker, Beth Hampton and Mashell
Anderson (Craig Lush), and sister, Patricia (Donald) Payton, all of
North Platte; six grandchildren, Andrew Chessmore (Rebecca), Christina
Chessmore, Justin Chessmore, Kyle Mercer (Nellie), Bryan Mercer (Nicole)
and Rebecca Baker; 19 great-grandchildren, Brittanya, Geoffery,
Brooklynn, Gillian, Brenden and Gwendolen Allen, Ryan and Noah
Chessmore, Ashton and Harper Knoles, Matthew, Ashley, Seth and Brooke
Knotts, Johnathen and Riley Bremenkamp, Jacob and Caleb Mercer, Damian
and Jediah VanMeter-Mercer, Triden and Orlando VanMeter, and Lucas
Baker; great great-granddaughter, Jasmine Roth; as well as other family.

Myron was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; parents, Joe and Eva;
brother, Joe, Jr.; and sisters, JoAnn and Shirley Walker.

Funeral Service will be at 10 a.m. on Friday, January 4, 2019, at Odean
Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Bill Reeves officiating.
Burial with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National
Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Odean
Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore.  Online condolences may be shared at
odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the
North Platte Opportunity Center or the North Platte Baptist Church.

Larry Leo Rief, 76, of North Platte, died Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at
Great Plains Health.

Larry was born on June 19, 1942, to Francis Leo and Delores (Emanuel)
Rief in Wisner, Nebraska, where he grew up.  He graduated from Wisner
High School in 1960 then went on to graduate from Regis College in
Denver, Colorado in 1964.  Larry went to work for C.I.T. and Gates
Rubber Company before going into banking, working in mortgage lending,
and he had his Colorado real estate license.

Larry moved to North Platte in 1979 and owned Larry’s Liquor until 1990
when he returned to Wisner and went into business with his brother who
owned a feed lot.  After a short time, Larry moved back to North Platte
and worked for Mid-Nebraska Ice for 25 years until retiring in 2015.

During the 1960’s, Larry joined the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and served
six years until his honorable discharge in October 1970. He married
Diane Sandberg in Colorado in 1973, they had two children and later
divorced.

Larry was an active member of Eagles Aries #2839, serving as President
and Trustee.  He went on to serve as State President in 2003 then State
Trustee.  In his free time, Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing and gambling.

He is survived by his children, Brian Rief, and Jodi (Bill) Simants, and
their mother, Diane Kirsch, all of North Platte; grandsons, Grady and
Koby; brothers, Mike (Kathy) Rief, of Shelby and Tom (Brenda) Rief, of
Seward; sister, Judy (Bob) Feller, of Wisner; as well as lots of other
family and friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Delores.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, January 4,
2019, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Josh
Brown.  Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Visitation
will be Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. followed by a Rosary Service at 7
p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of
arrangements.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.
Memorials are suggested to Team Jack in honor of Larry’s grandson, Grady.