Kent Douglas Priest, of North Platte, died suddenly on Sunday, May 19, 2019, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney at the age of 56.

Kent was born June 12, 1962, in North Platte to Kenneth Dean and Maxine June (Fuller) Priest.  When he was very young, he lost his dad so he and his sister, Denise, were raised by their mom and stepfather, Marion Hornkohl, in North Platte.  Kent went on to graduate from North Platte High School with the Class of 1980 then attended Mid-Plains Community College and worked for Priest/Hornkohl Bulk Milk Hauling, his mom’s business.

On August 17, 1987, Kent married Jennifer Renee Minerd at Ogallala.  They made their home in North Platte where they raised their son, Austin.

On December 1, 1997, Kent went to work for the Nebraska Dept. of Roads (NDOR), which is now Nebraska Dept. of Transportation, and had been with them ever since.  He liked what he did and was awarded Employee of the Year for NDOR.

Kent was passionate about his work with the Masons and Shriners.  He was an active member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM, Scottish Rite where he was a 32° KCCH, Tehama Shrine Temple and the North Platte Shrine Club.  Over the years he served each organization in various positions including Past Master of the Lodge, Potentate of Tehama Shrine in 2013 and was currently serving as the North Platte Shrine Club Secretary and Treasurer.  Kent could be seen selling onions and circus tickets for the Shrine Club and participating in parades with the North Platte Puddle
Jumpers, among other things.  He was also a member of Valley Christian Church, Eagles Aires #2839 and the Moose Lodge.

After 31 years of marriage, Kent and Jennifer still looked at each other with a warmth and fondness that never faded. Jennifer was his best friend, companion and no doubt, soul mate.  They traveled extensively, on vacations and adventures, often in a vehicle with never a moment of silence.  Kent proudly became a grandpa to Emma Violet in 2017 and spent as much time with her as possible, pushing her in a swing, gathering rocks from the alley and practicing going up and down the stairs.

Kent was a jovial and caring man who was generous and giving. He drew great strength, comfort and joy from his family and was happiest when surrounded by those he loved.  He was taken too soon and will be greatly missed.

He leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, their son and daughter-in-law, Austin and Lisa Priest, and granddaughter, Emma, all of North Platte; sister and brother-in-law, Denise and Bob Peterson, of Elgin, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Barb Minerd, of Hershey; aunt, Phyllis Priest, of North Platte; niece, Leah and husband, Jamie Carlyle; great niece and nephews, Heaven, Riggin and Creed; special friends, Tim and Lorie Wilson, of Hershey; as well as other family, friends and the Bretheran.

Along with his dad, Kenneth, Kent was preceded in death by his mom and stepdad, Maxine and Marion Hornkohl; and father-in-law, Bob Minerd.

Funeral Service with Masonic Rites will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, May 24, 2019, at Valley Christian Church.  Burial will be 2 p.m. in the Miller Cemetery i Tryon, Nebraska.  Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 5-7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Tehama Transportation Fund or Lincoln County Historical Museum.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Beverly J. Johnston, 87, of Hershey, passed away May 16, 2019 at Linden Court.  She was born January 28, 1932 to Carl and Irene (Halligan) Richardson at North Platte.

Beverly graduated from North Platte High School with the class of “49”.  On May 7, 1950, she was united in marriage to Arthur F. Johnston in North Platte. The couple moved to Sidney, where they owned and operated an upholstery business.

They moved to Anaheim, CA, in 1974. Beverly was the school secretary at Orange County Unified School District.  They moved to Corona, CA, in 1996 and returned to North Platte in August 2006.

She is survived by her son, Frank (Donna) Johnston of Oakhurst, CA; daughter, Sherrie (Stephen) Anton of Hershey; sister, Nadine Heath of North Platte; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Arthur in December 2006; and two daughters, Julie McMahon and Carla Johnston.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 22, 2019 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be in Forest Lawn Cemetery at Cypress, CA, where Beverly will be placed next to her husband.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

Pamela Sue Szwanek, 59, of North Platte, died unexpectedly at home on
Tuesday, May 14, 2019.

Pam was born May 4, 1960, to Faylin Swain and Arleen Olive (Gass) Finch
in North Platte.  She grew up in North Platte where she attended public
schools and was a member of 4-H for many years.  She won several awards
with her horse, Miss Tin Cup, and puppy, Buttercup, and rode in several
NebraskaLand Days parades.

After high school, Pam married Robert Duane ‘Bob’ Mills in Omaha.  They
lived in Lexington for a while, had three kids and later divorced.  Pam
moved back to North Platte where she attended Mid-Plains Community
College.  She received her CNA then worked at the North Platte Care
Center.  Pam later went back to Mid-Plains and took classes in cake
baking, cake decorating and bookkeeping.

On June 23, 1988, Pam wed Kirk Edward Szwanek in North Platte. The
couple did some traveling with Kirk’s job on the railroad and lived in
Juanita for a short time before returning to North Platte.

Pam had a kind heart and enjoyed spending time at home.  She loved kids
and animals, especially her puppies, and was a good sketch artist and
published poet.

She leaves behind her husband, Kirk, of North Platte; mother, Arleen
Young, of Sutherland; daughters, Tara Sturghill (Julio), of Nesbitt,
Mississippi and Heather Mills (Gary Oeltjen), of Hastings;
grandchildren, Adam Canell, Jacob Trejo, Sabrina Mills Torres, Samantha
Mills DeCent, Sydney Reed, Destaney Mills, Angel Mills Behrens, Robert
Mills, Jr., Robbie Mills III and Starr Mills; and great-grandson, Mateo
Trejo.

Survivors also include her half sister, Tracy DeLaet, of Broken Bow;
stepmother, Diane Oreter, of North Platte; stepbrother, Steve Young, of
Cheyenne, Wyoming; stepsisters, Carol (Mike) Farmer, of Chesapeake,
Virginia, Donna (Stan) Johnson, of Nolanville, Texas and Debra (Marty)
Myers, of Cheyenne, Wyoming; brothers-in-law, Dave (Mary) Szwanek, of
North Platte, Jeff (Robin) Szwanek, of Lincoln and Rod (Lori) Szwanek,
of Omaha; mother-in-law, Mary Szwanek, of North Platte; several nieces,
nephews and other family.

Pam was preceded in death by her father, Faylin Finch; son, Robert
Mills; stepfather, James Young; father-in-law, Adrian Szwanek; and
sister-in-law, Shirley Szwanek.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, May
22, 2019, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas
A. Delp officiating.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com
or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which
is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the
North Platte Animal Shelter or Paws-itive Partners to help pets in need.

Doris Marie (Best) Greder, of North Platte, went to be with her Lord with her family at her side, on Monday, May 13, 2019, at the age of 80.

Doris was born to Dorothy (Bush) and Lyle L. Best of Stapleton, on October 27, 1938, in North Platte.  The family lived in Broken Bow until they moved to Wood Lake when Doris was 4 years old.  The Best kids, Doris, Louise (her sister and best friend) and brother Jim, attended a one room country school.  During her early school years, Doris rode her black and white horse, Spot, to school.  She attended Ainsworth High School where she participated in FHA and graduated in 1957.  Doris also served as Jobs Daughters Honored Queen.

After graduating, Doris lived and worked in Valentine until 1959 when she moved to Lincoln to attend the University of Nebraska. It wasn’t until the early 1990’s when Doris earned her college degree in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.  She worked as Librarian at Buffalo School and was employed by the American Heart Association and the Nebraska Children’s Home for 20 years.

On June 21, 1959, Doris married Gary Arthur Greder at Wood Lake.  They continued to live in Lincoln until Gary graduated from college.  Then they moved to Halsey for a short time before moving to North Platte in May 1964 when Gary accepted a job with Nebraska School Lands.  Doris and Gary welcomed three children, Gregory, Paige and Grant, and were married for nearly 57 years when he died in 2016.

Doris and Gary were active members of the First United Methodist Church since 1964.  She participated in many bible study groups and was part of the Lunch Bunch.  Doris belonged to the UMW for 55 years and held local, district and state offices over the years.  She also attended five national UMW conventions, each in a different state.

Doris loved her family and enjoyed being with her children and grandchildren.  She taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School for many years and was a 4-H Leader for 25 years.  She also liked to solve crossword puzzles, attend family reunions and travel.  She and Gary traveled to most states, including Alaska and Hawaii, and even visited the Holy Land.

Along with her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents and grandparents; brothers-in-law, Carl Knoedler and Gail Greder.

Doris is survived by her children, Greg (Tezra) Greder, of Lincoln, Paige (Brian) Maassen, of Hershey, and Grant (Sarah) Greder, of Lincoln; seven grandchildren, Jordan (Megan) Maassen, of North Platte, Amber (Kyle) Krula, of Rogers, Landan Maassen, of Park City, Utah, Trevallion and Gianna Greder, of Denton and Nash and Ryder Greder, of Lincoln; three great-grandchildren, Teagan, Carlan and Houstan Maassen; sister, Louise Knoedler, of Camarillo, California; brother, Jim Best, of Lakewood, Colorado; sisters-in-law, Karen (Brent) Johnson, of Johnstown and Sharon (Jay) Stombaugh, of Lexington; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2019, at First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Burial will be at 4 p.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Wood Lake.  Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Lincoln County 4-H or First United Methodist Church.  Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Ray E. Hansen, 84, passed away May 9, 2019 at his home.  He was born April 21, 1935 in North Platte, NE to Maurinas and E. Hazel (Wood) Hansen.

Ray worked as a machinist for 44 years at Union Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1997. He was a member of the Eagles and Moose lodges and enjoyed his cattle and tractors.  Ray married Carol Myers on March 21, 1956.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Hansen, daughter Kim Torske (Lynn), son Tim Hansen (Linda Jobman), son Darrin Hansen (Voni), all of North Platte; 10 grandchildren, including Lynn Torske Jr. of North Platte, Craig Torske of North Platte, Jason Hansen of Omaha, Joey Hansen of Phoenix, AZ, and Tina Woodbeck of Hickman, NE; 19 great grandchildren; brothers Edwin Hansen, Jerry (Sammy) Hansen, Denny Hansen, all of North Platte; sister Phyllis Berger of Brighton, CO, Lois Tilford of North Platte; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and his faithful furry friends Ming Pan, Dyna, and Dolly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Della Rose; sister-in-law Genny Hansen; and brother-in-law Chuck Tilford.  Memorials are suggested to Ray Hansen and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Arnold Flater presiding.  Burial will be in Plainview Cemetery, Maxwell, NE.  Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Larry Charles Stacy, Sr., 81, of North Platte passed away May 9, 2019 at his home.  He was born January 31, 1938 to Harry A. and Mildred (Majer) Stacy at Ravenna, NE.

He joined the United States Navy in 1955 and served until his honorable discharge in 1963. Larry was united in marriage to Ronda K. French on August 5, 1967 at North Platte.  He was employed as a carman for Union Pacific Railroad, for over 38 years. He was a member of Eagles Club.  Larry enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf and pool.

Larry is survived by his wife, Ronda of North Platte; son, Larry (Melissa) Stacy, Jr; son-in-law, Steve Houser; grandchildren, Eric, Sarah (Stephen) Aaron (Sariah), Kamrin, Samuel, Tara and Becky; and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Lori Ann Houser; and a brother, Richard J. Stacy.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to The Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 North Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 donations may be made via their website. Cremation was chosen.  Larry’s memorial book may be signed from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, May 13^th and May 14^th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Inurnment will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, May 16, 2019 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

Richard Lee Curtis, age 90 of North Platte, passed away May 6, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. He was born on December 14, 1928 to William and Helma (Jung) Curtis at North Platte. Richard graduated from North Platte High School in 1946.

He worked as a machinist and was united in marriage to Donna Prowett on April 17, 1948. To this union a son, Tom and daughter, Sherry were born. Dick worked at Cornhusker International as a traveling mechanic and later bought into the business. He finished his career as a salesman for Nebraska Tractor.

Survivors include his son, Tom (Deanna) Curtis; daughter, Sherry (Fred) Dircksen; 9 grandsons; 30 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; and a sister, Billie Jean Baker.

Memorial services will be 11:00 am Tuesday, May 14, 2019 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Private family inurnment will be at the North Platte Cemetery at a later date. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9am to 5pm Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel which is in care of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com