William “Bill” Arthur Traube, 72, passed away Dec. 1, 2017, in Chandler, Arizona.

Bill was born in Lincoln on Dec. 22, 1944, and grew up in Wilber. He enjoyed his childhood and often reminisced about the memories and mischief he enjoyed with his childhood friends, with whom he stayed in contact. Bill adopted the nickname “Wad” and was well known for his adventures with that alias.

Bill’s career included the Nebraska Fisheries, North Platte Police Department and real estate and property management upon moving to Arizona in 1979.

Bill had many joys in life, including exploring the outdoors, riding quads, fishing, hunting, shooting, cooking, sightseeing, traveling, music, sports, jumble puzzles and an afternoon iced tea. He enjoyed his Czech heritage and cuisine, such as kolaches, summer sausage and Wilber rye bread.

He always enjoyed just being outdoors with his sons. Bill enjoyed time spent with his family and was an active grandfather, enjoying his grandchildren, Blake and Kendyl, and their many activities including sports, piano recitals, performances and graduations. He had a great fondness for his toddler granddaughter, Adilyn.

Bill had a sharp wit and a great sense of humor. He always had a joke to share or story to tell to put a smile on your face. Bill’s most incredible talent was to hear a song and sit down at the piano and play it by ear. He provided years of entertainment to his friends, family and even strangers with his piano playing skills. His mom’s favorite request was “Beer Barrel Polka,” and his daughter loved “Johnny B. Goode” and many others. Bill enjoyed road trips in his truck or on his Harley and was notorious for dropping by unannounced, much to the surprise and happiness of others. He loved a good Western movie and he wasn’t shy about sharing his opinion while watching sports.

Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Frances Havranek Traube; cousin, Dennis Havranek; and ex-wife, Sherry Van Wagoner.

Bill is survived by his sons, Brett (Kelly Glennen) and Eric (Meridith Matschull); daughter, Lisa; grandchildren, Blake, Kendyl and Adilyn; several cousins, many friends and ex-wife and mother of his children, Carol Leach Traube.

Memorials are suggested in Bill’s name to the American Cancer Society or Hospice of the Valley.

Private services will be at a later date. Cremation was chosen.

Marjorie M. Roethemeyer of Colorado Springs, CO, formerly of North Platte, departed this life on December 6, 2017 at Penrose Hospital in Colorado Springs with her family by her side.

Marjorie Mae (Marge) Godeker was born on January 1, 1928 to John Godeker and Dorothy Mae (Nee) Sheldon in Sutherland, Nebraska at the home of Jacob and Mary Cotten. She grew up and graduated with the class of 1945 in Sutherland.  She was briefly married to which two children were born.  On August 16, 1958 she wed Vernon G. Roethemeyer and they resided together in North Platte until his death. She recently relocated to Colorado Springs, CO to be closer to her daughter.  She loved to needlepoint and crochet and made many gifts for her children and grandchildren, and was known for her sewing of the beautiful can-can costumes she lovingly created for the Nebraskaland Days Frontier Revue.  Marge was an avid photographer. She was active in the American Legion Auxiliary of which she was a permanent member and the Federated Garden Clubs of Nebraska of which she was a life member.

She was predeceased by her husband, Vernon, her mother and father and brother John.  She is survived by her brother James Godeker of Grand Island and sister Peggy Land of North Platte, two sons and two daughters:  the Rev. Professor Robert V. Roethemeyer (Kay) of Fort Wayne, IN; Rev. Herbert Burch (Markie) of Belmopan, Belize; Vernita M. Hare (Ron) of Colorado Springs, CO and Ronda M. Gale (Ed) of Billings, MT.  She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, three great-great- grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews including her beloved niece Vicky Loving of North Platte.

Services will be held at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m., the Rev. Jon Dickmander presiding, with interment to follow at North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday, December 12, with family receiving friends from 5-8 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. In lieu of flowers, Marge requests donations be made to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1400 E D Street, North Platte, NE; Lutheran Hour Ministries, 660 Mason Ridge Center Drive, St. Louis, MO 63141-8557; or Lutheran Bible Translators, 205 South Main Street, Concordia, MO 64020.