Keven Dale Snyder, 52, of Lincoln, formerly of North Platte, passed away July 8, 2017, at his home after a battle with cancer.

Keven was born in North Platte on Dec. 26, 1964.

Keven, known as “Gravel” to coworkers, dedicated his life to building many structures throughout Houston, Texas, Lincoln and surrounding communities for more than 30 years. He was self-taught and skilled in many aspects of construction. He was passionate about every project and was committed to quality workmanship.

Keven was a kind-hearted and fun-loving man. He treasured time with his family and enjoyed gathering with friends. He will be remembered by those who loved him.

Keven was preceded in death by his father, Ray Snyder, and nephew, Chandler Snyder.

Keven is survived by his grandchildren, Essabella and Izaiah; children, Amber, Heather and Marcus Snyder; mother, Della Johnston; and siblings, Calvin, Corey, Angela Snyder and Audrey (Travis) Thompson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to his family. Online condolences may be shared at nebraskacremation.com.

Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28, at St. Patrick Catholic Church. Inurnment will follow at Flower Lawns Memorial Gardens.

Jose Luis Martinez, 59, of Wallace, NE passed away October 23, 2017 at Great Plains Health.  Jose was born May 3, 1958 in Abraham Gonzalez, Mexico to Trinidad and Josefa (Fernandez) Martinez.

Jose was raised in Mexico and came to the United States when he was 15.  He has lived in the Midwest, living in Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, and Nebraska.  He married Juanita Trujillo November 25, 1987 in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  Jose moved to Wallace in 2011 where he worked for the Elsie Feed Store.  In January 2017 he went to work at Maschoff Family Farms Pork Facility.  Jose enjoyed playing his guitar and music in general. The center of his life was his family and he took great care of his immediate and extended family.  He was devoted to his grandchildren who called him Papi Grandpa.  Jose loved taking vacations to his ranch in Mexico and working his land.

Survivors include his children, Joe (Monica) Trujillo of Missouri, and Stephanie Trujillo of Wallace; grandchildren, Danyel Trujillo, Deryk Trujillo, and Melyssa Trujillo; siblings, Evilia Martinez, Maria (Manuel) Martinez, Siria Martinez, Piedad (Julio) Martinez, and Trinidad Ever (Concha) Martinez; and numerous other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Juanita on June 6, 2016; in-laws, Jose P. Trujillo and Virginia Buckel; brothers-in-law, Emilio Duarte, and Ruperto Jaurez.

Memorials are suggested to the Wallace Community Fund and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 27, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2017 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Wallace.  Burial will be in Ignacio Zaragoza, Chihuahua, Mexico.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

The North Platte community lost one of its matriarchs this week.  Florence “Arlene” Sukraw went peacefully to be with her Lord and loved ones October 24, 2017, at the age of 93, while in Linden Court, North Platte, Nebraska.  Arlene was born in North Platte December 30, 1923, to Arvid and Florence (Anderson) Branting. She married Quinten Kenneth Sukraw of Maxwell, Nebraska, June 27, 1943.

Known by many as either Arlene or Moma Doc, she was a teacher, principal, staff development director, school board member, student teacher supervisor, and adjunct professor, to name a few of her roles. She received many degrees over the years, the last of which was her doctorate, which she earned when she was 64. Among her many awards and honors were her being named by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as Nebraska’s Elementary School Principal of the year in a ceremony in Washington D.C. and being distinguished as a Nebraska One Room School Teacher by the University of Nebraska, Kearney.

Arlene was an exemplar of what teachers, administrators, and women should strive to emulate, both in their professional and personal lives. Educators, students, and their parents have experienced her compassion, vision, and use of humor to encourage, support, and change the many lives she has touched. She was an active leader in First Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married.  Her involvement included regular Sunday worship attendance, Luther League sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Bethel Bible class teacher, numerous committees and serving on the church council.

Arlene was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters Sharon and Pamela; brothers and their wives Melden (Helen), Hollis (Frances), and Russell (Maxine); and nieces and nephews Scott and Carol Smith, Glennis Branting, Robert Branting, Robert Branting, Jr., and Van Kistler.

She is survived by children Kenneth Allen Sukraw (Miriam) and Judith Marlene Stoehr (Jeff); grandchildren Mark Sukraw (Angela); Heather Johnson (Lee); Tracy Warren (James); and, Trevor Stoehr (Melissa); and, great-grandchildren Katherine, Elijah, Hannah, and Anika Sukraw; Kaleb, Greyson, Emerson, Tatum, and Conley Johnson; Henry and Sullivan Warren; and, Trenton and Meadow Stoehr. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Harold Branting (Susie); Sandra Kistler; James Branting; and, Russell Branting (Julie) and their families, as well as special friends Marge and George Spencer.

The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 10:30 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 305 West 5^th St., North Platte, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Friday, October 27, at Carpenters Memorial Chapel, 1616 West B Street,  between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Family will receive visitors between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested for either the North Platte Public Schools Foundation or Midland University, Fremont, Nebraska. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

Leonard Ray Nelms, 89, of Wauneta, Ne., formerly of Hayes Center and North Platte, passed away Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Wauneta Care Center, Wauneta, Nebraska.

He was born on April 19, 1928 to Vernie and Etta (Lawson) Nelms, in Bartley, Nebraska. He graduated from Hayes Center High School. He married Iris Pinn on April 6, 1948. Leonard served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Cpl. After his discharge from the Army he started farming north of Maywood, Nebraska, later moving his farm and ranching operation to east of Hayes Center. Leonard was very active in youth baseball and 4-H programs. His love was raising Appaloosa and Quarter Horses. He raised many champions and his horses were sold and shown all over the U.S.

After retirement, he enjoyed golfing and focused on tying doll flies and making many different lures. He also self-taught himself in upholstery and making wood crafts. Leonard was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Iris; parents; brothers-in-law Joe Vlasin and Roland Scott.

Survivors include, sisters, Doris Vlasin and Laverna Scott; daughter, Kristy (Jerry) Vapenik of Wauneta; sons, Casey (Wanda) of Sutherland and Jim Nelms of Franklin, Tennesee; grandchildren, Mindy Dann, Colt (Bethany), Chase (fiancé, Danielle), Justin (Lisa), Jesi, and Seth Vapenik, Jess (Danielle) Vapenik, Dirk (Roseanna) Vapenik, Bryn (Clay) Jordan and Shelby Brandon. Great grandchildren, Briana, Kinsley and Jaycelyn Vapenik, Avery Vapenik, Jaxyn, Corbyn and Brekkan Jordan, Whitney, Julian and Alayna Nelms, Treton  Dowling, Lilian Nelms, Parker and Camden Nelms, Caysen and Hudsen Nelms.

Cremation was chosen. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27, at Hayes Center Congregational Church in Hayes Center, Ne, with Pastor Jean Miller officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Hayes Center Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.