Alfred Swanson, 86, of North Platte, passed away on September 24, 2016 at Great Plains Health. He was born October, 23 1929 in Omaha, NE to Minnie and Anton Elmer Swanson. The family lived in Gothenburg , NE before moving to North Platte just prior to Al entering grade school. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1947.
After high school Al attended and graduated from the University of Denver with a degree in business. During his college years, he developed a lifelong love for the mountains and a passion for skiing. He skied every year into his early 80s, sometimes more than 100 days per year in retirement.
After college, he was drafted into the Army during the Korean conflict but was fortunate to be stationed in Austria and Italy, where he was part of a survey crew making maps. Upon his discharge from the Army, Al returned to North Platte where he was employed with Platte Valley Public Power (later NPPD). He retired from NPPD in 1995.
In 1961, Al married Anita Knisely, and they were married for 52 years before Anita’s death in 2013. They made their home and raised their family in a house Al constructed in 1967 and lived in until his death.
In retirement, Al and Anita enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and friends and splitting time between their home in North Platte, cabin at Lake Maloney and a home in Winter Park, CO. Al was known for his dry wit and strong family values. He was a caring and devoted son, husband, father and grandfather. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife Anita, sister Alice Mae, and his parents.

He is survived by son James (Tracy) of Golden CO, daughter Kay Irvine (Andy) of Fraser, CO, sister Betty Lou Udouch and nephew Alan Udouch of Johnstown, PA, grandsons Jack and Nathan Swanson of Golden, and sister-in-law Delores Knisely and niece Susan Knisely, both of Lincoln.
Services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 29th at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made in lieu of flowers to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alzfdn.org).
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Bernadette A. Bales, age 71 of North Platte, passed away September 22, 2016 at her home. She was born February 10, 1945 at Valentine to Thomas and Betty (Auhl) McQuade. She grew up in Valentine and attended Valentine High School. She later moved to Gering where she met Carl “Buzz” Bales and they were married on April 5, 1968. Mr. Bales served in the United States Air Force which led them to be located in Louisiana, Missouri, Illinois, the Azores, and Oklahoma. Following his death, Bernadette moved to North Platte in 1989 to be near her family. She enjoyed cooking, crafts, gardening, and was known for her delicious jelly and green beans. She was a devoted mother and loving grandmother. Survivors include her daughter, Vurlee Toomey, son, Eddie (Jennifer) Bales, grandchildren, Thomas (Alicia Perkins) Bales, Ryan Toomey, Samantha and Carli Bales, brother, Tim (Jan) McQuade, sister, Yvonne (Don) Connery, sister-in-law, Mary McQuade, brother-in-law, Larry Schaffert, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a close friend, Linda (Don) Davis. Memorial services will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. A private family inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in care of arrangements.