Betty Jean McEvoy, age 94, of North Platte, died June 11, 2017 at Great Plains Health.

Betty was born June 25, 1922 in Pittsburg, KS to David Wilson and Jean Alice (Paden) Webb, I.  She was the middle child of three, having one older brother, David, and one younger brother, Olin. When Betty was five her family moved to Louisville, NE.  She graduated from Louisville High School as valedictorian in 1940.  She graduated from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1945 and from Bryan School of Nursing in 1946 with B.S. and R.N. degrees.  Betty’s first job as a registered nurse was in North Platte at Memorial Hospital.  After moving to North Platte she met and fell in love with Louis “Pat” McEvoy.  They were married in Louisville, NE October 6, 1946.  Pat and Betty owned the Ideal Dairy in North Platte for a short time.  After selling the dairy, Pat began working as a mail carrier and Betty became a homemaker.  She also taught private piano lessons for several years.  They had four children, Jean Louise, Mary Jo, Patrick Webb, and Peter Lee.  After their youngest child was in junior high, Betty began working as a nurse for Dr. Robert F. Getty.  She continued working for Dr. Getty for 20 years and upon her retirement from his office worked for the Red Cross for four years.  Betty joined the First United Presbyterian Church on July 2, 1950.  She and Pat were very active in the church for over 50 years.  During her 67-year membership she was a Mariner, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served in the quilting group and sewing club.  She was known fondly as “Nurse Betty” at church camp.  Betty was a long-time member of Monday Musicale, Sandhills Symphony, Diamond Kiwanis, Tout Bird Club, Antique Club, and RSVP.  She was an excellent pianist and accompanied many soloists, ensembles, and various other groups throughout west-central Nebraska.  Betty enjoyed playing duets with her daughters, Jean and Mary Jo.   She occasionally played for church services at Linden Court when she was a 93-year-old resident there.  Betty was also an accomplished cellist.  Betty’s parents taught her bridge when she was in high school; she loved playing this game her entire life.  She and Pat were in several bridge groups, as well as pinochle and canasta card clubs.  Hand-quilting was one of her favorite pastimes and Betty continued to create beautiful quilting projects until her death.  She was an avid shopper, with shoes and purses being particular favorites.  She was delighted when spring came, as that meant having and going to garage sales with friends.  Betty and Pat enjoyed camping, fishing, birding, reading, and working difficult crossword puzzles.  They loved to travel with friends and family and had many memorable trips throughout the United States and abroad.  After retirement they became “snowbirds,” spending many winters in Texas and Arizona.  In 2011 Betty and Pat celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.

Betty is survived by her four loving children, Jean (David Schnitzler) McEvoy of Severn, MD, Mary Jo (Ralph) Gosnell, of North Platte; Patrick (Shirley) McEvoy, of Hershey, Peter (Madeleine Gauthier) McEvoy, of Washington, DC; brother, Olin Webb of Denver, CO; sister-in-law, Barbara Peltier of White Bear Lake, MN.  Betty is also survived by seven grandchildren, Thomas (Amelia Stoll) Gosnell, Rebecca (Jeff) Brittenham, Jennifer (D.J.) Canfield, Patrick (Ellen) McEvoy, Peter McEvoy, Sean ( Ivy Yuan Li) McEvoy, and Mitchell (Laura Bay) McEvoy; three step-grandchildren, Clayton (Stevi) Rawles, Rocky (Lindsey) Rawles, and Jimmy (Steph) Rawles; eight great-grandchildren; two unborn great-grandchildren; sixteen step-great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Louis Arthur “Pat” McEvoy, June 3, 2012; her parents, David Wilson Webb I and Jean Alice (Paden) Webb; brother, David Webb II; sisters-in-law Mary Webb and Ardis Webb; and a host of dear friends and other family members.

Memorials are suggested to the First United Presbyterian Church or to the North Platte Meals on Wheels Program and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday July 14, 2017 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Scott Mustion officiating.  After the service a lunch reception will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church at 1901 West Leota in North Platte.  Betty’s friends unable to attend the memorial service are welcome to attend the luncheon.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday July 13, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Francis Carl “Frank” Peck, Sr., of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded by his family and joined his loving wife, Erla, on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Great Plains Health, at the age of 85.

Frank was born in Salsaw, OK, on September 12, 1931, to Carl E. and Ruth Mae Edis Peck while the couple was on their way to settling in North Platte. Frank and his siblings grew up along the North Platte River and attended public schools. Along the river is where Frank found a love for hunting, fishing, camping and swimming, which carried him through his golden years and was passed down from his children to his great great-grandchildren.

After his schooling, Frank went to work for the Union Pacific Fruit Express, McLaughlin’s, Cement Products and Purdyman Sand and Gravel, and also owned and operated his own tractor salvage business. In 1954 Frank started working for James E. Simon and through the years, helped him build the company. Frank retired from Simon Contractors 40 years later.

In 1948 Frank met a beautiful, young lady, Erla Lucille Telitz, in North Platte and before the couple could marry, they had to build a home together. With the house completed, they were united in marriage on November 22, 1950. Frank and Erla raised seven children and celebrated over 65 years of marriage together. The couple enjoyed life and their retirement. They loved traveling together in their RV from the East Coast to the West Coast.

Frank was a member of the First Baptist Church, Moose Lodge, Eagles and a ski club. In his younger days, he and his brothers loved tinkering with race cars. He was also a Golden Glove Boxer who proved dynamite did come in small packages.

Frank will be greatly missed and remembered as a “Jack of all trades, Master of All.” And as Frank would say, “Be good, and if you can’t, have fun!”

He leaves behind his children, Frank, Jr. (Cheryl) Peck, Chris (Ron) Richardson, Deanna (Frank) Savage, Jeanna (Joe) Koubek, Steve (Lorena) Peck and Tanya (Todd) Gayman, all of North Platte; and grandchildren, Travers (Jodi) Richardson, Vicki (Brent) Langemeier, Trent (Melissa) Richardson, Robby (Meghan) Peck, Tylan Gayman, Jamie (Aaron) Koubek, Kandace (Grady) Carpenter, Tusten Gayman, Jade (Brittany) Koubek, Jaustin Koubek, Lane (Sidney) Carpenter and Rick (Dawn) Erdman.

Survivors also include his great-grandchildren, Karsen (Jimmy) Falcon, Lane Richardson, Jordan (Michael) Beisner, Kaden Langemeier, Kyler Peck, Brittney Richardson, Mekennah Kemp, Maylah Langemeier, Madden Fattig, Jaylen Koubek, Andrew Richardson, Kambree Kemp, Steven Richardson, Madelyn Koubek, Coy Gayman and Jaxon Koubek; great great-grandchildren, Greah Falcon and Taylar Beisner; brother, Bill, Sr. (Vina) Peck, and sister, Carol (Dale) Douglas, of North Platte; as well as many other family members and good friends which he considered family.

Frank was preceded in death by his wife, Erla, daughter, Kathleen Jo Peck, and grandson, Frankie Lloyd Peck; his parents, Carl and Ruth Peck; and brother, Don Peck.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, at the First Baptist Church and casual dress is requested please. Inurnment will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established.

Joe Bethuel Knox, of Wellfleet, NE, died at home on Saturday, July 8, 2017, at the age of 67.

Joe was born March 18, 1950, to Dalton Bethuel and Eloise Maxine DeTour Knox in North Platte, NE, and grew up in Wellfleet. Joe attended grade school in Wellfleet and high school in Maywood, graduating in 1968. He went on to the University of Nebraska School of Technical Agriculture in Curtis where he received a degree in diesel mechanics.

Joe operated the filling station in Wellfleet during the ’70’s and raised livestock. During the ’80’s he went to work for Circle K Farms and in 1995 opened his own mechanic shop. In the past few years, Joe had been working for the Lincoln County Department of Roads as a Grader Operator. Joe was very active in the Wellfleet community. He served on the Volunteer Fire Department and spent several years as Fire Chief.

On March 2, 1991, Joe was united in marriage to Sharon Louise Coviello Knoll in Wellfleet. They lived in town for a year then moved to a home north of Wellfleet. Joe enjoyed camping and loved spending time with his grandchildren. He was very handy, if no one else could fix something, Joe could. He even built a mini train which he drove in many parades.

He is survived by his children, Jeff (Erin) Knox, of Wellfleet, Jodi (Ron) Lemmert, of Ogallala, NE, and Jami (Bill) Schaffnitt, of Kearney, NE; and their mother, Linda Armstrong, of Elm Creek, NE; six grandchildren, Ayden, Avery, Dalton, Breanna, Jayden and Lydia; sister, Carmen Knox, of North Platte; his uncle, Berdette “Butch” Knox, of Colorado Springs, CO; and other family.

Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; parents, Dalton Knox and Eloise Knox Look; and stepfather, William “Bill” Look.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 15, 2017, in the Wellfleet Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Wellfleet Volunteer Fire Department or the Wellfleet Community Club. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Rick Lee Martin, age 69 of North Platte, passed away Sunday July 9, 2017 at his home in North Platte.

Rick was born on September 19, 1947 in Portland, OR to G.E. and Doris (Wissbaum) Martin.  He grew up in McCook and moved to North Platte his senior year and graduated with the class of 1965.  He joined the US Army in November of 1967 and served in Vietnam.  After returning home, he married Mary Ann Stefani and to this union a daughter Stacey Ann was born.  Rick worked construction on the interstate project and later worked for Hipp Wholesale from 1971 thru 1987.  He married M.L. Allen on May 21, 1983 in North Platte and to this union a son Charlie was born.  The couple purchased Culligan and ran the business together until 2003 when he retired.  Rick enjoyed his retirement fishing, golfing, hunting and any kind of gambling.  He loved music, animals, and people, and will be greatly missed.

Rick is survived by his wife M.L. Martin of North Platte; children Stacey (Jeff Anderson) Martin of Hershey and Charlie (Chelsey Anderson) Martin of Tryon; grandchildren Stefani (Benny Alamea) Martin of Lincoln, Charlie Robinson of North Platte and Emmy Lee Martin of Tryon; great granddaughter Sofia Alamea of Lincoln; brother-in-law Stewart (Kathy) Allen of North Platte; nephews Matt (Audra) Allen and children of Arthur, and Mark Allen of North Platte; aunt Lois Jane (Owen) Beneda of McCook; as well as numerous other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents G.E. and Doris Martin; and wife Mary Ann.

Memorials are suggested to Pheasants Forever and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m. Thursday July 13, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.  A reception will immediately follow the service at the House Bar.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday July 12, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Joyce A. Christianson, 85, of Hutchinson, mother of Gary Christianson, passed away July 6, 2017, at Harmony River Living Center in Hutchinson. Blessed be her memory.

Joyce Ann Christianson was born on Nov. 23, 1931, in Miles City, Montana. She was the daughter of Ora and Dovie (Childres) Bethke. She graduated from Custer County High School in Miles City, Montana.

On Nov. 23, 1950, Joyce was united in marriage to Oscar Gordon Christianson. They had three children. Joyce and Gordon resided in Broadus, Montana; Clara City, Minnesota; Belle Fourche, South Dakota; and North Platte. They shared 56 years of marriage before Gordon passed away. Joyce moved to Hutchinson, Minnesota, following her husband’s death and remained there for the last 10 years of her life.

Joyce and Gordon owned and operated a chain of three department stores in Belle Fourche, South Dakota; Broadus, Montana; and Miles City, Montana, for 13 years. Joyce was also employed in the business offices of several medical practices. Joyce worked hard at whatever job she had in order for her children to have the opportunity to further their education, and she took pride in their accomplishments.

Joyce enjoyed playing cards and was a member of several bridge clubs. She loved reading, watching movies and working on various puzzles. She loved listening to music and was once a pianist for her church. She had a very strong Christian faith and was usually involved in a Bible study group and church circle. She was an active member of Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ora and Dovie Bethke; husband, Gordon Christianson; and daughter, Brenda Joyce Eller.

Joyce is survived by her children, Gary (Peggy) Christianson of Dassel, Minnesota, and Dean (Susan) Christianson of Ashley, North Dakota; son-in-law, Ed Eller of Onida, South Dakota; grandchildren, Ashley Eller, Mike (Lara) Christianson, Evan (Eva) Christianson and Marcus (Paige) Christianson; six great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Online condolences may be shared at hantge.com.

Services were at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 8, at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with Pastor Steve Olcott officiating. Burial will be at Valley View Cemetery in Broadus, Montana, at a later date. Dobratz-Hantge Chapels, Hutchinson, is in charge of arrangements.