Drexel Jerome Smith, 86, of Mountain Grove, Missouri, passed away June 20, 2017.

He was born on Dec. 19, 1930, in North Platte to Harold and Leita (Messersmith) Smith. Drexel grew up in North Platte until he moved to Corvallis, Oregon, with his family when he was 13. He returned to North Platte four years later.

He married Ardis Jean Staples on Feb. 1, 1948. The couple lived in North Platte until January 2010 and then moved to Mountain Grove.

He was an active member of the Wesleyan Church in North Platte and became a member of the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene after moving to Mountain Grove. He was a wonderful Christian husband, father and grandfather.

He was hired by Union Pacific Railroad as a fireman oiler in 1949. He retired as a conductor in 1992.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Donlay and Gordon Smith; daughter, Kathy Boldt; and granddaughter, Carrie Elizabeth Smith.

Survivors include his wife, Jean; children, Steven Smith of Louisville, Colorado, Vicki (Steve) Thompson of Norwood, Missouri, Andy (Kathy) Smith of Sabetha, Kansas, Doug (Mary Beth) Smith of Norman, Oklahoma, and Bette (Mike) Brandewie of Corpus Christi, Texas; one sibling, Blaine (Juanita) Smith of North Platte; 15 grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Faith Community Church of the Nazarene, Mountain Grove, c/o Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home.

Services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 24, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with the Rev. Gene Edwards officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery, Mountain Grove. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove, which is in charge of arrangements.

Michael Frederick Stark, age 62, of North Platte, NE, went home to his Lord on Sunday, June 18, 2017, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Mike was born November 20, 1954, to Marvin and Joyce Stark at Sutherland, NE. He grew up on the family farm in the North Platte River Valley, north of Sutherland, and attended school in town.

Mike proudly served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. After he was honorably discharged in 1975, he returned to Sutherland and farmed with his dad until he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. Mike worked his way up to being an engineer and was awarded Engineer of the Year in 2008. After 37 years on the railroad, he retired due to illness.

Mike was an avid hunter and fisherman and in his younger days, enjoyed trapping. He adored his horses and dogs and enjoyed grilling and smoking meals for his family. He was a member of the Sutherland Presbyterian Church, V.F.W., American Legion, and a life member of the N.R.A.

On September 6, 1997, Mike was united in marriage to Cindy Cain Foster in North Platte. He always said, “I married the woman I waited my whole life for.”

Along with his wife, Cindy, of North Platte, Mike is survived by his son, Travis Stark (fiancée, Natalie Lower), of North Platte; daughters, Darcy Stark (fiancé, Julius Reed) and Courtny (Justin) Foust, of North Platte, Jennifer Stark, of Louisville, KY, and Mary Jo Stark, of Neligh, NE; stepchildren, Eric (Lindsey) Foster and Fauna Garcia, of McCook, NE; sisters, Kathy (Roy) Bailey, of Roscoe, NE, Laurie Stark (special friend, Patty Bear), of Lexington, NE; stepmother, Jean Stark, and stepsisters, Pam Wescoat and Lisa Wescoat, all of North Platte; his dogs, Angel and MOJO, and cat, Pooker; 21 grandchildren; as well as his nieces, nephews and other family.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Marvin Stark; mother, Joyce Stark; brother, Steven Dale Stark; and stepdaughter, Terra Foster.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 28, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Ned Cooper officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The family requests casual dress or camouflage (Mike’s favorite) for the service. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to H.E.X.

Catherine “Katy” Varicak, of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 20, 2017, at Great Plains Health, at the age of 86.

Katy was born September 8, 1930, to Richard Leonard and Louise Hoath (Wilson) Coad at Tullahoma, TN. She graduated from Hutchinson, KS, in 1948 then attended the University of Kansas before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Education. Katy began teaching in area schools then taught English, History and PE at North Platte High School. In 1985 she received her Master’s Degree in Administration from the University of Nebraska and served as the Lincoln County Superintendent of Schools for two terms.

On December 30, 1954, Katy was united in marriage to Emanuel “Mike” Varicak in North Platte and they eventually made their home on Sycamore Street. When Katy became a mother, she stayed home to raise the children and did substitute teaching.

Katy was a member of the Episcopal Church of Our Savior where she sang in the choir and served on the vestry. She was also a member of Alpha Phi Sorority, D.A.R., Friends of the Library, Porcelain Pals Painting Club and was a founding member of the North Platte Community Playhouse. Katy enjoyed golfing and served as the North Platte County Club’s President of the Ladies Golf Association.

Katy also liked playing cards, reading, doing crafts and taking care of her flowers. She often took walks around the neighborhood and would stop to visit with others about their gardens. Katy loved her family and her cats, and was especially proud of her grandchildren.

She leaves behind her husband, Mike, of North Platte; children, Jayne Couchois, of Granada Hills, CA, Michael (Beki) Varicak, of Virginia Beach, VA, and Will (Jackie) Varicak, of Lincoln, NE; seven grandchildren, Michael, Michaela, Elizabeth “Ellie”, Cole, Eric, Catherine and Daniel; her special cat, Koko; as well as her niece, nephews and other family.

Katy was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Louise Coad; sister, Bette Lundin; and her beloved cat, Mr. Kitty Yoda Checker “Max”.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service will be 11:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2017, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Father Jeffrey Nelson officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday 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 the Episcopal Church of Our Savior.

Michael Aaron “Mike” Diehl, 56, of Hinesville, Georgia, formerly of North Platte, passed away May 31, 2017, at his home.

Michael was born on Oct 22, 1960, in North Platte to Melvin Herbie and Doris Laverne (Fletcher) Diehl. He attended and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1979 and later went on to receive his Associate of Science degree in horticulture at the College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.

In July 1987, Mike married Debbie Wagner of North Platte and had a precious daughter, Aimee Marie Diehl, who was the light of his life.

In 1986, Mike enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his 20 years of service, he was stationed at various domestic locations as well as serving tours oversees in Korea, Bosnia, Kuwait and two tours in Iraq. He was a member of the Third Infantry Division. Mike received several prestigious individual awards including The Bronze Star, Army Service, Army Overseas Service, NATO Bosnia, Korea Defense Service, Non-commissioned Officer Professional Development, Global War on Terrorism, National Defense and too many others to list. His unit also received the Army Presidential Unit Citation. His family is very proud of him.

Mike retired from the Army having achieved the rank of sargent first class. After leaving the Army, he settled near his last duty station in Hinesville, where Aimee and grandson Hunter joined him and enriched his life. Mike relocated back to Iraq for one year, where he served as a contractor to the military. Back in Hinesville, he was employed at International Greetings USA.

Mike enjoyed riding his motorcycle and was a member of the Patriot Guard Motorcycle group. He spent much time enjoying hobbies around his house, but his most treasured time was spent with his daughter and grandson. He was looking forward to the birth of his second grandson, Sawyer, who was born June 2.

He will be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Charlene Fourtner; brother-in-law, Clancy Mullen; and a nephew, Lukis Laudenklos.

Survivors include his daughter, Aimee; two grandchildren, Hunter Aaron and Sawyer Michael, all of Hinesville; a brother, Robert (Connie Wilson) Diehl of Fort Collins, Colorado; two sisters, Lori (Ron) Fischer of Shelby and Terri Mullen of North Platte; nieces and nephews, Trish, Sarah, Shay, Whitney, Emily, Kate, Brenda and Brian; and a host of friends.

Memorials are suggested to the family and may be sent to 300 Sheila Drive, Hinesville, GA 31313.

Cremation was chosen. Services will be at a later date.

Teresa Marie Slack/Lott, 59, passed away on May 29, 2017, following a battle with cancer. Teresa died at her Broken Bow home after surgery and follow-up care.

She was born in North Platte on Dec. 22, 1957, to Kathleen Marie (Piper) Slack and Wesley J. Slack. Teresa graduated from High School at Corona, California.

She later enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in March of 1977 and served until March 29, 1988, working on computers on helicopters. While in the Air Force she married Daniel Lott who was also serving there. They were stationed at bases in Texas, California, Florida, the Dakotas and overseas in the Philippines.

Teresa got out of the Air Force in 1988 and later divorced Daniel, they had no children.

She eventually moved from Florida to Broken Bow, where she worked for BD Mfg. and also for HCL there.

Teresa was preceded in death by her younger sister, Suzanne; father, Wesley J. Slack; grandparents, Stuart and Frances Piper and Everet and Dorothy Slack; and several aunts and uncles.

She is survived by her mother, Kathleen Slack; aunt, Joanne Bollish; uncle, Don (Gloria) Piper, all of North Platte; and aunt, Susan Piper of Florida. Teresa is also survived by many loving and caring cousins and their families. She also had many special friends: Alex and Luciana Hautequeste, Joann Still, Carolyn Mohler and others.

Her loving and caring pet cat, Merlin, followed her into death.

Teresa will be remembered for loving and caring for her mother. She was also very talented in creating various crafts and spent many hours at it. May she rest in peace.

In lieu of flowers, a service memorial has been established.

Burial will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 23, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Govier Brothers Mortuary, Broken Bow, is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Ole Inslee, M.D., 86, of Midlothian, passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Nov. 13, 2016.

Dr. Inslee was a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed in Germany prior to entering private practice in Gothenburg in 1960. Before retiring, Dr. Inslee served as medical supervisor at DuPont from 1973-94.

As part of his lifelong dedication to the service of others, Dr. Inslee was a Master Mason in Samaritan Lodge No. 158 in Chadron, for more than 60 years. He was a man of many talents, an artist, a sculptor, and someone who could build anything.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Florence Oltmer Inslee and his parents, Gerald and Edith Inslee.

He is survived by his four children, Christian, Thomas, Marianna, and Claudine; and two grandchildren, Daniel and Cara.

He will be greatly missed.

Services will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, June 23, at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad. Private inurnment at Cozad Cemetery will follow the service.