Ruth A. Loving, age 84, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home surround by her family on Thursday, May 25, 2017.

Ruth was born June 16, 1932, in Chicago, IL, to Cora Ann Smith. Ruth grew up and attended school in Chicago then was united in marriage to George Edgar Loving on October 16, 1948, in Crown Point, IN. They were married for over 46 years when George passed away in 1995.

The Loving family eventually moved to North Platte in 1964. Ruth stayed busy at home raising 10 children. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother. Then as the kids grew up, she became a grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother, which she loved! Ruth also enjoyed gardening, crocheting and sewing and was famous for her homemade rolls.

She leaves behind her children, Dianna Emerson, Anne Loving, Hazel (Daniel) Perez, Harold (Barbara) Loving, and Robin (Mary Beth) Loving, all of North Platte, Johnnie Loving, of Omaha, NE, Nicci Loving (Rick Stroemer), of Kansas City, MO, and Mike (Juley) Loving, of Deltona, FL; daughter-in-law, Victoria Loving, of North Platte; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; honorary granddaughter, Julie Cassell; her siblings, Louise, Marie, Alice, Vera, Virginia, Deloris and Joe; as well as numerous other family members.

Along with her husband, George, Ruth was preceded in death by their children, George, Jr. and Bonnie Murphy; son-in-law, Clifford Emerson; her mother, Cora Smith; and siblings, William, Walter, Kathleen and George “Pat”.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Bridge of Hope or Guardians of the Children in lieu of flowers.

Merle C. Bargmann, 85, of North Platte, passed away peacefully May 24, 2017, at Linden Court.

He was born on the family farm near Bancroft, Nebraska on January 23, 1932 to Harry and Lida (Beal) Bargmann.  They lived on the farm until 1937 when they moved into the town of Bancroft. At the age of 4, he began to follow his older brother, Lorne, to school. The teacher decided since he was there every day, he should begin his education. In high school, he participated in football and basketball and graduated in 1949. After various jobs, he began his career with the Nebraska Department of Roads in April of 1951. He worked in various places throughout the state until he was drafted in 1952, and entered the Army in January 1953. He attended basic training at Camp Polk, Lousiana. He served 17 months in Camp Saalfelden, located in the Austrian Alps. He was discharged in December of 1954. In January 1955, he married Marilyn M. Senden. They were blessed with three children. Merle resumed work with the Nebraska Department of Roads in the fall of 1955, where he worked out of Dist. 6, until retiring in February of 1997. He loved gardening, was an avid reader and especially loved hunting ducks at the Sutherland Reservoir with his good friends Earl and Sam. Merle had a love for life with a dry witty sense of humor. He was respected and well liked by friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Merle was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Lorne and Arlan and a granddaughter, Jill.

He is survived by sons, Michael (Angie) Bargmann, Dennis Bargmann and daughter Beth Bargmann, all of North Platte; grandchildren Heidi (Josh) Gregg of York, Nebraska, Tracy (Kaily) Bargmann, Eric Bargmann, all of North Platte; Nathan (Stephanie) Bargmann of Soiux Falls, South Dakota; and great grandchildren, Kayley and Landen Gregg, Elyn and Alex Bargmann, Kayleb and Hallie of Sioux Falls, South Dakota and expected great granddaughter Rileigh  Bargmann of North Platte.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude’s.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Pierce officiating.  Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

 

Alyce Colleen Milleson, age 69 of North Platte, passed away May 26, 2017 at her home in North Platte.

Colleen was born on July 9, 1947 to Donald Milford and Betty Jane (Brown) Empfield.  She worked at Valley Vet Clinic for over 30 years.  Her greatest mentor in life was Dr. Ruth S. Kamino, with whom she worked beside at Valley Vet Clinic.  After retiring from Valley Vet, Colleen painted so she could travel with her daughters for sports, and worked in the cosmetics department at Wal-Mart after her girls went to college.

Colleen married William J. Milleson in 1984.  The couple raised three children together in North Platte.  During her life, Colleen enjoyed antique shopping, playing slot machines, and caring for animals.  Colleen’s love for animals was passed on to her three children.

Colleen is survived by her husband Bill;  her three children, son Josh Empfield, wife Jennifer, and grandson Liev of North Platte, daughter Kylie Bett, husband Daniel Ilten, and granddaughter Kynzlie Bett of Phillips, NE, and Kellie Ann Milleson of Lincoln, NE.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Ron Empfield; and very dear friend, Diana Farrell.  After Diana’s passing, Colleen became close to Diana’s sister Judy and brother-in-law Lloyd Wagner of Arizona.

Memorials are suggested to Pawsitive Partners and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday May 30, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday May 29, 2017 with the family receiving friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Dennis P. Fitzpatrick passed away peacefully to eternal life in Sun City West, AZ on May 13, 2017 with his wife of 43 years by his side. He bravely endured many medical tribulations with courage and dignity.

Denny was born in North Platte, NE on December 11, 1941. He attended St. Patrick’s schools, graduating with the class of 1960. In his young years he was a Golden Gloves Boxer and was runner up at the National Finals in Chicago Illinois.  He enjoyed his friends and had many adventures to share.  Following High School graduation he enlisted in the US Navy and was stationed in San Diego, CA, Great Lakes, IL, and Kansas City, KS.  He married Beth Henningsen (Boyle) in 1960 and they had three children: Kathleen (Fitzpatrick) Mercure, Dennis P. Fitzpatrick Jr. and Matthew S. Fitzpatrick. He married Kay (Gilster) Fitzpatrick in 1974 and her three daughters, Kristy, Vangi and Jodi Lindstedt joined his family.

He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University, College of Animal Science in 1972, where he teamed with pioneers developing the science of Artificial Insemination in cattle.  He worked for Boyle Ranch Company in Hershey, NE for many years.  He loved the cowboy life and treasured many happy memories from those times.  His lifelong career was with the Union Pacific Railroad, in North Platte, Cheyenne WY, Grand Island NE, and Ogden UT. He served in many roles, including Switchman, Brakeman, Conductor, and Engineer.  Prior to the mudslides in Utah he served as a UPRR Officer with duties as a Trainmaster, retiring in 1993.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Evelyn Fitzpatrick, his brothers Jim Fitzpatrick and Mike Fitzpatrick, daughter Jodi Lindstedt and his brother- in- law Matt Boyle.

Survivors include his wife, Kay Fitzpatrick of Sun City West AZ,  his brother Tony (Sarah) Fitzpatrick of North Platte, his sons Denny Fitzpatrick of  Fort Collins CO and Matt Fitzpatrick of Johnstown CO, daughter Kathy Mercure and her sons, Sam Mercure and Jordan Mercure, all of Fort Collins CO.  Also happy to have shared his life are his daughters Kristy (Mark) Anthony and sons Cpl. Bryar (Karen) Anthony of Camp LeJeune, NC and Tyler Anthony of North Platte, Vangi (Jonathon) Stewart of Bar Harbor Maine and sons Taylor Stewart and Dakota Stewart, his brothers-in- law Bob (Carol) Henningsen of North Platte and Jerome (Kathy) Boyle of Omaha, sisters- in- law Erin (Steve) Dent of Mullen, Kathie Fitzpatrick of Papillion, NE, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Denny’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday June 9, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.  He will then be laid to rest at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  All friends and family are invited to attend a lunch gathering at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall.  On-line condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Cathy Sue Pullen Wittie, 59, of Stephenville, Texas, loving wife, mother and friend, passed into heaven May 17, 2017, following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Cathy was born in North Platte on Oct. 10, 1957, to Edward and Delores Pullen. She earned her Bachelors and Masters in early childhood education from the University of Nebraska.

She married Roger Wittie on Sept. 22, 1984, in North Platte. Cathy spent more than 30 years as an elementary teacher in Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas. She retired from teaching in December 2015.

She was an avid and excellent cook, enjoyed her gardens, loved to read and cherished time with family and friends.

Survivors include her husband, Roger of Stephenville; mother, Delores Bjerrum Pullen of Mission, Texas; children, Casey, Jared and Dayla Wittie, all of Austin, Texas; sister, Pam (Russ) Anthony of Fort Collins, Colorado; brother, Marty (Margaret) Pullen of North Platte; and sister, Mary Ann (Scott) Nielsen of Grand Island.

In lieu of flowers, book donations are suggested to the Central Elementary Library in Stephenville, Texas, or donations to a favorite charity. Online condolences may be shared at lacyfuneral.com.

Cathy’s wishes were to be cremated with her remains returned to Nebraska. A private, family service will be scheduled sometime this summer. Lacy Funeral Home, Stephenville, is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Leo Warfield entered the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ May 13, 2017, at Novant Health Matthews Medical Center in Matthews, North Carolina.

Jerry was born on Jan. 27, 1929, to Alpha and Irene Warfield in Bartley. He graduated from Bartley High School. Jerry married his wife, Glema Maye Winters, on June 26, 1953, and was married for 45 years before her passing.

He worked 26 years at United Telephone Service (Sprint) in Scottsbluff. He also managed mobile home parks in Scottsbluff and North Platte. He and his wife were active at Bethel Baptist Church in Scottsbluff and Calvary Baptist Church in North Platte, where Jerry sang in many choirs, sang solos, directed congregational singing and taught Sunday school for many years. He taught himself to play 18 musical instruments, sang in a barber shop group, was a ham radio operator (KODFO), played pool and was always sharing jokes and laughs with others. Jerry and Glema ministered to nursing home residents in North Platte for several years.

He moved to Matthews, North Carolina, in 2014 near his daughter, Jenny. There he enjoyed playing bingo, sharing a “Howdy Doody” with his many friends and staff at Carrington Place Living Center and eating at Captain D’s with his sons.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Chester; wife, Glema; and daughter-in-law, Angee (Joe) Warfield.

He is survived by his sons, Ron of Newport News, Virginia, Joe (Kathy) of Oklahoma City, Jeff (Sandra) of Scottsbluff and Jay (Colleen) of Raleigh, North Carolina; daughter, Jenny (John) of Matthews, North Carolina; six grandchildren, Nate (Melissa) Haines, Bethany, Anna and Sarah Haines, Brian (Misty) Warfield and Alicia Thompson; and seven great-grandchildren, Noah, Carter and Harrison Warfield, Josiah, Esther and Caleb Thompson and Adelaide Haines.

Memorials are suggested to Bethel Baptist Church. Online condolences may be shared at jolliffefuneralhome.com.

Services will be at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 25, at Bethel Baptist Church in Scottsbluff with the Revs. Brandon Yuill and Doug Lee officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the church. Jolliffe Funeral Home, Scottsbluff, is in charge of arrangements.

 

Merle C. Bargmann, 85, of North Platte, passed away May 24, 2017 at Linden Court.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude’s.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Pierce officiating.  Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Elsie Faye Cornelius, of North Platte, passed away at the age of 81, on Thursday, May 18, 2017, at Great Plains Health.

Faye was born April 23, 1936, to Arvol and Edith Fay Young Dresden in Mountain Home, Arkansas, then the family moved to Nebraska. Faye grew up in North Platte and later moved to Grand Island.

On March 5, 1974, Faye was united in marriage to Benjamin Earl Cornelius in Hastings, NE, and they made their home in Grand Island. She was a baby-sitter for several years before going to work for K-Mart and eventually retiring. Faye and Ben were married for over 41 years when he passed away in 2015. She then returned to North Platte to be closer to her son.

Faye enjoyed sewing, gardening and cooking. She especially loved her grandkids and great-grandkids.

She is survived by her son, Marvin Broeder, of Hershey, NE (special friend, Gay Lynn Brown); daughter, Debra (Tim) Mason, of Grand Junction, CO; stepdaughter, Jan (Rick) Pelland, of Grand Island; 10 grandchildren, Patricia Broeder, Taila Cochren, Kendra Grove, Alisha Mason, Jeremy (Tawnia) Mason, Joshua (Julia) Mason, Laura Kelsay, Matt (Kerri) Kelsay, Eric Pelland and Erin (Darsha) Pelland; nine great-grandchildren; brother, Julian Ray Young; sister, Connie Gibson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with her husband, Ben, Faye was preceded in death by her parents, Arvol and Edith Dresden.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 30, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. A private family burial for Faye and Ben will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are to the Nebraska Kidney Association.