Robert Franklin Kramer, age 85 of Stapleton, passed away Tuesday March 7, 2017 in Lincoln, NE.

Robert was born on September 21, 1931 in rural Logan County near Stapleton, NE to Franklin J. and Ethel T. (Gill) Kramer.  He served in the Army from September 1953 until September 1955, during the Korean Era, serving at Ft. Lewis, WA.  He was the honor graduate of his army intensive training class.  After his discharge from the army he married Hazel Small on November 12, 1955 in Tryon and to this union 6 children were born, Danny, Aneta, Alvin, Rolland, Arthur, and Marie.  In 1957 the family moved to the school section 4 miles southwest of Stapleton and this is where he raised his family.  After Hazel’s death in December 1992, he married Doris Paul on August 11, 2000 and the family grew by four children.  In his younger years he was the family mechanic.  Everyone called on Robert to work on their tractors.  He farmed in the Stapleton area all of his life.  He was very active in the American Legion.  He helped remodel the current Vet’s Club in 1974.  Robert enjoyed western movies, John Wayne movies in particular, playing cards, fishing, hunting and dancing ~ he met both of his wives on the dance floor.

Robert is survived by his sons Danny (Kristy) Kramer of Stapleton, Alvin (Peggy) Kramer of West Point, NE, Rolland (Jan) Kramer of North Platte, and Arthur (Becky) Kramer of Stapleton; daughter Marie (Layne) Pyzer of North Platte; additional children Brenda Paul of MD, Peggy (Mike) Fox of North Platte, Steven (Alice) Paul of North Platte and Darwin Paul of Denver, CO; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; siblings MaryAnn (Ben) Fox, Audrey (Bob) Magnuson, Richard (Karen) Kramer, Kenneth D. (Peggy) Kramer; sisters-in-law Louise Kramer and Deb Kramer; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wives Hazel and Doris; daughter Aneta Engel; granddaughter Elizabeth Thompson; and siblings George (Darleen) Kramer, Edna (Leroy) Griffiths, Raymond Kramer, Joseph Kramer and Alta Faye Kramer.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Post 324 and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be held 5:00 p.m. Sunday March 12, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday March 13, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Reverend James Novakowski as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at St. John’s Cemetery in Stapleton with military honors.  Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 8:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Chet Binegar, Jr., 83, of Sutherland, NE, passed away March 6, 2017 in Sutherland.  He was born to Chet Binegar, Sr. and Georgia (Kindscher) Binegar on August 2, 1933, in Sutherland, NE.  He graduated from Sutherland High School in 1951 and his entire life was spent in the Sutherland community.  In high school he was a member of the FFA and earned the State Farmers degree.  Chet began farming at an early age and was dedicated to agricultural advancement and to raising crops and cattle.  In 1956 he entered the United States Army, spending most of his time in West Germany.  In October 1955, he married Phyllis Robb and to this union 2 children were born, Kenneth and Marlene.  Marlene was born on his 24^th birthday while stationed in Germany.  After purchasing a farm northwest of Sutherland he married Wanda Baker on August 22, 1964.

Chet was a lifetime member of the Sutherland United Methodist Church, a member of the Sandhill Campers and Wagon Wheel Sams camping clubs, a long time member of Lincoln County Farm Bureau and a past member of the Buffalo Bill Corral of Westerners #37.

Chet is survived by his wife, Wanda Baker; children, Steven W. Binegar, Kenneth (Suihua) Binegar, Marlene Crosier, Rodney (Debbie) Binegar, and Pamela (Rick) Jablonski; sisters, Alice Hanson, and Marie (Joe) Chocole; grandchildren, Desiree Blanchard, Heather Blanchard, Nikki Blanchard, Abbey Binegar, and Tucker Binegar; great-grandchildren, Deveraux, Ameachie, Tahmoni, Jahilya, and Aracelli.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial is suggested to Maxine White Public Library in Sutherland.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 11^th, at the Sutherland United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating.  Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland with military honors.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 10^th at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Edward Lee Greenwood, age 61, passed away Monday, March 6, 2017 peacefully at his home in North Platte, NE.  Ed was born on January 21, 1956 in North Platte, NE. to Lawrence W. and Dixie R. (Jennings) Greenwood.  He attended McDaid Elementary and graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1974.  He and Jana Johnson wed on May 2, 1981 and were happily married for 35 years.

Ed worked for the phone company for 35 years, starting out as a lineman, moving up to installation and repair, and ending as a North Platte branch construction manager.  He graduated with honors and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2002.  He worked at Bain Appraisal for a short period of time before serving as Director of the North Platte Housing Authority from 2009 to 2013.

Retired from the workforce, Ed enjoyed spending his days at his Martin Bay cabin with his wife, his family, friends, and his community of surrounding neighbors.  Often, Ed would enjoy his time there unaccompanied, fond of quiet, his love of nature, and his “lake tunes.”  Ed was a skilled handyman, and able to teach himself how to fix or build just about anything.  He always had projects going.  Ed was a prolific writer; he enjoyed writing poetry and prose for loved ones, and for twenty years, looked forward to writing the annual Greenwood Christmas letter.  Ed loved music, and loved putting photos and videos together with great music in celebration of family and friends.  He was an avid Cornhusker fan and enjoyed Nebraska football and basketball.  Ed was a humble man with a great sense of humor about himself and life.  Ed valued the small things, and made it a point to be in tune with the beauty and simple joys that life had to offer.  He was a family man, a devoted son, husband, and father.

Ed is survived by his wife, Jana of North Platte; his three children, Allison (Kevin) Mattern of Lincoln, Adam (Rachael) Greenwood of North Platte, and Jordan Greenwood of Omaha; his mother, Dixie Greenwood of North Platte; his siblings, Chris (Mike) Johnson of Highlands Ranch, CO, Dan (Ann) Greenwood of Arvada, CO, Robyn (Jeff) O’Connor, Raegan (Mark) Skillstad all of North Platte; many nieces and nephews; his uncle, Ralph Jennings; aunt, Mary Ann Lockwood; and numerous cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Larry Greenwood; grandparents; and many other aunts and uncles.

Memorials will be determined at a later time.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 10^th at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant.  A celebration of Ed’s life will be held later that same day, from 6-12 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Express.  All are welcome to attend.  Cremation was chosen.  Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. today and Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Paul Allen Jeske, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Friday, March 3, 2017, at the age of 86.

Paul was born September 19, 1930, to Jesse Royal and Alice Burton Jeske at Alliance, NE. The family lived on a ranch by Bingham, NE, until they moved to Texas when Paul was nine. He graduated from San Juan Pharr Alamo High School and later joined the U.S. Navy.

Following his discharge in 1950, Paul returned to Texas. He was employed by Proctor & Gamble and had to travel to various states for his work. He later became an inspector for the Beech Craft Company then worked for his uncle’s ranch and several other ranches in Nebraska. By 1968 Paul got a job with the Nebraska Game Commission at Lewellen, NE, then transferred to North Platte the following year and eventually retired.

On May 19, 1955, Paul was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Frost at Alliance and the couple raised four children. Paul was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was also a Master Woodcarver and member of the North Platte Woodcarvers. He had won many awards for his work and had his own business, Jeske Woodcraft. Paul enjoyed being a part of the Nebraska Traveling Art Exhibit for several years and the Nebraskaland Woodcarving Show for 14 years.

Along with woodcarving, Paul enjoyed hunting and fishing, and was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. He will be greatly missed.

Paul is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Shirley, of North Platte; children, Stephen (Judy) Jeske, of Bonners Ferry, ID, Paula (Kurt) England, of La Junta, CO, Lynnette (Dave) Prowett, of Gillette, WY, and Rhonda (Mark) Foglesong, of Hershey, NE; 12 grandchildren, Holly, Heidi, Damon, Mandy, Julie, Jesse, Michele, Stephanie, Amber, Robert, Amanda and Melissa; 26 great-grandchildren; his brother, Dale Jeske, of Lakeside, NE; brothers-in-law, Franklin McClellen, of Donna, TX, and Jerry Ledbetter, of Texas; sister-in-law, Delores Jeske, of Texas; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family and his friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Alice; brother, Glen Jeske; sisters, Mary Joyce McClellen and Jayne Ledbetter; and sister-in-law, Janet Jeske.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, March 9, 2017, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Pastor Robert Wiest officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Hadley Barrett, 87, of Kersey, Colorado, passed away March 2, 2017, in Aurora, Colorado.

He was born to CJ and Mattie (Hill) Barrett in North Platte on Sept. 18, 1929.

Hadley started his rodeo career in the early 1950s. In the early days, Hadley would ride bulls and bareback horses, fill in for the announcer then set up and play the rodeo dance all night long. Hadley and his band “Hadley Barrett and the Westerners” played music for 34 years. They were inducted into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame and even featured in the Smithsonian.

Hadley continued to play in his band while his announcing career grew around the Nebraska rodeo circuit in the early ’60s. Once the Buffalo Bill Rodeo, the Beutler family and other rodeo professionals heard about Barrett, it wasn’t long before professional rodeo came calling.

A PRCA member since 1965, Barrett had announced all the big rodeos and a great number of the smaller ones across the country.

Barrett was named PRCA Announcer of the Year in 1983, 1985, 1989 and 2002. He worked five National Finals Rodeos (1968, 1976, 1979, 1983 and 2008) and the 1967 National Finals Steer Roping. He called the action at the Canadian Finals Rodeo seven times.

He had worked as an NFR television announcer since 1980.

He was among the first to announce while on horseback and had always been credited with an honest approach to arena accidents and mishaps.

A legend is a word that comes to mind for many to describe Hadley — a hero, a friend, the voice of rodeo and so many more.

Barrett’s legacy is his willingness to share his talent and experience with others. He was known for taking rookie announcers under his wing and sharing hard-earned information.

For 200-plus days of the year, Hadley was out doing what he loved: bringing the rodeo cowboys and cowgirls to life for the fans. Hadley described the action in the arena with his golden voice. He knew every horse and bull and every cowboy and cowgirl. Hadley painted pictures with his words that we all could see. We hung on to every word. We all felt like we knew each and every rodeo athlete that Hadley spoke about on a personal level. We all felt like part of the family.

There are few people in the world of rodeo, inside or outside of the arena, more recognizable and respected than Hadley Barrett.

Hadley reached fans out on the road through radio, movies and TV. Hadley shared his colorful and entertaining world of rodeo with millions of fans across the world. He once said, “I guess you are a cross-section between a sports reporter, master of ceremonies and, in some cases, a stand-up comedienne and entertainer.”

Hadley never met a stranger. When he saw you, he made you feel special — like you were the superstar. He said, “I don’t think the fans will ever know how important they are to rodeo, and I don’t think they will ever know how important they are to me.”

Hadley was proceeded in death by his parents and siblings, Wilma Loftus, Moreen Van Buren, Milli Ulmer, and Mike and Jay Barrett.

Hadley is survived by his wife, Leeana (Lee); children, Trent (Rebecca) Barrett, Michelle (Randy) Corley, Kimberly Jurgens, Travas (Alaina) Brenner, Katie Brenner, Taleah Barrett; brother, Bob Barrett; 17 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family through First National Bank in Kersey, Colorado. Online condolences may be shared at ncccremation.com.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, March 6, at the Budweiser Event Center in Loveland, Colorado. Northern Colorado Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

Jack Edwin Creel, age 87 of North Platte, went to meet his beloved wife in paradise on Thursday March 2, 2017.

Jack was born October 6, 1929 in Sour Lake, TX to Benjamin J. and Effie G. (Hardie) Creel.  He enlisted in the US Navy at 19 years old and was very proud of his service.  He served from 1948 to 1952, in Navy Occupation, China Service, and the Korean Service.  He served aboard the USS Antietam CV-36, USS Valley Forge CV-45, and USS Block Island CVE-109.  With that service he was awarded the 4 Star UN Medal along with a Good Conduct Medal.  Upon his discharge in San Francisco, CA he met his future wife, Mary Ernestine Miles in Oakland, CA.  They married on August 31, 1952.  He settled in North Platte with his new wife and started working for the Union Pacific Railroad, only starting his own business, Creel Auto Electric, when laid off.  When called back, he returned to the railroad as an I.B.E.W. electrician, retiring after 27 years.  Jack was a Texan to the end with a friendly nature and a Texas twang.  He was loved by all his family and he knew it.  He was a wonderful husband, father and grandpa who will be greatly missed.

Jack is survived by his son James Newport Creel of North Platte; daughters Carol Ann McKain of North Platte, Julie Perez of North Platte, and Ann Marie Richardson of Kearney; 15 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren with one coming in September; his first cousin and best friend Alton (Bo) Jordon of Kountze, TX; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins in TX, AK, LA and CA; as well as many other extended relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary Ernestine Creel; parents Ben J. and Effie Creel; parents-in-law Ernest and Mary I. (McNeel) Miles; grandson Luke McKain; great granddaughter Elli Perez; brother and sister-in-law Franklin H. and Helen Creel; sisters Clara Ann Fee, Mary Francis Cook, brothers and sisters-in-law Terry and Peggy Miles, Richard and Virginia Diener, and nephews Mick and Thomas Diener.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 12:30 p.m. Monday March 13, 2017, followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 1:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend C.P. Varghese as Celebrant.  Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday, March 9^th and 10^th, at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

John “Jack” James Thalken, age 91, of North Platte passed away February 28, 2017 at Great Plains Health.

Jack was born on December 27, 1925 in Laramie, WY to George and Catherine (Welsh) Thalken.  At an early age, the family moved to North Platte, NE.  Jack attended McDaid Elementary and St. Patrick’s High School, graduating with the class of 1945.  He entered the Army after graduation and was discharged as Cpl. in 1946.  In November 1946 he began working at the First National Bank, retiring in 1991 after 44 years.

In April 1947 Jack married Betty Hoefer, his high school sweetheart.  They celebrated almost 70 years of married life.  He belonged to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Knights of Columbus Council 1211 as a 3^rd and 4^th Degree and also the American Legion.  He volunteered with the Lincoln County Historical Museum, RSVP, and AARP.  He was instrumental in obtaining the steam locomotive 3977 and Centennial locomotive 6922 in Cody Park.

Survivors include his wife, Betty; sons, Stephen (Debra) Thalken of Peoria, AZ, and David (Bette) Thalken of Granbury, TX; daughters, Cindy (Bill) Mills, of North Platte, Patricia (Phil) Bahl of Omaha, Mary (Blake) Gigax of Hayes Center, and Diana (Terry) McCarty of North Platte; 19 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; sister Ruth Hastings; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Eileen and Ceclia; and brother George.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Schools and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2017 with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant.  Inurnment will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 8, 2017 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 p.m. Monday, March 6, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.