Earle Dean Abels, 69, formerly of Lincoln, passed away Jan. 23, 2017, at the Sutherland Care Center. He had a good life and died way too young after a long illness with Huntington’s disease.

Earle was born on Oct. 11, 1947, to Arnold Gerhardt and Emma Marie Myers Abels in Ogallala, where he grew up. Earle attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School through the eighth grade, then went on and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1965. While in high school, he earned letter awards in sports, participated in the band and played Legion baseball.

Earle then went on to study music at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln from 1965-70 and was in the Alpha Kappa Lambda fraternity. During his college days, Earle had many parts in various musicals and operas, but his fondest memories were with the Wesleyan Band. The band played for Richard Nixon’s 1969 Presidential Inauguration in Washington, D.C., and in a half-time show for the Chicago Bears.

On June 13, 1971, Earle was united in marriage to Patricia Ann Agler at the First Lutheran Church in North Platte, and they made their home in the Lincoln area.

Earle was the restaurant and bar manager of the Clayton House in both Lincoln and Des Moines, Iowa, from 1971-75. He then hired on with the Burlington Northern Railroad in 1976. After two years he went into partnership with Larsco Construction from 1978-89. The company, a remodeling and construction business, was responsible for remodeling the “Castle,” a 98-year-old historical mansion, as well as Tony and Luigi’s, an old-time favorite restaurant, both in Lincoln. By 1989, Earle went to work for the Lancaster County Urban Development Department and was there for 20 years until he had to stop due to his illness.

Earle and Pat had lived on their beloved acreage in Malcolm for 33 years. Working outside and planting trees and large gardens, along with mowing, kept Earle busy. He loved horse racing, music and running, and did a few marathons in Lincoln and Omaha.

Earle also loved football, whether it was Nebraska football or NFL (the Green Bay Packers was his favorite team), and he was an avid baseball fan. After Joba Chamberlain became a Yankee, the New York Yankees became his favorite team.

Earle and Pat had no children, but he loved his nieces and nephews and was close to his family.

In 2001, they had joined St. Paul’s Methodist Church in Lincoln, then transferred in 2009 to the First United Methodist Church in North Platte. Earle was a man of faith and now suffers no more. He was ready to meet his Lord and be at peace in Heaven.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arnold and Emma Abels; baby sister, Darlene; and in-laws, Daniel and Beverly Agler.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Pat of North Platte; his sister, Carolyn Pierce, and brother, Larry Abels, both of Lincoln; brothers-in-law, Dan (Mary) Agler and Jim (Mary Ann) Agler of North Platte, Jeff Agler of Lincoln and John (Cindy) Agler of Harrisonburg, Virgina; nieces, Michelle Pierce, Angie (Steve) Nelson, Maggie (Brad) Moss, Lisa (Chris) Payne and Sara MacKenzie Wagner; nephews, Corey Abels, Jason (Michelle) Abels, Kyle Pierce, Chad Pierce, Dan (Megan) Helberg, Joseph (Tiffany) Agler, Robert Agler and Chadwick (Kellie) Mackenzie; eight great-nieces; 11 great-nephews; three great-great-nieces; two great-great-nephews; as well as other family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Huntington’s Disease Association of America, Paws-itive Partners or First United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Services will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will follow at 11:30 a.m. (CT) at the Ogallala Cemetery. The casket will be closed. The memorial book may be signed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.

Antonia “Toni” Lee Vega, 61, of Omaha, passed away Jan. 21, 2017, at Methodist Hospital.

She was born on April 4, 1955, in Sutherland, the daughter of the late Florencio and Lusina Martinez. She went to high school at Hershey High School and graduated in 1973. She continued onto college for banking and collections completed in the early 90s.

Toni was married in 1989 to her best friend, Ruben Vega. She loved cooking and baking and spending time with her grandkids. She suffered her first stroke in 2008 and focused her attention on her faith, family and health.

She is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Ruben; two daughters, Lusina “Cina” (Mike) Kavan and Andrea (Andy Hobus) Winters, both of Omaha, Anthony (Jennee) Vega of Portland, Oregon, Theresa (Phillip) Silos and Jessica (Mike) Carel; five brothers, Willie (Ruth) Martinez, Leon Martinez, Terry (Vera) Martinez, Pete (Dora) Martinez, Jerry Martinez; three sisters; Mary Lou (John) Green, Rosemary Martinez, Mary Isabel Martinez; grandchildren, Zachary Kavan, Alexis Kavan, Autumn Hobus, Cruz Vega, Austin, Kaitlyn, Nicholas and Jacoby Carel and Danielle, Erica and Zac Silos.

Memorials are suggested to the Migraine Research Foundation. Online condolences may be shared at reichmuthfuneralhomes.com.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 27, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Omaha. There will be a private inurnment. Visitation will be from noon to 7 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 5-7 p.m., on Thursday, Jan. 26. A wake service will follow at 7 p.m. All are at Reichmuth Funeral Homes, Elkhorn, which is in charge of arrangements.

Amanda L. Contreras, age 93 of North Platte, passed away at North Platte Care Center on Wednesday January 18, 2017.

Amanda was born on July 30, 1923 in Broken Bow, NE to Seo C. and Jessie May (Bates) Tappan.  She grew up and attended school in Gandy, NE.  She married Phillip Contreras in Lexington NE and to this union 5 children were born.  She worked as a waitress and hostess at the Pawnee Hotel until becoming a stay at home mom.  Her husband, children, and grandchildren remained the most important things in her life and she always had time for her family.  She loved her flower garden, sewing, baking and decorating wedding and birthday cakes for family and friends, counted cross stitch, playing skip-bo, traveling including their trips around the world to Norway, Bahamas, Sweden, Greece, Africa, and cruises to Alaska and Caribbean, she loved giving gifts on all occasions and holidays, had an angel collection, and helping people whenever she saw a need.  She was a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church for 60 years and was active as a greeter and deaconess.  Her favorite time of the year was Christmas, with family close, and an opportunity to bake everyone’s favorites, and giving gifts she knew the recipients would love.

Amanda is survived by her husband Phillip G. Contreras of North Platte; children Sharon (Jim) Ruffing of North Platte, Phyllis Contreras of North Platte, Phillip (Jennifer) Contreras Jr. of North Platte, Andrea Contreras of Lincoln, and Stephanie (Ed) Contreras-Tucker of North Platte; 7 grandchildren Kimberly Contreras, Shelly Patzer, Brad Contreras, Greg Contreras, Seth Pflaster, Nick Pflaster, and Max Contreras; as well as numerous other family members, church family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and 3 sisters Emma (Jerry) Yoder, Idella (Chris) Nielson, and Iola (Jack) McCuiston.

Memorials are suggested to Amazing Facts Evangelism and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Friday January 27, 2017 at the Seventh Day Adventist Church with Reverend Joseph Carty officiating.  Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday January 25 and 26 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Theresa Jean Kesterson, age 87, of North Platte, NE, passed away Saturday, January 21, 2017, at Great Plains Health.

Theresa was born September 24, 1929, to Ervin Earl and Marguerite Anna Wendeborn Vencill at North Platte where she grew up and later graduated from North Platte High School in 1947.

On September 21, 1947, Theresa was united in marriage to Junior Arthur Kesterson at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte. The couple made their home in North Platte where they raised their daughter, Judy, and were longtime members of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. Theresa had worked as a bookkeeper for several local businesses including Walt Nielsen Chevrolet and the Conoco Bulk Plant.

Theresa and Art enjoyed riding the motorcycle together, camping and spending time at their cabin at Lake Maloney. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandkids.

Theresa leaves behind her husband, Art, of North Platte; daughter, Judy (Bill) Frazier, of Marion, IA; two grandchildren, Tracy (Chad) Criswell and Ann (Adam) Rohret, all of Altoona, IA; five great-grandkids, Noah, Alexandra, Arthur and Charlotte Criswell and Adalynn Rohret; brother-in-law, George McCammon, of North Platte; a niece and nephew; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Marguerite Vencill; sister Cleda Dowhower McCammon; brother-in-law, Wayne Dowhower; and great-grandson, Jacob Criswell.

Cremation was chosen and services will be at a later date. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the Donor’s Choice.

Donna Louise Bryant, age 85, formerly of Paxton, passed away January 18, 2017 at the McKee Medical Center in Loveland, CO.

Donna was born on March 9, 1931 in Paxton, NE to John Ray “Jack” and Opal Mae (Beveridge) Dinnel.  She graduated from Paxton High School in 1948.  On July 31, 1948 she married Rolley “Rod” Bryant in Alma, CO and to this union three children were born, Rick, Diane and Christy.  Donna enjoyed cooking and decorated beautiful cakes using her “secret” recipe.  She loved her daschund dogs, her flower beds and enjoyed designing them in the winter months.

Donna is survived by her children Rick (Diane) Bryant of Wallace, Diane Stubbs of Drake, CO and Christy (Chris) Lyons of Aurora, TX; 7 grandchildren Shawna Keeler, Angela Mortenson, Kelly Holt, Jesse Stubbs, Cody Bryant, Zac Bryant and Jeremy Stubbs; 6 great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Rod in 1996; and brothers Jack and Tom Dinnel.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday April 1, 2017 at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with Pastor Bob Witt officiating.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Varney Daryl “Butch” Bancroft, age 75 of Vermillion, SD passed away Thursday January 19, 2017 in McCook, NE.

Butch was born on May 3, 1941 in Redfield, SD to Leonard and Genevieve (Bennett) Bancroft.  He grew up in Burke, SD and graduated from Burke High School with the class of 1960.  He married Karolee Gatson on June 10, 1962.  He served in the US Marine Corp from 1965 until 1968, serving in Vietnam.  After his discharge, he worked for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company (which later became AT & T) for over 40 years.  After leaving AT & T, he opened T.D.C. where he worked on phone systems in South Dakota.  He enjoyed hunting and was very artistic with his drawings and making wooden houses.  He loved his family, especially his children and grandchildren.  He was much loved by his family and will be greatly missed.

Varney is survived by his wife Karolee of North Platte; daughters Kori Simonson of North Platte and Kara Bancroft of Sidney; 5 grandchildren, Brett Bancroft, Kira Westman, Tate Simonson, Elizabeth Westman and Kevin Westman; siblings Marilyn (Chuck) Clanton, Larry Bancroft, and Ronald Bancroft all of Rapid City, SD; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Sharon Bell.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  He will be laid to rest at Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD at a later date.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

Wesley C. McCaslin, 85, of North Platte, formerly of Hershey, passed away Jan. 18, 2017 at North Platte Care Center.

He was born August 12, 1931 on the Sunny Slope Ranch south of Broken Bow, the fourth child of James Wesley and Evelyn Emma (Clay) McCaslin. Curt started school at the Dry Valley School and graduated from Broken Bow High School in 1949. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force serving for four years and traveling the world. In 1963, Curt married Nancy McCay and adopted her son, Michael. Curt and Nancy also had a daughter, Julie Renee.  In 1981, Curt married his current wife, Eula. He retired from UPRR after a career on the rails. He spent much of his leisure time prospecting for gold in South Dakota, Colorado and Wyoming, as well as camping and fishing. He loved visiting grandkids and his great granddaughter, Allison, who was the highlight of his life. Curt and Eula lived in Hershey until health problems required them to move to North Platte to assisted living and then the care home. He loved family get-togethers with the great variety of foods prepared by his parents and siblings.

Curt is survived by his wife, Eula; his daughter, Julie; grandsons, Ian and Nicholas; great granddaughter, Allison as well as two stepsons, Gary (Ronda) and Jeffery; a stepdaughter, Locotus;  step grandchildren; four sisters, Audrey Jones of Thedford, NE; Cleo Purdum of Reed Point, MT; Beverly (Jim) Goehring of Cheyenne, WY; Leata (Boyd) Krejci of Eustis, NE; two brothers, Dan of Loup City, NE and Daryl (Jan) of North Platte, NE and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in in death by his parents, Wes and Evelyn McCaslin; a son, Mike; two sisters and brothers-in law, Ardis (Ed) Goodner and Mary (Rudy) Neben; brothers, Clifford and Edward McCaslin; sister-in-law, Joyce McCaslin and brothers-in-law, Calvin Jones and Kenny Purdum.

A memorial has been established in his memory.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, January 23, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Tanja Smith, 46, of North Platte, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2017, at her home.

She was born September 9, 1970 in Phoenix, AZ to Doris (Horinek) Wilson. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1989. Tanja was united in marriage to Craig S. Smith March 10, 1990 in North Platte. The family lived all over the United States with the most amount of time being spent in Cookeville, TN, before returning to North Platte.  She received her bachelor’s degree through AIU in organizational psychology. She was most recently employed by Suntrust Bank. Tanja loved spending time with her family and friends. She enjoyed scrapbooking and caring for their beloved pets Mia, Jake and Gracie.

She was preceded in death by her father, Jimmy; her father-in-law, Dennis Smith; and her pets, Basil and Goliath. She is survived by her husband, Craig of North Platte;  daughters, Kaili R. (Lt. Nicholas) Hall of Durham, NC and Morgan C. Smith of North Platte; her mother, Doris (Dee) Wilson of North Platte; a brother, Tony (Kelly) Wilson of Laguna Nigel, CA; a sister, Tammy Henery of Creighton, NE; her mother-in-law, Nilser (Nan)  Smith of North Platte; her brothers-in-law, Brian Smith (Erin Jevons-Lee) of Valley Village, CA and Kirk Smith of Grand Island, NE.

A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign her memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Graveside service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday, January 23, 2017, at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.