Wayne Douglas Diener, age 71, of North Platte, NE, died Thursday, December 8, 2016, at Great Plains Health.

Wayne was born October 13, 1945, to Harry Lynn and Elsie Adeline Smith Diener in North Platte and grew up in Albion and Ord, NE. He graduated from Albion High School in 1963 and had earned his Eagle Scout Award. Wayne then attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln before proudly serving in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1971. He eventually received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Engineering from Eastern Washington University at Spokane, WA.

Wayne’s work had an impact on all lives. While working for Notifier Corp. in Lincoln, he designed the first microprocessor based fire/burglar alarm system around 1978 and worked on one of Notifier’s security systems installed in the World Trade Centers. Wayne later worked for Otis Elevator Company and designed the major controller for their next generation of elevators. From there he went to work for Keytronic in 1991 and designed upgrades to IBM computer keyboards. By 1999 Wayne was employed by Qualcom and given the task of developing the system that allowed manufacturers to design cell phones, called 2G at that time then 3G. So every time you use a cell phone, there’s a little part of Wayne in it.

Wayne retired in 2000 then returned to North Platte in 2011 due to health concerns and to be closer to his family.

He is survived by his sister, Nancy (Louis) Stoeger, of Maywood, NE; brother, Gale (Catherine) Diener, of Spokane, WA; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Harry Diener and Elsie Watkins, and stepfather, Clarence Watkins; sister and brother-in-law, Virginia and Doug Durbin; and niece, Shaylynn Hagan.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service with Military Honors will be 10 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2017, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery, south of Maxwell. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Marcella Grace “Sally” Peters, 85, of North Platte passed away December 17, 2016 at Great Plains Health.

Sally was born July 9, 1931 in Ashby, Nebraska to Harry and Lelia (Warner) Paige.  She graduated from Ashby High School in 1949, and was united in marriage to Richard Peters June 2, 1949.  The couple lived in various places, moving with the railroad, while living in a railroad car, before settling in the Ashby-Hyannis area where they owned and operated Dick’s Repair Shop.  To this union 3 children were born, Richard, Tammy, and Robert.

Sally moved to Alliance where she worked for Dayco until her retirement, then moved to North Platte where she spent her retirement years helping elderly people, volunteering to drive others to church and delivering meals.

She especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren, camping, fishing, going to Hardee’s and Chinese food!

She was a member of the Riverside Baptist Church where she was very active in their ministries.

Survivors include her children, Richard (Risa) Peters of North Platte, Tammy DeVoogd, and Robert (Melody) Peters all of Alliance, NE; sisters, Hariett Bahl of North Platte, and Prudy Bills of Colorado; grandchildren, Fred (Dawn) Peters of Hershey, Becki (Gilbert) Peters of North Platte, Sandi (Devin) Ruff of Sutherland, Danielle DeVoogd of Alliance, Tara (Wil) Smith of Littleton, CO, and Christina (David) Bryant of Highlands Ranch, CO; 16 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Sebastian Silos.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Waylon DeVoogd; and a brother, Gary Paige.

Memorials may be made to the Riverside Baptist Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the Riverside Baptist Church 1600 East 2^nd, North Platte, NE with the Reverend Dwain Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow at 2:00 p.m. MST at the Ashby Cemetery.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

 

Eva E. Swedberg, age 86, of North Platte, went to Heaven on January 16, 2016 at Great Plains Health.  Eva was born on November 7, 1930 in North Platte, the fifth child of Ray and Hazel (Pittman) Eberly.

When growing up, Eva was her father’s helper, milking cows, doing chores, and even breaking horses. Her mother Hazel was a volunteer at the Canteen in North Platte and often took little Eva with her.  The soldiers would tell her mom about the little sisters they had at home, and loved to see Eva as she handed out apples to them.  Eva graduated with the class of 1947 from North Platte High School, and then continued her education at the Kearney State Teachers College for the 2 year teachers program from 1947-1948.  In high school, Eva had taken a class called Normal Training, which prepared her to teach in a country school.  She eventually taught the brother and sister of who would become her future husband. At a box social, a tall dark handsome man just back from WWII named Ruben bid on her lunch box.  That started a romance, and they were married on November 25, 1950 in North Platte at the Lutheran Church.  Eva taught at North 99 for four months, O’Fallons and Rosedale for one year. Ruben and Eva had five children, including Tommie J., and twins, Laverne and Lynette, all of whom died young and are buried at the feet of their grandfather, Jonas Swedberg.  Eva and Ruben built a Capp home north of North Platte on a piece of land that her parents had given them.  Eva’s work career consisted of working at Dalby’s Laundry, the Pawnee Hotel, and the North Platte Opportunity Center.

Throughout her life Eva was a dedicated community volunteer.  She volunteered taking tickets at many softball, volleyball, and basketball games.  She most recently volunteered her time at Jefferson School where her granddaughter Stevie teaches.  Eva was a 4-H leader, PTA president, and helped on the Election Board. She was an advocate for bringing Mid Plains Community College to North Platte and was a tireless volunteer during that process.  She was a lifelong learner and loved education, helping with Living History Day and the Lincoln County Historical Museum.   She loved her grandchildren and had many adventures with them.  She was especially grateful to recently attend an out of town wedding for her grandson Brady and to be present for the announcement of her granddaughter Stevie’s first baby that is due in the early summer.  Eva had a heart for people and through the years at the Buffalo Bill Manor where she tried to remember other people’s birthdays and events.  At Christmas time, she would often give each resident a Christmas card and a piece of fruit.  She had built many relationships with the residents there and will always be remembered by them.  Eva was a member of Grace Community Bible Church and above all was her love of God who gave her the strength in her life.

She is survived by her sons, Ben (Rae Jeanne) Swedberg, and Steve (Karen) Swedberg, all of North Platte; 4 grandchildren, Brock Swedberg of North Platte, Brady (Rebecca) Swedberg of Hershey, Brittni (Steven) Fleer of Ord, NE, and Stevie (Judd) Reed of North Platte; 4 great grandchildren, Sophia Swedberg, Mallorie, Mackenzie, and Kendall Fleer, and a baby Reed due in early summer.  She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Hazel; her husband Ruben on June 24, 1985; children, Tommy J. and twins, LaVerne and Lynette; in laws, Jonas and Bertha Swedberg; great-granddaughter, Olivia Swedberg; sisters, Lois Pell, Jean Harris, and Esther Sack; and a brother, JR Eberly.

A memorial has been established to Grace Community Bible Church and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Grace Community Bible Church with the Pastor Mike Wing officiating.  Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.  Visitation will be Sunday from 1-6 and Monday from 9-9.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

Tristin A. Sack, 23, of Kearney, formerly of North Platte, passed away December 16, 2016 the result of an automobile accident.  She was born July 7, 1993 to Gerald “Jerry” Sack and Mary (Neuenschwander) Sack.  She graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 2012.  While in high school she qualified for state in shot put and later enjoyed weightlifting.  Tristin earned a degree in livestock management from the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis.  She worked on several ranches for Craig Phelps, Mike French, Dan and Mona Vinton.    She was currently employed as a brand inspector for the Nebraska Brand Committee.  She loved working with livestock, hunting and the outdoors.  She is survived by her father, Jerry (Justine Heidebrink) Sack; her mother, Mary Sack; her sister, Tanis Sack; her brother, Trevin Sack all of North Platte; her fiancé, Gary Rhamy of Kearney; aunts/uncles, Cindy Neuenschawander and Susan (Russ)Coon both of Mo., Sue Stoddard and Mary Lou (Art) Saathoff of North Platte, and many cousins and friends. Tristin was preceded in death by uncles Eugene Stoddard and Larry (Gail) Sack of North Platte. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  A memorial has been established in her memory.  Cremation was chosen.  Those wishing to sign her memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mondayat Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with Pastor Mike Wing officiating. The family request that everyone wear western wear or casual attire at the service.  Inurnment will be at Good Hope Cemetery.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Betty Jean Rowland, age 92, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2016, at the North Platte Care Center.

Betty was born October 14, 1924, to Vernon E. and Stella Belle Ellenwood Kuhns at North Platte where she grew up. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1943 and later worked as a messenger for Western Union.

In June of 1946, Betty was united in marriage to the love of her life, Raymond Thomas Rowland. They made their home in North Platte and raised two sons. Betty worked for Dog-N-Suds and Dryen Drug before going to work for Westfield Pharmacy for 20 years.

Betty was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church where she played the piano, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She had been an active member of AA for over 46 years, and was the oldest member in North Platte. Over the years she sponsored many individuals and helped them through the most difficult times of their lives.

Betty liked to bake and was famous for her chocolate brownies and cinnamon rolls. She especially enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and taking them on trips. Betty was a kind, caring person who enjoyed helping others.

She is survived by her sons, Richard (Susan) Rowland, of Omaha, NE, and John (Sandy) Rowland, of North Platte; three grandchildren, Robert (Sheri) Rowland, Randy (Melissa) Rowland and Heather Rowland; great-grandson, Tyler Rowland; step great-grandchildren, Jessi and Jared; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; infant daughter, Mary; her parents, Vernon and Stella Kuhns; brothers, Richard and Jack Kuhns; and daughter-in-law, Mary Rowland.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2016, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Steve Berke officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The casket will be closed at the church. Visitation will be from 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 to the Leukemia Foundation.

Donna Mae Mulholland, age 84, formally of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away Monday, December 12, 2016, at Tiffany Square in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Donna was born June 17, 1932, to Edward and Lydia Schelpp in Saint Francis, Kansas. In 1948 she moved with her family to Greeley, Colorado.

In 1952, Donna was united in marriage to Glenn Mulholland in Greeley. She spent the next 20 years as an Air Force wife and raised two children, Linda and Steve. In 1970, Donna and Glenn moved to North Platte where they worked together and later owned Al’s Gun and Lock Shop. They had been married for over 60 years when Glenn passed away in 2014.

Donna was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She enjoyed water exercise and playing cards. Donna could bring a smile to any group she was a part of.

She is survived by her children, Linda Sanders, of Grand Island and Steve (Vicki) Mulholland, of Tecumseh, Nebraska; five grandchildren, Jessica and Zachary Sanders, Michael (Sherry) Mulholland, Marissa (Mark) James and Megan Buckley; nine great-grandchildren; and other family.

Along with her husband, Glenn, Donna was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Lydia Schlepp; two brothers and five sisters.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 27, 2016, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Steve Nolfel officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or at the graveside. Memorials are to the First Presbyterian Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

George “Tiny” Jackson Star Jr. age 92, of North Platte, NE passed away Sunday, December 11, 2016 at the North Platte Care Center.
George was born on July 28, 1924 to George Sr. and Sadie (Tetterton) Star in North Platte, NE. He was the third of four children born to the family, Mildred, Glen, George “Tiny”, and Lydia “Marge”. Tiny spent 11 of his 12 school age years at the rural Platte Valley District #8 Schoolhouse. His senior year was at Hershey High School in 1943. He talked of the horse and buggy days and getting to school early to anchor a spot inside the barn.
George was baptized and confirmed Lutheran and a member of the Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey, NE. He had a son, Terry D. Star, born to his first marriage to Tad Trego.
On August 28, 1953 he married Anna S. (Peterson) Hamilton in Colorado Springs, CO. Ann was from Paxton, NE and had a daughter, Judy. Together they had a son, Mike.
In his younger days Tiny was a regular in the bronc riding events at many of the local rodeos and occasionally ventured to some of the bigger rodeos in Cheyenne and Denver.
Tiny with his brother Glen, took over the farm and ranch operation their father had began in 1917 with a real estate purchase north west of North Platte. This was the farm where Tiny and siblings were born and where Tiny made his home his entire life. In 1963 his brother, partner, and best friend, Glen, was killed in an accident on the farm. This left Tiny and his wife, Ann as the sole operators as his father had retired. This is where they raised their three children and managed to keep things together. Today the same operation is known as Star Cattle Company, involving the fourth generation of the Star family. He enjoyed tending to crops and livestock and whatever else it took to run the business. He was known to work day light to dark most every day of the year. His true passion was for cattle, horses, and the wide open spaces found in the Sandhills. At sun up most everyday Tiny could be found on a JD 4020 tractor pulling a feed wagon off to feed cattle. This was the life Tiny choose and he loved doing it. He stayed active in the business and did what he could as long as his health enabled it. Tiny was a faithful husband and father and had lots of friends and when you could get him to stop he would love to visit.
Preceding him in death were his parents, George Sr. and Sadie Star; his wife, Anna (Peterson) Star; a daughter, Judy Wagner; a granddaughter, Shelli Wagner; all his siblings, Mildred (Mid) Bignell, John “Glen” Star, Lydia “Marge” Daugherty (who’s funeral was Monday, December 12th); two brothers-in-law, Jim Bignell, and Raymond Peterson; and two sisters-in-law, Rosalie Peterson, and Judy Peterson.
Survivors include his sons, Terry (Mary) Star of Two Rivers, WI, Mike (Jeanie) Star of rural North Platte, NE; son-in-law, Gene Wagner of Sterling, CO; two brothers-in-law, Jim Daugherty of Downingtown, PA, and Harold Peterson of Paxton, NE; eight grandchildren, Mindy (Jeff) Stewart, Tyler (Shelley) Wagner, Todd, Theresa and Tanya Star, Robert (Jill) Star, Jason (Kayla) Star, and Jacqueline Star; twelve great-grandchildren, McKenzie & Riley Stewart, Ryan, Caden, Kye, and Reece Wagner, Cheyanna Star Baker, Anastacia & Kingston Baker, Taylor Graham, Quinton Star and Elliott Star, and another one very soon. George had some very special nieces and nephews, Jim (Georgia) Bignell, Carol (Mark) Huxta, Brian Daugherty, Randy (Jennifer) Peterson, Jolene (Dave) Morgan, Kendra (Regis) Fletcher, Scott Peterson, as well as many great-nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:30 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey, NE with the Reverend Erin Dunlavy officiating. Burial will follow in the Paxton Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday with the family receiving friends 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Charlotte Gertrude Gress Weitzel, age 89, of North Platte, NE, passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2016, at Linden Court.

Charlotte was born March 5, 1927, to Charles Franklin and Fern Gertrude McNeal Gress in North Platte where she grew up. She graduated from North Platte High School with the Class of 1945 then attended Parks Business School in Omaha, NE.

On July 15, 1945, Charlotte married Harold Henry Weitzel in North Platte where they made their home and raised three sons. In later years, Charlotte enjoyed traveling with her sons and their wives. She also liked to sew for her family.

Charlotte had been a member of the First Baptist Church for over 50 years.

She is survived by her sons, Hal (Donna) Weitzel and Rod (Deb) Weitzel, of North Platte and Rickey (Connie) Weitzel, of Port Charlotte, FL; five grandchildren, Hally Weitzel, of Highlands Ranch, CO, Kristopher (Gena) Weitzel, Nikki (Paul) Wiezorek and Jenny (John) Zachry, all of North Platte, and Josh (Andrea) Weitzel, of Port Charlotte, FL; 15 great-grandchildren, a great great-grandson; and other family.

Charlotte was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Fern Gress; her husband, Harold, in 1995; and granddaughter, Alexis Wiezorek, in 2015.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Richard Karr officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. A memorial has been established to the First Baptist Church or Great Plains Hospice in Charlotte’s memory.

Sheryl Renee (Marquette) Kackmeister, 62, of Union, NE passed away December 12, 2016 at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Sheryl was born May 28, 1954 in Minneapolis, MN to Allan and Toni (Larson) Marquette.  She moved to North Platte from Minneapolis until she met the love of her life, Darrel Kackmeister.  The two were married June 3, 1995.  Sheryl was a very caring person who loved life to the fullest.  She loved living at Lake Waconda, loved entertaining, riding her golf cart around the lake with her dog Sofia, and pontoon rides.  She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her father, Allan; brothers, Randy, and Dan; and her father-in-law, Donald.

Survivors include her husband, Darrel; children, Traci (Chuck) Mathely, and Dan Totenhagen; her mother, Toni; sisters, Roxanne (Richard) Merksick, and Jody (Fred) Stanley; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Omaha Methodist Hospital Cancer Foundation and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 17, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Chaplain Richard Karr officiating.  Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Ainsworth South Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00 – 9:00 p.m. Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.