Richard “Dick” C. Mailander, 81, of North Platte, passed away Nov. 28, 2016 at Golden Living Center in Cozad. He was born July 3, 1935 to Paul and Pauline (Semper) Mailander in Spalding, NE and graduated from Spalding Academy in 1953. Dick enlisted in the United States Army in Jan of 1955, along with 8 or 9 others from the Spalding area. He took paratrooper training at Ft. Campbell, KY with the 11th airborne division and spent 3 years in Germany constantly training to protect the border between East and West Germany. After returning from Germany, Dick moved to Chadron, where his folks had moved. He joined the National Guard and continued his military career. He worked for Ross Transfer and then moved to Gordon, NE to manage the freight dock there. Dick continued his military career with the National Guard full time and went back on active duty to activate and ship out with an Army Reserve Unit, to Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. He traveled numerous parts of Vietnam with an I.G. Inspection Team, responsible for personnel accounting of some 10,000 soldiers. After returning from Vietnam, Dick transferred to North Platte, to manage the National Guard Armory. He also instructed at the Nebraska Military Academy at Camp Ashland and the Professional Education Center for the military at Camp Robinson at Little Rock, AR. He retired as First Sergeant in August of 1994. He married Marion J. Handspiker Dec. of 1960. On Nov. 7, 1973, Dick was united in marriage to Sandra (Benton) LeDroit at Cheyenne, WY. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte, the American Legion, 40 & 8, VFW, Enlisted Association of the National Guard. He is survived by his wife, Sandra of North Platte; his children, Brenda (Kevin) Mahlberg of Elwood, Kevin (Pam) LeDroit of North Platte, David Mailander of Northglenn, CO, Todd (Lisa) Freeman of North Platte and Ricky (Amy) Mailander of Broomfield, CO; brothers, Paul (Nellene) Mailander of Scottsbluff, Dan Mailander of Spalding and Edward (Rhonda) Mailander of Parker, CO; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two brothers, David and Lawrence Mailander. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 2, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

John Tracy Erickson, age 46, of North Platte, NE, died Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Great Plains Health.

John was born January 26, 1970, to John Byron and Vicki Joy Barrett Erickson at North Platte. He grew up in Paxton and North Platte and graduated in 1988 from North Platte High School. John had worked for Simon Construction, Premdor and Cash-WA Distributing.

On November 11, 1988, John married Pamela Barnhart in North Platte. The couple had three children, Tenaj, Madison and Kade, and later divorced. John was then married to Lisa Sellers and they had John, Jr. John and Lisa later divorced.

John always loved music and helped create the band, “Better Than Bad”. He was also a talented artist who collected comic books. John enjoyed football, both college and pro, and watching scary movies. He liked fireworks and celebrating the 4th of July. John had a way of helping people who needed it and liked being the hero.

He is survived by his father and stepmother, John and Dotty Erickson, of North Platte; children, Tenaj Erickson (Jaimen Combs), Kade Erickson and John Erickson, Jr., all of North Platte, and Madison Erickson, of Omaha, NE; stepdaughters, Vanessa Leon (David Stauffer), of Omaha, and Leslie Leon (Josh Eskew), of Hershey, NE; four grandchildren, Adeline Erickson, Allie and Lilly Leon and Duane Eskew; two sisters, Tara (Tom) Shoemaker and Cherish Moore, both of New Prague, MN; brothers, Jeff Erickson (Dominica), of North Platte and Jeremy (Bonnie) Peterson, of Pahrump, NV; grandmother, Bonnie Barrett, of Choctaw, OK; many other family members and his friends.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Vicki; and grandparents, Jay and Betty Barrett and Melvin “Bill” and Betty Erickson.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Judith Marie (Chadd) Akers, 74, passed away on November 5, 2016 at the North Platte Care Center.
She was born on March 27, 1942 to Alva and Pearl (Cederburg) Chadd. After graduating high school in North Platte, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps from 1960 to 1963. She was stationed in Fort McClellan, Alabama. Judy then moved to California where she married Glenn Simmons on July 1, 1964. They divorced on July 12, 1979. While they were married, they were very active with the Boy Scouts of America. On November 11, 1984, Judy married Lee Akers. They divorced on September 10, 1997. She returned to North Platte to be with her family. Judy was an active member of the Harvest Christian Fellowship. She had a strong belief in her Lord Jesus Christ and loved to write cards and letters for the writing ministry. Judy held many different jobs during her lifetime, but her favorites included care giving and volunteering at the North Platte Community Child Care as a Grandma. Judy lived a full rich life and will be remembered for her love of people. She loved to write cards and letters to people to encourage them to live life with gusto.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Pearl Chadd; her brother, Larry Chadd; and sisters, Twila (Chadd) Shafer and Marilyn (Chadd) Houck.
Judy is survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends throughout various states.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Judith will be laid to rest on December 2, 2016 at 3:00 PM at Fort McPherson Cemetery with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Doris Mae Wendorf, age 74, of North Platte, NE, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2016, at Great Plains Health.

Doris was born August 11, 1942, in Milwaukee, WI, to Walter and Sophie Lemke. She grew up in the Milwaukee and Wasaw area and graduated from Milwaukee High School then went to college, earning a degree in computer processing.

Doris married Arthur “Art” Abraham Harry Wendorf at Indianapolis, IN, and later moved to Greeley, CO, where they raised their kids. Doris had worked as a waitress and for Mountain Bell. She retired in 1992 due to health reasons and eventually moved to North Platte earlier this year to be closer to her family.

Doris loved her family, especially her grandkids and great-grandkids.

She leaves behind her children, Diana (Bill) Green, Sheri Wendorf and Jennifer Wendorf, all of Denver, CO, Tammy Hysell, of Columbus, OH, and Michelle Irwin (fiancé, James Fisher) and Brandi (Tom) McConnaughey, of North Platte; 31 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Doris was preceded in death by 12 brothers and a sister; son-in-law, Mick Irwin; and her parents, Walter and Sophie.

Cremation was chosen. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Naomi M. Rickman, age 86 of North Platte, passed away Friday November 25, 2016 at Great Plains Health.
Naomi was born on July 8, 1930 in North Platte, NE to Herman and Emma (Frederick) Timmer. She grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School. She worked for a time at Rite-Way Laundry in North Platte before marrying Rollin D. “Rick” Rickman on July 11, 1949 in Las Vegas, NV. She was a stay at home mom, but taught piano lessons for many years. She was dedicated to her faith and Jehovah.
Naomi is survived by her daughter Terry (Richard) Heessel of North Platte; granddaughter Bobbi (Terry) Fletcher of Hershey; 5 great grandchildren Alex, Blake, Elliot, Alliana and Terralynn; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; and husband Rick; brothers Otto, Arthur, Joseph and Marvin Timmer; and sisters Margaret Silvas and Esther Palmer.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday November 29, 2016 at The Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday November 28, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Ann von Holt-Swedberg, 86, of North Platte passed away November 21, 2016 at the North Platte Care Center.
Dorothy was born May 10, 1930 in Alamogordo, New Mexico to Clyde and Eula (Foller) Saye.
One of three children, Dorothy was raised in Oklahoma City, and spent 70 years in North Platte. Dorothy became interested in helping others at the early age of 7 when her family offered their home to people of all types who were seeking medical needs at the University hospital. This early introduction of service to others shaped Dorothy’s career interests as she remained in the field of in-home care throughout her life.
Dorothy was blessed with 5 children, 3 sons, and 2 daughters. She experienced loss and grief throughout her life, experiencing the death of two sons, both while in their 30’s and both to different causes, and a daughter to cancer. Continuing to help others and experiencing her own loss and grief, Dorothy chose to become a Hospice volunteer. She said, “The need is great”.
Dorothy was a resident of the North Platte Care Center for the past 5 years. The staff was her second family and the love and care she received from them was truly genuine. She always had a compliment for the nurses and when asked how she was feeling, her reply would be “fit as a fiddle”! Dorothy was a kind soul, loved by many. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors include her children, Cyndi (Leonard) Serrano of Littleton, CO, and David von Holt of Lincoln, NE; grandchildren, Melanie Marshall, Jay Burke both of North Platte, Sara (Brandon Harris) Serrano of Littleton, CO, Korey von Holt of New Orleans, LA, Hunter von Holt of Lincoln, NE; 7 great-grandchildren; sister, Helyn (David) Culclasure of San Antonio, TX.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sons, Lester Jr. and Mark; daughter, Terri Burke; and a brother, Raymond Saye.
Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Andy Pull officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 12:00 -9:00 p.m. Friday, November 25, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Merle F. Axford, 51, of North Platte passed away November 19, 2016 in North Platte.
Merle was born April 30, 1965 in Fort Carson, Colorado to Francis and Beverly (Runyon) Axford. He graduated high school in Warren Township, IL in 1983 and attended Iowa State University, graduating in 1989. On June 13, 1992 he married Karla Forsch in Ames, Iowa. Merle started working with Wal-Mart and worked in stores in several states including, Wyoming, Illinois, Montana, and Kentucky. The family moved to North Platte in January 2013 where Merle was an operations manager for Wal-Mart. He will be remembered as a great boss and mentor.
Merle was a member of the Episcopal Church of Our savior, was involved with Kiwanis, the United Way, and was an Eagle Scout; enjoying doing Boy Scout projects with his boys.
Survivors include his wife, Karla of North Platte; children, Austin, Tyler, and Mason all of North Platte; mother, Beverly Axford of Converse, TX; sisters, Julie (Steven) Bissell of Converse, TX, Jackie (David) Bishop of Louisville, CO, and Kathy (Mike) Klein of Derby, KS; 5 nephews; and 2 nieces.
He was preceded in death by his father.
Memorials are suggested to The United Way in Butte, MT and the Callahan Cancer Center in North Platte, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, December 3, 2016 at the Episcopal church of Our Savior with Father Jeffrey Nelson officiating. Visitation will be 12: 00 – 9:00 p.m. with family receiving friends 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, December 2, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Robert W. “Bob” Allen of North Platte, passed away on November 18, 2016 at Great Plains Health. He was born on November 7, 1951 in Tilden, Nebraska to Vernon and Juanita (Rogers) Allen. Bob grew up in Petersburg, Nebraska, graduating from Petersburg High School in 1970. He went on to Northeastern Nebraska College where he played basketball then transferring on to Chadron State College continuing his basketball career and graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree.

After graduation he moved to North Platte where he worked for Dowhower Construction. He then worked with his father at Welty’s TV and Appliance. They later changed the name to Allen’s TV and Appliance operating the store until 1990. Bob went on to start his own business, Allen’s Appliance Repair in 1990.

On October 5, 1984 Bob married Karen Miles in North Platte. They are members of Messiah Lutheran Church.

Bob’s love for hunting created a new business for him as a Taxidermist in his spare time, winning numerous state and national awards for mounts he had done. Bob enjoyed spearfishing, boating, jet skiing and camping with family and friends. He traveled the world hunting more exotic animals and mounting them for display. He loved riding motorcycles, trikes and go cart racing with his grandkids.

Survivors include his wife Karen Allen of North Platte; three children, Sonja (Kevin)Pearson of Grand Island, Amy Allen of Scottsbluff and Robert (Joy) Coons of Hershey; five grandchildren, Robin, Chris and John Pearson of Grand Island, Kelsey Salazar-Allen of North Platte, Calina Allen of McCook; four siblings, Terri (Stan) Timm of Omaha, Ken (Cheryl) Allen of Castle Rock, Colorado, Randy Allen of North Platte and Merri (John) Brownell of Omaha; sister-in-law Karen Miles of San Diego, California; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; step mother Gloria Allen, two sons, David James and Scott Robert Allen; in-laws, Jack and Edith Miles; and a brother-in-law, Kent Miles. Online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorials may be made to the North Platte Animal Shelter.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 26, 2016 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte with the Reverend Tim Eighmy officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Garden. Visitation will be Friday, November 25, 2016 from 12-9:00 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8:00 p.m.. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Edward J. Mueller, Sr., 87, of North Platte, formerly of Grand Island, passed away Nov. 19, 2016 at his home with his family by his side. He was born Oct. 25, 1929 to Frank J. and Emma B. (Skibinski) Mueller at Grand Island. He attended school at St. Mary’s High School in Grand Island.
When Ed was 13 years old, he started working for Stryker Flowers, delivering flowers on his bike. He also worked for Rogers Flowers in Grand Island and Leo’s Flowers in North Platte before starting his own floral business, Ed’s Flowers, which he owned and operated for 16 years. After selling the floral business, he was employed at Bartz Floral for many years.
On April 23, 1955, he was united in marriage to Mary Lou Meyer at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island.
Ed served in the United States Army from 1951 until his honorable discharge in 1953.
He is survived by his son, Edward “Eddie” (Maye) Mueller, Jr. of North Platte; his granddaughter, Whitney Mueller of Las Vegas, NV; his brother, Frank (June) Mueller of Hastings, his sister, Leona Graham of Minden; his brother-in-law, Dietrich “Dick” (Patsy) Meyer of Lexington; numerous nieces ,nephews and good friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mary Lou on Aug. 31, 2009; an infant brother; a brother and sister-in-law, Raymond (Erma) Mueller; and a brother-in-law, Richard Graham.
Ed was a member of St. Mary’s Cathedral; the B.P.O. Elks #604 in Grand Island for over 51 years, Eagles Lodge of North Platte, American Legion in Grand Island, and past member of Eagles Lodge of Grand Island and the V.F.W.
Online condolences may be shared at www.livson.com. Memorials are suggested to St. Mary’s Cathedral Square or St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM Saturday, November 26, 2016, at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island with Father Jim Golka officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at Grand Island City Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 PM Friday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home in Grand Island with a Rosary service at 7 PM.

Neil R. Salmon, 69, of North Platte, passed away November 20, 2016 at his home.
Neil was born December 30, 1946 in Grant, Ne to Merle and Iona Ruth (Hartzell) Salmon. Neil grew up in and graduated from Aurora High School in 1965. After which he joined the United States Army, serving in Vietnam. After being discharged he returned to Aurora and married Susan Larson. To this union were born two children, Shad and Annette. Neil drove trucks for most of his life. He also owned Neil’s Bar in Marquette, NE for several years. His last job before retiring was selling truck parts for Nebraska Truck Center. On July 9, 1994 he married Linda Gayman-Richardson in Lexington.
He enjoyed car racing, Husker football, camping, traveling, rodeo’s, and team roping. Neil was a member of the J.C’s in Aurora where he enjoyed announcing the demolition derby at the county fair. He was active in the American Legion color guard, the VFW, and was a member and held various offices in the Moose Lodge, Eagle’s Clubs, and the Lake Maloney Roping Club where he served on the board.
He is survived by his wife, Linda of North Platte; son, Shad (Holly) Salmon, daughter, Annette (Peter) Miller all of Aurora, NE; two step-sons, Mick Richardson of North Platte, and Troy (Trish) Richardson of San Antonio, TX; grandchildren, Caitlin and Rylan Salmon, Daryk and Kayla Fisher, Clara and Hanna Miller all of Aurora, NE, Dehjin Richardson of North Platte, Ashley of North Platte, Isabella, Nathan, Brie, and Jarod Richardson all of San Antonio, TX; 4 great-grandchildren, Addisyn, Bentley, Chevy and Mercedes all of North Platte; and mother-in-law, Maxine Gayman.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an older sister, Merlene Chaudoin; brother-in-law, Kenneth Chaudoin; and father-in-law, Gail Gayman.
Memorials may be made to the family and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 25, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m. today and Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.