Todd D. Hodges, 38, of Fremont died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2016, at his home in Fremont.
Todd was born Aug. 5, 1978, in North Platte to Ron and Ardyce (Einspahr) Hodges.
He grew up in North Platte and was a 1997 graduate of North Platte High School. He attended Mid Plains Community College and studied construction from 1998 to 1999. He moved to Fremont late in 1999 and worked for Einspahr Construction for 14 years. He then worked at 3M, Oil Gear, Valmont and most recently at Fremont Beef.
Todd was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. He helped with the youth group at Trinity. He had a big heart, was a hard worker and would help anyone. He loved his nieces and nephew and always looked forward to being with them. Todd enjoyed putting puzzles together, including 3D puzzles, and going out with friends. He was a NASCAR fan.
He is survived by his parents, Ron and Ardyce Hodges of North Platte; brothers, Bryan (and wife, Kim) Hodges of Gibbon and Chris (and wife, Julie) Hodges of Overland Park, Kan.; aunts and uncles, Dennis and Helen Einspahr of Fremont, Lloyd and Gladys Hodges of North Platte, Mike and Janice Hodges and Dan and Alice Hodges, all of Thedford; and nieces and nephews, Justin, Amanda, Tyler and Kaylan.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Orville and Mildred Einspahr and Bill and Jane Hodges.
The funeral will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont. The Rev. Dan Heuer will officiate. Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Moser Memorial Chapel in Fremont with family receiving friends from 6-8 p.m. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church Youth Programs.
Online condolences may be left at: www.mosermemorialchapels.com.

James Lawrence Eshleman, age 51, of Lincoln, NE, formerly of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, November 4, 2016, at Bryan Medical Center West in Lincoln.

Jim was born January 22, 1965, to Larry and Joan (Goedert) Eshleman in North Platte where he grew up. Jim graduated from North Platte High School in 1983 and worked at the North Platte Country Club for a while before joining the U.S. Army in March 1984.

Following his discharge in 1986, Jim returned to North Platte where he worked various jobs and married Cynamon Fosbinder on November 24, 1990. Jim eventually hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad as an Electrician and worked for 15 years then started his own lawn business, C & J Sprinkler Systems, which he did until his health declined. Jim also attended St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

He is survived by his children, Andrew (Sarah) Eshleman and McKenna Eshleman (special friend, Justin Meyer), of Kearney, NE, and Jessica Eshleman, of North Platte; granddaughter, Sheridan Eshleman; siblings, Sharon (Tony) Naranjo, of Lincoln, Joe (Becky) Eshleman, of Longmont, CO, and John (Donna) Eshleman, of Lincoln; sister-in-law, Miriam Berke, of Arizona; aunts, Karen Sandberg, of Sutherland, NE, and Linda ‘Cookie’ (Ron) Schroeder, of Kankakee, IL; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Larry and Joan Eshleman; and sister, Julie Eshleman.

Cremation was chosen. Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:30 a.m. Thursday, November 10, 2016, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Father C.P. Varghese. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The family requests casual dress or Nebraska attire for the services.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Lincoln County Pheasants Forever.

Jeanne L. (Boyer) Reeves, 93, of North Platte, passed away November 3, 2016 at Great Plains Health. She was born May 30, 1923 to Dewey and Vera (Breternitz) Boyer in North Platte. She graduated from North Platte High School with the class of “41”. On February 23, 1947, she was united in marriage to Kenneth L. Reeves, who lived on a farm south-east of North Platte. They celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary in 2013. To this union two children were born, Linda and Bruce. Jeanne was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Kenneth on April 18, 2013; her daughter, Linda in 1985; and five brothers, Allen, Donald, Dewey, Lyle and Dale. She is survived by her son, Bruce of Bennett, CO; five grandchildren; and 7 seven great grandchildren and other relatives. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at the Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Conception ‘Connie’ R. Garza, age 80, of Hershey, passed away Thursday, November 3, 2106 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. She was born December 8, 1935 in Crook, CO. to Florentino and Rosalia Rivera-Rico. She grew up in Hershey where she was a good softball player, even playing without a glove at first base. She married Lucio Garza on April 12, 1952 in Hershey. The couple made Hershey their home. Connie worked at Jack and Jill in Hershey, at TRW for several years, and also as a telephone operator. She taught adult education cooking classes at Hershey High School. Connie was known in the community for her food and her hospitality. Family was the center of her life, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was the love of Lucio’s life and will be missed by all.
Survivors include her husband, Lucio of Hershey; three daughters, Rosalie (Salvador) Munoz of Sutherland, Patricia and Sandra Garza both of San Antonio, TX.; son Gary (Julie) Garza of Hershey; nine grandchildren, Christina Purdy, Stephanie Wilson, Samantha Willey, Stacy Munoz, S.J. Munoz, Seth Munoz, Amber Garza, Rylee Garza and Sydney Thompson.; eight great grandchildren, Maureen, Michael, and Logan Salinas, Noah and Parker Sullivan, Austin Wilson, Sadah Willey, Sean and Savannah Purdy; sisters, Eva, and Mary “Loy” Rico both of Hershey and Anita Tinajera of Arvada, CO; and a brother, Raymond Rico of Hershey.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a granddaughter Jodie Garza, and a sister, Julia Cervantez.
Christian Wake services will be 7:00 PM, Sunday, November 6th at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am, Monday, November 7th at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery Northwest of Hershey. A memorial has been established in her name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Visitation will be Sunday from noon to 9:00 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Cassandra LeAnn ‘Cassey’ Lum, age 27, of North Platte, NE, died at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE, on Monday, October 31, 2016, following an automobile accident.

Cassey was born August 22, 1989, to Don E. and Theresa Michelle Williams McLaughlin in North Platte where she grew up. She graduated from North Platte High School in 2007 then attended Mid-Plains Community College, earning her Associate’s Degree in Nursing in 2013. Cassey had worked as a CNA/MED Aide at Linden Court and Linden Estates.

At the time of her death, Cassey was working at Great Plains Health as a nurse in the Medical-Surgical Department while pursuing her bachelor’s degree in nursing at Mid-Plains. Cassey was a kind, loving person who enjoyed nursing and caring for people.

On June 3, 2011, Cassey was united in marriage to the love of her life, Bryan Richard Lum, in North Platte where they made their home which they shared with their dogs.

Cassey was a ‘gearhead’ who loved going to car shows and drag racing with her husband. They attended events such as Rocky Mountain Race Week, Sandhills Open Road Challenge and the Camaro Rally in Sturgis, SD, and were members of the Colonel Cody Cruisers, Camaro Life and Camaro’s Unlimited. Cassey and Bryan also shared a love for Camaros and built one together for her.

Cassey leaves behind her husband, Bryan, their dogs, Zex and Fred, and her father, Don McLaughlin, all of North Platte; her mother and stepfather, Theresa and Kevin Ostendorf, of McCook, NE; sister, Dreu Halligan, and sister-in-law, Ashia Lum, both of North Platte; as well as several nieces, nephews, cousins and other family and her many friends and coworkers.

She was preceded in death by her aunt, Donita Johnson; grandparents, Don and Lila McLaughlin and Carl and Connie Williams; in-laws, Richard and Shelia Lum; and grandmother-in-law, Jeanette Duis.

Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, November 8, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Larry Vitter officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. The casket will be closed. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers the family has established a memorial.

Katheryn L. (Wilkinson) King, 78, of Littleton, Colorado, passed away October 24, 2016, at her home.

Kay was born September 22, 1938 in North Platte to Harley and Claire (McNeel) Wilkinson.  She attended North Platte St. Pat’s, graduating with the class of 1957. In 1958, Kay married Dean Coffman and moved to Denver. They had three children, Tim, Teresa and Tina. Kay worked at AT&T. In 1992, Kay moved back to North Platte and married Wayne (Butch) King of Sutherland. Butch passed away in 2003.

Preceding her in death are parents, Harley and Claire Wilkinson; a brother, Steve Wilkinson; her husband, Wayne King and step daughter, Brenda King.

Survivors include, son, Tim (Ruth) Coffman of North Platte; daughters, Teresa (Mike) Rieber, Tina Coffman, both of Denver. Grandchildren, Brad (Beth Bartling) Coffman of Omaha, Kelsey (Jake) Sasse of Lincoln, Audrey (Mike Summa) Magers of Colorado Springs, Samantha Rieber, McKinzie (Joshua Rees) Rieber, Garrett Edwards, Marshall (Monique McGowan) Edwards of Denver; sister, Mary Claire (Greg) Batie of North Platte; brother, Greg (Rita) Wilkinson of Billings, Montana; step children, Tim (Geri) King of Longmont, Colorado, Mike King of North Platte and Cindy (Bret) Neal of Lincoln.

Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland. The memorial book may be signed, Thursday and Friday, Nov 3^rd & 4^th, from 9:00a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.

Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements

Ronald “Ron” Dean Ross, 55, of North Platte, passed away October 30, 2016 at his home.

Ron was born on April 15, 1961 to Leslie A. and Arlene E. (Hall) Ross in North Platte, Nebraska. Ron graduated from Maxwell High School with the Class of 1979. He was united in marriage on August 6, 1988 to Rhonda Grandel and they remained friends throughout their lives.  He did farm work during his life and worked at Mid Nebraska Ice. Ron grew up south of Maxwell on the family farm, stable and campground. He was a hard worker, caring for livestock as well as being a wrangler with the guests who came to ride the horses. When he was 22 he was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s disease and went through a bone marrow transplant in Omaha. Although his cancer was cured, he fought other health issues caused from the original treatment of his disease throughout his lifetime.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Arlene Ross; step-brother, Kirk Summers; former wife and friend, Rhonda Grandel Murrain; Mother-in-law, Wynona Grandel.

He is survived by a stepson, Christopher Grandel; daughter-in-law, Cheri Grandel; grandchildren, Graci, Jaicen and Hanna Grandel, all of Greeley, Colorado; Father-in-law, Ed Grandel of North Platte; step- mother, Shirley Ross of Mooresville, Indiana; brother, Tom Ross of Wheatland, Wyoming; sisters, Becky (Martin) Howery of Johnstown, Nebraska, Connie (Gerald) Devine of Morrill, Nebraska; Step brother, Jerry (Teresa) Summers of McCardsville, Indiana; step sister, Sherry Crews of Mooresville, Indiana; Uncle and Aunt, Don and Donna Mentzer of North Platte; many nieces, nephews ,cousins and friends.

A graveside service will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. The casket will be open for viewing at 3:00 p.m. prior to the service at the cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Memorials are suggested to Fur the Love of Paws or to donor’s choice.

Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Christine K. Sommer, 50, of Maxwell, passed away October 30, 2016, at Great Plains Health.

Christine was born July 16, 1966, in Lincoln, NE to Robert and Margaret “Peggy” (Wagner) Prey.  She graduated from Northeast High in 1984 and went on to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Nursing, graduating with an RN degree.  Chris worked at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in the Modified Intensive Care Unit.  She owned All About Caring in North Platte for 9 years, and then worked at Midwest Transportation, followed by Centennial Park Retirement Village as the Director of Nursing, and currently the Administrator at Premier Estates.

Chris married Dwight Sommer in 2000 in North Platte; he preceded her in death in 2012.

Chris loved Husker football, singing karaoke, camping, and fishing; she loved her family, her pets, and her residents of the facilities she worked at.  Chris was very faithful to her Bible and her devotions; she carried a Bible verse close to her heart every day.  She enjoyed her time with her family at home.

Survivors include her children, Haylee Sommer, Shannon (Donovan) Tolle, and Lucas Sommer all of Maxwell; grandchildren, Brynlee Sommer and Hunter Tolle; Parents, Robert and Peggy Prey of Lincoln, NE; sister, Jodi (Steve) Keedy of Tampa, FL; nieces and nephew, Courtney, Logan, Megan, and Paige Keedy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight; grandparents, Helen and Mark Wagner, and Alcedean and George Prey.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to donations for the family.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 4, 2016, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Joe Cissell officiating.  Burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends 6:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. Thursday, November 3, 2016, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Mike J. Nixon, 49, of North Platte, went to be with the Angels on October 28, 2016.

Mike was born on July 2, 1967, in Hastings, Nebraska to Sharon (Wynn) and Robert Nixon.

Mike was a fun-loving soul, would help anybody at any time. He graduated with the class of 1986 at North Platte High School. Mike loved and cherished many many things, including his 1973 Javelin and his love for his four dogs, Shasta, Fez, Otis and Tex. Mike was President, Senator and Director of the North Platte Jaycees, where he met many long-standing friendships.

Mike hired on the Union Pacific Railroad in 2004 as a conductor. Mike will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Mike is survived by his brother, Brad Nixon, of North Platte; his uncle, Ron Wynn, of California; many good friends he made along his journey in life, including, Richard (Heidi) Montang, David Fletcher, Robert Vogt, Ron Kramer, Dennis Dorn, Keith (Karen) Faler, Dodie Johnson and Gary (Stacy) Watson.

Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be at a later date at Phillips Cemetery in Phillips, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life will be November 13, 2016 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. at The Eagles Club. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Maynard K. Smidt, 77 of North Platte, passed away in his home on October 22, 2016. Maynard was born in Cozad, Nebraska on December 5, 1938 to Ernest and Opal Smidt. He graduated from Cozad high school in 1956 and enlisted in the army. Upon discharge from the army he was recruited by the University of Nebraska where he played fullback from 1960-1964, his career with the Huskers culminating in the 1964 Orange Bowl championship. He graduated from UNL with a degree in business administration in 1964 and married his one true love Sharon Ross on April 14, 1964. Maynard and Sharon moved to North Platte in 1975 where Maynard and his brother Dean opened the Smidt Insurance Agency. Those who knew Maynard best will always remember him for his love of fishing and time spent surrounded by friends and family. Maynard leaves to cherish his memory his children Kim Ridder of Lincoln, Kristi Smidt Murphy of Omaha and Jeff Smidt of Denver; brother, Dean Smidt of Cozad, four grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation was chosen. A memorial services will be at a later date. Those wishing to sign his memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.