Diana Jean Apodaca, 47, of North Platte went peacefully and grew her wings on February 15, 2019 with her loving family at her side.  Diana was born on October 11, 1971 in North Platte, Nebraska to Joseph and Lupe (Caudillo) Apodaca.

Diana graduated from ESU 16 in 1989.  She was a very intelligent, loving, caring, happy, helpful individual who loved doing housework and ironing!  She loved music, dancing and collecting baseball cards, and she greeted everyone with a hug and a contagious smile.  Diana lived with her Aunt Nellie until here death, and then lived with her Aunt Jenny and Uncle Pete.  Diana loved everyone and the feeling was mutual.

Survivors include her aunt, Jenny Lopez of North Platte; siblings, Ann (Jim) Smith of North Platte, Daniel Apodaca of Kearney, Virgil Apodaca Sr of Springfield, Missouri, and Colleen Davis of Kearney; numerous other family members and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Nick Apodaca; uncle, Pedro Lopez; aunt, Nellie Caudillo; grandparents, Anastasia & Herman Caudillo and Cora (Apodaca) & Leno Martinez.

Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant.  Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at St. Patrick’s Catholic  Church.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday and 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.  The family encourages everyone to wear pink in memory of Diana and her mother.

Arvid Virgil Jackson, of North Platte, passed into his eternal rest on Friday, February 15, 2019, at Centennial Park Retirement Village after nearly four years of cancer treatments and surgeries.  He endured much in his struggle to survive but was overcome the day after turning 93 on Valentine’s Day.

Arvid was born February 14, 1926, at Bloomington, Nebraska, to Arthur E. and Eulah B. (Jay) Jackson, the fifth of nine children.  He grew up and attended school in Wilcox until the family moved to Ogallala where he went to high school, graduating in 1944.  While in high school, Arvid had a job helping build the Kingsley Dam.

One evening in North Platte, Arvid met and fell in love with a young lady by the name of Florence Evangeline Forseberg.  Their courtship was short since Arvid left for the Navy three months later but their love lasted.  Arvid served two years in the South Pacific aboard a crew transport ship then returned home after his discharge in 1946.  Arvid and Florence were united in marriage on July 14, 1946, at the Svea Dal Church in Wild Horse Valley, north of Brady.  They were blessed with four sons and nearly 72 years of marriage before she passed away on June 28, 2018.

Arvid and Florence attended Moody Bible College in Omaha for a year before moving to North Platte where he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad as a Pipe Fitter on July 10, 1950.  After 37 years Arvid retired with a disability and began his full retirement, helping family and friends whenever he could.  Being born on Valentine’s Day must have been a sign of his future because he truly had the biggest of hearts as he was always willing to help or give to anyone in need and knew no strangers.  Arvid had a strong faith in God and was an active member of the North Platte Berean Church.

Along with his loving wife, Florence, Arvid was preceded in death by their son, Tommy; his parents, two brothers and five sisters; as well as many other family and friends.

He is survived by his three sons, Dave (Nancy), of Phillipsburg, KS, and Jim (Sally) and Tim (Karen) , of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Davey Jackson, Tiffany Lee, Jordana Breckenridge, Chris Jackson, Rachel Collins, Alicia Bostwick and Tyler Jackson; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Laurel Kay; and other family.

Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 20, 2019, at the North Platte Berean Church.  Burial with Military Honors will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be 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.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Maranatha Bible Camp or American Cancer Society.

Mabel Lavern Ennis, age 98 of North Platte, formerly of Minot, ND, daughter of Andrew Edward and Ella Elenora (Anderson) Nelson, was born in Kickapoo Township near Blaisdell, ND, on July 15, 1920.  She passed away on Saturday, February 9, 2019 in North Platte, NE.

Mabel was part of the Shell Creek Community near Blaisdell until she was eight years old and her family moved to a farm north of Tagus, ND.  She attended school in Tagus and graduated from Tagus High School in 1938.

In January 1939 she married Harold Ennis of Tagus.  After their marriage they lived in the teacherage at the Clay Center School, rural Lansford, ND, where Harold was the principal and teacher.  After Harold was drafted into the to US Navy, she and their daughter Janice lived in Minot.  After Harold returned from WWII, they continued to make their home in Minot, where Harold worked for the Great Northern Railroad.  Their daughter Nancy was born in 1951.  Harold and Mabel celebrated 74 years of marriage before Harold’s death.  Harold and Mabel lived in their house in northwest Minot for over 50 years, where they had a special bond with their wonderful neighbors.

After Harold’s retirement in 1978, they spent time at their trailer in Van Hook, ND and spent the winters at the Fiesta Trailer Park in Mesa, AZ, where Mabel enjoyed ceramics, Bible study group, and a circle of friends who met to make quilts for the needy.  In Minot, she was a longtime member of Bethany Lutheran Church where she served in Sunday School, Ladies Circle, and BLCW for many years.  During the Minot flood of 2011, Harold and Mabel were evacuated to Velva, ND where Harold passed away in September 2012.  In November 2012 Mabel moved to North Platte, NE.

Mabel is survived by two daughters, Janice Barlow of Minot, ND, and Nancy (Karl) Christensen of Maxwell, NE; five grandchildren, Amy (Jeff) Bowman, Beth (Matt) Hardy, Colleen (Tyler) Sexson, Patrick (Kendra) Christensen, and Ruth (Dustin) Meyer; great grandchildren Cassie, Allie, DJ, Brandy, Hope, Camden, Kirby, Clyde, Millie, Waylon and a great granddaughter to be born in April; great great grandchildren Devin, Ryan, Penelope, and Jackson; and four step great grandchildren.  She is also survived by a special niece Carol (Dan) Crockett of Spokane, WA; and many cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Harold; son-in-law Arden Barlow; step father Oscar Anderson; and three sisters, Ethel Csech, Bernice Grant and Arlene Nelson.

Memorials are suggested to the Bethany Lutheran Church, 215 3^rd Avenue SE, Minot, ND 58701, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswnson.com.

Mabel will be buried beside her husband Harold at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE at a later date.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joan C. Driggs, 88, passed away February 9, 2019 at the Sutherland Care Center.  She was born May 28, 1930 to LeRoy E. and Alta I. (Ward) Walker at North Platte.  Joan graduated from North Platte High School with the class of “49”.

She was united in marriage to Herbert L. “Herb” Driggs on June 16, 1951.  Joan resided in North Platte her entire life.  She was employed as a nurse’s aide at Linden Manor and then at Great Plains Regional Medical Center for over 16 years.  She was a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and the North Platte Volunteer Fire Fighters Ladies Auxiliary.

She is survived by her two sons, Jeffrey C. (Kendra) Driggs of North Platte and Stephen L. Driggs of Lincoln; three grandchildren, Alyssa, Chris (Jade) and Lindsey; and other relatives.  She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and a sister, Mildred Lorraine Gade.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  A memorial has been established in her memory.  Visitation will be Sunday, February 17, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 6pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 18, 2019 at the funeral home.  Private burial will follow at North Platte Cemetery.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Esther Alscena (Winters) Arensdorf, age 83 of Tryon passed away on Sunday, February 10, 2019 in North Platte, Nebraska.

Esther was born at the family farm northeast of Tryon on April 14, 1935 to Warren and Ora (Miller) Winters, the youngest of their children. Esther attended elementary school at the District 1 country school in McPherson County and District 4 in Tryon. She attended McPherson County High School. On June 7, 1952, Esther was united in marriage to Dale Duane Arensdorf in Julesburg, Colorado. They lived at the Bird Huffman ranch until May 1953. They then moved to the Walt Bassett ranch where they resided the rest of her life. They had five children: Deb, Dan, Jeff, Pat, and Dale Dee.

She had many talents – cooking, baking, sewing, quilting, and gardening – that she used to support her family and demonstrate her love for them and her friends. Each child, grandchild, and great grandchild had a favorite meal that she would happily prepare, and anyone who stopped by the ranch near mealtime was treated to great food and a card game. Everyone raved about her branding and holiday meals. Her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren have beautiful quilts – “love in stitches” – that she lovingly sewed by hand for them, in addition to making rugs, towels, afghans, and other items.

Esther was joyful in nature and always laughing. Her creativity and playfulness created unforgettable memories for her family and friends at Halloween and Easter in particular. She loved to tell stories and entertain. She especially loved dancing, playing games, and making happy memories with her family and friends. Her thoughtfulness was unmatched with cards and hand-written letters for each birthday, anniversary, and special occasion. She was a member of the Helping Hand Club, where she enjoyed collaborating with her neighbors and friends.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Dale, sisters Wilma Neal and Alma Bullington, daughters Deb (Jim) Schmidt and Pat (Cliff) Dailey, sons Dan (Berva), Jeff, and Dale Dee (Peg), 16 grandchildren, and 26 great grandchildren. Grandchildren include Randi (Patrick) Gude, Ryan (Kendra) Schmidt, Alan (Nicole) Schmidt, Dana (Kyle) Songster, Dawna (Derek) Payton, Darla (Terry) Sautter, Wyatt (Erin) Arensdorf, Jason (Jennifer) Arensdorf, Jeremy Arensdorf, Jared (Amanda) Arensdorf, Warren (Jackie) Dailey, Lara (Ben) Hager, Bandy (Chari) Arensdorf, Levi (Amber Hollenbeck) Arensdorf, Dale Riley Arensdorf, and Duell Arensdorf.

Esther was preceded in death by her parents and an infant sister, Alice, sister Dorothy Kramer, brothers Roy and Glenn Winters, daughter-in-law Joleen (Shelly) Arensdorf, and granddaughter Jessika Songster.

Memorials may be made to the Tryon Volunteer Rescue and Fire Department and online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 2pm at the McPherson County High School Gymnasium with the Reverend Dr. Doug Delp officiating. Burial will follow at the Miller Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 1 pm to 8pm on Tuesday, February 12, 2019 with family receiving visitors from 6pm until 8pm at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Eugene “Gene” L. Pursley, age 59 of North Platte, passed away February 9, 2019 at his home surrounded by family.

Gene was born September 18, 1959 in Stratton, NE to George Walter and Josephine (Deal) Pursley.  He graduated from Sidney High School in 1978 and moved to North Platte for electrical and refrigeration schooling.  He worked at Pappas Standard for many years and then in 1985 was hired at the North Platte Public Schools and worked his way up to Director of Building, Grounds and Transportation.  At the time of his death, he was in his 34^th year of service.  On July 5, 1986 he married Tammy Johnson in North Platte at the Nazarene Church.  He was a past member of the Eagles Club, he loved Husker football, square dancing, bowling, fishing, hunting and playing cards.  He was instrumental in helping many young men complete their Eagle Scout projects.  He will be remembered for his work ethic, his willingness to help others, and being a friend to everyone.

Gene is survived by his wife Tammy of North Platte; sons Derek (Dehjin) Pursley, and Zach Pursley all of North Platte, and Tyler (Tristan Johnson) Pursley of Lincoln, NE; 5 grandchildren Kayson, Bentley, Chevy, Porscha, and Enzo, all who called him Papa; brother Steve (Bonnie) Pursley; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Josephine Pursley; brothers Ernest and LeRoy Williams; sister Jacki Wilson; and father and mother-in-law Clarence and Rita Johnson.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday February 13, 2018 at Parkview Community Church of Nazarene with Reverend James Trippett officiating.  Burial will follow at North Platte Cemetery.  Gene’s family requests that those attending the service wear Husker apparel.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday February 12, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Patricia Ann McEntire, age 75 of North Platte, passed away Sunday February 10, 2019 at her home surrounded by her loving family after a very recent diagnosis and battle with cancer.

Pat was born June 25, 1943 in Kearney, NE to Raymond and Lilly (Olson) Stubbs.  She attended school first in Kearney, then North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School with the class of 1962.  She married the love of her life, Arthur Ennis McEntire, on October 8, 1962, and they were blessed with four wonderful children.  Pat held many jobs through the years as an interior decorator, buying and selling antiques, she was the manager of Palmer Brother Monuments, and was most proud of her nursing career as an LPN at St. Mary’s Hospital, Great Plains Hospital and the American Red Cross.  She was a member of the Assembly of God Church where she helped her husband with ministry, music worship.  She had a wonderful sense of humor which she passed on to her children, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

Pat is survived by her daughters Lori (Patrick) Clinch, Pattie (Pat) Condon, and Misti (Michael Torres) McEntire all of North Platte; 14 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; special daughter and granddaughter Carolyn O’Brien and Bailey O’Brien; sister Jean Triplett of North Platte; brothers`-in-law Bill Olson and Rick McEntire both of North Platte; as well as numerous other family members and friends; not to mention her beloved dog Arfie.

She was preceded in death by her parents Raymond Stubbs and Lilly Stubbs-Johnson; stepfather Jason Johnson; husband Arthur in March of 2018; son Artie in August of 2016; 3 brothers and 2 sisters.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday February 14, 2019 at the Assembly of God Church with the Reverend Gary Goodwin officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday February 13, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.