Robert “Bob” Rudloff, age 77, of North Platte, passed away September 5, 2016 at the University of Colorado Health in Aurora, CO. He was born March 6, 1939 in Crawford, NE to Joe H. and Gladys H. (Lux) Rudloff. Bob graduated from Sargent High School in 1956 and then later served in the United States Navy until his discharge in 1963. He married Patricia Parker and to this union five children were born. Bob worked as an electrician for Bell Systems in California and in the North Platte area. He was united in marriage to Gwen Masters on February 24, 1986. Bob retired from AT&T in 2001 but he continued to pursue his interests in agriculture and cattle. A talented musician, Bob was a lead guitar player in various country bands in the area up until his retirement. He was an avid model railroader, a John Deere enthusiast and spent as much time on the lake fishing as he could work into his schedule. A lifelong hunter and nature lover, he took up bird watching during the last few years. Survivors include his wife, Gwen; sons: Joe Summers, Rob (Krista) Rudloff, and Nathan Rudloff; daughter: Sara Rudloff; brother: John Rudloff; three grandchildren: Thomas, Theresa, and Mykell; mother-in-law: Eunice Masters, and other extended family. Bob was preceded in death by his mother and father, infant brother and his daughter Pamela Summers. Memorials are suggested to the Salvation Army, Maywood Christian Church, or to the donor’s choice. Memorial graveside services will be 3:00 pm Friday, September 16, 2016 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE with military honors. The family request casual wear and absolutely no neck ties. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel which is in care of arrangements.

Carlos D. “Bud” Votaw, age 82 of Wellfleet passed away Thursday September 8, 2016 at Great Plains Health due to the results of a stroke suffered in May 2015. He was ready to join loved ones in heaven and be pain free.
Bud was born on August 5, 1934 in Curtis, NE to John R. and Eva (Poteet) Votaw, according to his mother, the hottest day of the year! He grew up on the family farm northeast of Wellfleet, attended Community Center School, District 70 in Lincoln County through the 8th grade and graduated from the Curtis Aggies (Nebraska School of Agriculture) in 1952. In 1958 Bud was drafted into the Army, stationed in Germany and honorably discharged in 1959 to return to farming and ranching with his father. On November 22, 1959 Bud was married to Charlene A. Rose of North Platte and was blessed with 57 years with his best friend and love of his life. Bud loved farming and ranching for 20 years, growing irrigated corn and wheat and raising registered Angus cattle, and having a buffalo herd later in life, which was an interesting experience as well. Bud was employed at the North Platte Regional Airport for 11 years as maintenance supervisor. After retiring again, and with his love of cooking, Bud’s Steakhouse and Camp Ground at Lake Maloney south of North Platte, was the next endeavor. After health problems he retired again, this time back to his home on the farm in rural Wellfleet where he enjoyed his hobbies of cooking, gardening, wood working, reading, puzzles, attending church functions and enjoying time with his family. He was a 4-H leader and sponsor of the Wellfleet UMYF, coached girls softball, was a member of the Oddfellows, Eagles, Moose, Elks, and Harmony Community Club and Country Gardeners. He was a member of the Wellfleet United Methodist Church and served on the Administrative Council. He was on the Maywood Public School Board for a term, serving as treasurer.
Bud is survived by his wife Charlene of Wellfleet; 3 children Cindy Cynova of Denver, CO, Camille Votaw of North Platte, and Christopher (Shelby Forrester) Votaw of Oconto, NE; 7 grandchildren Charity (Justin) Harvey of Westminster, CO, Mandi (Nate) Smith of Crested Butte, CO, Cody (Monica) McCown of Albuquerque, NM, Jaide Votaw of Kearney, NE, Zebediah Greeley of North Platte, Denton Votaw of Callaway, and Danielle (Jud Gallardo) Greeley of North Platte; 6 great grandchildren, Vivienne and Aliyah Smith, Ace and Ryder McCown, Holden Gallardo, and Gwendolyn Harvey; his siblilngs Jeanenne (Darryl) Pickett of AZ, David (Barbara) Votaw of Holdrege, NE, John (Norma) Votaw of Wellfleet, and Debby (Bob) Adams of WA; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by son Craig Allen Votaw; his parents John and Eva Votaw; and parents-in-law Charles and Hazel Rose.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Monday September 12, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating. Inurnment will follow at the Wellfleet Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Sunday September 11, 2016 with family receiving friends from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Eric E. Post, age 54, of North Platte, passed away Monday, Sept 5, 2016 at his home. He was born August 20, 1962 at North Platte to Vance and Arlene (Christensen) Post. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1980. Eric served in the United States Air Force as staff sergeant from 1984 until his discharge in 1988. He returned to North Platte and was employed at Trego Aviation and later hired on the Union Pacific as a machinist. Most recently he worked for Andersen and Sons NAPA. Survivors include his father, Vance (Marlea) Post; brother, Greg (Nicole) Post; sister, Cindy Olszewski; step-brothers, Kent, Steve and Bill Reeves; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Arlene Post; and his brother-in-law, B.J. Olszewski. Private family services will be held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell, Nebraska with military honors. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday. Online condolences may be shared a www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

John D. (Jack) Henderson, age 82 of North Platte, passed away September 4, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, as a result of an auto accident. He was born August 23, 1934 at Broken Bow, NE to John C. (Pat) and Mabel Henderson. He grew up in Callaway, NE and graduated with the class of 1951. On January 2, 1955 he married his high school sweetheart Ruth Booker. Jack did several different jobs in the Callaway area and in November of 1962 started work with the Nebraska Game and Parks as a Conservation Officer. He was stationed in Thedford, Stapleton, Gothenburg and North Platte, and retired in February of 2004 with 41 years of service. Jack was an avid gun trader, fisherman, hunter and husker fan. His greatest love was his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His loving family includes his wife of 61 years, Ruth, children Dennis (Katy) Henderson of North Platte, Patrick (Janet) Henderson of Kent, WA and Pam (Dave) Leggott of North Platte. Grandchildren; Brandon Lundeen, Zach (Missy) Lundeen, Ryan Lundeen, Andrea (Rob) Ham, Daphanie, Aadon and Landon, Larissa Henderson, John Jeter Henderson, Setera (Emmett) Gannon and Emmersyn, Cory Leggott, Shea Leggott and brother Richard (Darlene) Henderson of Idaho. Sister-in-law Rose Hirsch of Broken Bow and Brother-in-law Roy (Wanda) Booker of North Platte. Services will be 10:00 am Saturday, September 10, 2016 at the Berean Church in North Platte with Pastor John Stone officiating. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Donna M. (Steele) Claudson, age 85, of North Platte passed away at Linden Court on September 3, 2016. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Kenneth L. Claudson, who died at home May 29, 2016 at the age of 87.
Donna was born September 4, 1930 to Ray and Ruth (Siver) Steele in Arnold, NE, grew up on a farm near Powell Canyon, attending a one-room country school through the 8th grade. She boarded in Arnold to attend high school, graduating in 1948.
Kenneth was also born in Arnold on December 10, 1928 to Loyal and Marie (Eastburn) Claudson. His family moved many times during his early years, and were living in Fort Collins, CO when Ken was stricken at age 12 with osteomyelitis, a crippling infection of the bones. Ken was treated at Spears Chiropractic Hospital in Denver, CO, where he was their first patient, in 1941. After five years he was able to walk again, and returned to Arnold in 1946.
He and Donna were married in North Platte on November 10, 1949, and lived in a small basement apartment in Arnold. They moved to Columbus, NE in 1952, where Ken was employed at KC Auto Supply, and their three children were born. They moved to North Platte in 1964, and Ken worked at Sidles Automotive until 1976, when they bought the Park motel on North Jeffers Street. They were business partners and constant companions from then on, retiring in 1994.
Ken and Donna re-furnished antique furniture and collected lamps, crocks, and glassware. Donna was an accomplished seamstress and upholsterer and loved to paint. Ken enjoyed meeting people in his business, working in his wood shop, and going to auctions. He was a skilled carpenter and cabinet maker, and together they re-modeled every housed they owned.
Ken and Donna leave behind a large, close-knit family. Survivors include, daughters Kay (David) Edson of Saint Joseph, MO, and Kari (Patrick) Richards of North Platte, NE; son, Kelly (Deb) Claudson of North Platte; grandchildren, Kris (Connie) Richards of North Platte, NE, Paul Morris of Saint Joseph, MO, Michelle (Shaun) Pagel, Sara (Chris) Ningen, Austin Claudson, Candace (John) White, and Ethan Claudson all of North Platte, Ne; and seven precious great-grandchildren.
A memorial has been established in Ken and Donna’s name to purchase a park bench for Centennial Park. Online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 9, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with private family inurnment in the Arnold Cemetery. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Ronald K. Cochran, age 81 of Ogallala, former Grant resident, passed away Friday, September 2, 2016 at his home in Ogallala.

Ron was born June 3, 1935 at Hamlet, NE to Reuben and Wilma (Branum) Cochran. He graduated from Curtis high school with the class of 1954. A few months later he was united in marriage to Shirley Gibson on August 21, 1954 in McCook. Following their nuptials, Ron went on to serve in the US Army. Following his discharge he returned to McCook where he worked in route sales for 7-Up and Weavers potato chips. Ron later took a job with Stickney’s, which took him to Milford for a couple years before moving to manage the store in Ogallala. Ron would later work in route sales for Old Home Bakery, which took him to Scottsbluff, before returning to the Keith County area where he worked as a car salesman for various dealerships over the next several years.

Following the death of his wife Shirley, in 1980, Ron married Norma Jean Kramer in Grant. The couple resided in Grant, where Ron became an active and dedicated member of the United Methodist Church. Ron stayed active in the community, having worked at the Coop, mowed yards, cared for the cemetery and played integral roles in nearly every major fundraising campaign in town. He was a proud member of the Grant Lions Club and was a charter member of the Eagle’s Club in Imperial.

When Ron wasn’t busy with work and volunteering, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards and traveling. He was a devoted fan of the Colorado Rockies and Denver Broncos. He was also particularly devoted to his feline companion, “Baby.”

Ron was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley and his parents.

Survivors include his wife, Norma Jean Cochran; children Sherry and Doug Dunham of Ogallala, Roger and Judy Cochran of Oberlin, KS, Rodney and Linda Cochran of Ogallala, Sheryl Warner of Pritchett, CO, Robert Cochran of Ogallala, Rondell and Karen Cochran of Brighton, CO; sister, Donna Doughtery of Belton, MO; brother, Lenard and Marcia Cochran of Tacoma, WA; 22 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; several great great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Grant Lions Club in Ron’s memory. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the service will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the Grant United Methodist church with Pastor Elmer Armijo officiating. Burial will be in the Grant Fairview Cemetery.

Charline EmmaLee Yanken, age 95 of North Platte, Ne passed away September 2, 2016 at Great Plains Health. Charline was born April 2, 1921 to Fred and Rebecka (Stellman) Coller in North Platte, the oldest of six brothers and a sister.
During her early life the family moved wherever they could find work. These included North Platte, Dickens, Sutherland, Cozad, and Minnesota. During these hard times her family resided in automobiles, sod houses, a cellar and railroad box cars. The last move was to Baker, Oregon and at that time Charline stayed in North Platte to finish school at one location. She was 15 years old and was on her own. She stayed in an apartment and for her rent she cleaned the home, for her food she cleaned and worked at a small neighborhood grocery store. Achieving her goal of finishing school at one location she promptly got a bookkeeping job and once again cleaned and cooked for her apartment. In 1941 she met Virgil Yanken and they married on June 16, 1943. To this union one son, Gary was born. Having worked various jobs in Texas and Kansas while Virgil served in the military, Charline helped start the original Sears and Roebuck Store. She stayed with Sears as the manager of the ladies department, retiring in 1983. For the next 33 years she lived in her home on her own. Charline’s life was one of hard work, responsibility, and independence. She loved her vacations to Oregon to visit family, pick wild berries, camp in the mountains, and eat trout. Her son’s dogs were her love and therapy and over the years she lived for times spent with Spanky, Brittney, Pooh, Ember, and Aspen. They always got brushed and held so tight so as not to escape her lap!
Charline is survived by her son, Gary (Sandi) Yanken of North Platte; four grandchildren, Scott VonBehren, Greg (Heather) VonBehren, Heidi (Dan) Ertz, and Brooke (Justin) Janas; great-grandchildren, Alex VonBehren, Josh and Kaeleigh Ertz, Tate, Ella, and Jacoby Janas; a sister, Lois; and brothers, Al and Leo.
Charline was preceded in passing by her parents; husband, Virgil; brothers, Bob, Rich, Don and Fred Jr.
Memorials can be made to “Fur the Love of Paws” and online condolences may be shared at adamsswanson.com.
As per her request, there will be no service or viewing. Interment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Mom and dad together again. Adams & Swanson Funeral home is handling arrangements.

Lorretta Marie Farrell, age 87, of North Platte passed away September 3, 2016 at Great Plains Health.
Loretta was born November 4, 1928 in Exeter, Ne to Joseph and Matilda (Ries) Becker. She grew up and attended school in Exeter, graduating with the class of 1946. Loretta moved to Lincoln, NE where she did clerical work at an insurance company and met Lyle Farrell on a blind date. The two were married on November 25, 1950, at St. Stephen’s Catholic Church in Exeter. The couple settled in North Platte where Loretta worked for the North Platte Café and raised her large family.
Her family and church were the center of her life. Quilting, playing cards, and babysitting her grandchildren were some of her greatest joys.
Survivors include her eight children, Dan (Cindy) of Independence, MO, Ed (Lori) of Grand Island, NE, Mike (Sue) of Grants, NM, Joe of North Platte, Chris (Terri) of Lexington, NE, Mary (Bob) Mitchell of North Platte, Cindy, (Harvey) Walter of Cozad, and Susie (Bill) Jones of Council Bluffs, IA; 17 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; sisters, Donna Jean Welchert of Fort Calhoun, NE, and Agnes Ann Loukata of Exeter, NE; many nieces and nephews; and her spiritual sister, Sr. Jean Macke of North Platte.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lyle; and three brothers, Jake, Don, and Arlan Becker.
Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Service will be 12:30 p.m. Thursday, September 8, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend C.P. Varghese as celebrant. Burial will be at fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Floyd Lawrence Schultz, Sr., age 86, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Thursday, September 1, 2016, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Floyd was born January 14, 1930, in his grandparent’s sod house, south of Curtis, NE, to Harvey Paige and Olsa Estella Headley Schultz. Floyd grew up in the area and attended a one room school house. After his 8th grade graduation, he went on to the Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis. When he finished school, Floyd worked for Pawnee Spring Ranch for a year.

In 1947 he began working for the North Platte Packing Company, eventually becoming Foreman on the killing floor. Floyd excelled at his job, and was asked many times over the years to help with private butchering and skinning. Even the State of Nebraska recognized his talent when they asked Floyd to skin the last buffalo held on the grounds in North Platte. After inquiring as to who was the best skinner in the area, they chose Floyd to perfectly skin the buffalo so it could be mounted. That buffalo now stands in the National Museum of History in Lincoln.

By 1969 Floyd hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked in the old Roundhouse, this was before the Diesel Shop was built. After his apprenticeship, Floyd worked as a Pipe-Fitter Sheet Metal Worker and helped get the old steam engines in tiptop shape and the Freedom Train roadworthy. His work was recognized with many service awards. In 1995 Floyd retired from the railroad but did miss the camaraderie of his fellow workers.

On April 25, 1947, Floyd was united in marriage to the love of his life, Viola M. Spidell, at the North Platte Methodist Church. They lived in North Platte and had four children, two sons and two daughters. On January 7, 1958, Floyd and Viola were baptized into the Church of Christ and have been members ever since. Floyd was also a member of the F.O. Eagles for 36 years and a lifetime member of the NRA.

During his retirement years, Floyd enjoyed woodworking, making game boards for his grandchildren, and watching old Western’s on TV. He loved being outdoors, tending to the yard, trees, vegetable gardens and his many hybrid roses, which won ribbons at the County Fair. Floyd also enjoyed hunting and fishing, but liked pheasant hunting with his German short hair pointers best. Hunting was not only fun but also provided food for the family and lead to him shooting a trophy buck (a cross between a white tail and a mule deer) in the Cottonwood Canyon. The antlers have hung in the home ever since.

Floyd will be missed by his wife of nearly 70 years, Viola, and son, Gary Schultz, of North Platte; five grandchildren, Skip, Salena, Travis, Trampus and Jake; five great-granddaughters, Brittney, Madison, Trinity, Jayna & Livia; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Cynthia and Mindy Sue; a son, Jay; brothers, Albert and Harvey; sisters, Devotabell Hoffman and Betty Jean Morgan; granddaughter, Amanda Diltz; a grandson, Michael J. Schultz; and great-granddaughter, Misty K. Schultz.

Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, September 6, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Larry Henry, a nephew, officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday 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 Good Fellows Shoe Fund.