Julie Thompson age 72, of North Platte, died April 26, 2016 at Great Plains Health surrounded by her family.
Born October 16, 1943 to Ray and Evelyn (Kutlas) Anderson in Deshler, Neb. Julie spent her youth in Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming moving as the family grew and her father followed his career. Julie was the oldest of nine daughters. She married G.V. (Jerry) Thompson, D.V.M. on May 25 of 1963 in Sutherland, Neb. They were married 53 years and had three children; Jerry Ray (Cristy) Thompson, Jodi (Doug Lowe) and Justin (Missy) Thompson.
Julie was a partner to Jerry in all things and supported his veterinarian practice in many capacities for over 50 years. She was also a skilled book-keeper, shop-owner and event planner.
Julie will be remembered as a strong woman who loved fiercely. She was a champion to the underdog and never gave up a challenge if it meant helping someone else. She cared for her sisters in an exceptional way and when the need arose opened her and Jerry’s home to them. She thought her children were the best of anyone’s and taught them important things – love, loyalty and passion for the little things in life. Her grandchildren were very special to her; she loved showering them with gifts.
Genealogy – any one’s – was a favorite hobby of hers and she spent many an hour researching history’s stories. Her pets were close to her heart and she loved her Great Danes. Julie loved to celebrate with her family and friends; a reason was not necessary. Rodeo was a wonderful past time for Julie and she immensely enjoyed following and hosting cowboys. She loved surprises if she was the one planning the surprise.
She will be forever missed and is survived by her husband and children; her grandchildren, Aden and Lane Thompson, Taylor and Quade Lowe, Kaden, Ella and Avery Thompson; her sisters, Patti (Keith) Saathoff, Donna (Jimmy) Simmons, Angela Most, Christy (Dan) Smith, Kaycee Anderson, Barbara (Gil) Fowler; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Frank (Sherry) Thompson, Robert (Nadine) Thompson, Carol Budnick, Rosalie Thurber, Dwight (Michal) Thompson, Donna Stewart, Dennis Thompson, Madeline (Ronald) Shewmaker; and many nieces and nephews.
Julie was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother Michael; sisters, Linda Winder and Jackie Luken; her father and mother-in-law, Jack and Jessica Thompson; brothers-in-law Bill Thompson and Francis Budnick.
Memorials may be made to the family to be used for a youth rodeo scholarship in Julie’s name. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 2, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend James Golka as celebrant. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Jane Bernadette (Hughes) Campbell, age 82, of Overland Park, Kansas, formerly of North Platte passed away peacefully Wednesday April 20, 2016 surrounded in death, as in life, by family at the Overland Park Regional Medical Center. Born December 8, 1933 on the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception, she had a lifelong and daily devotion to the Blessed Mother who we know welcomed her into the promises of the Kingdom.
She grew up on a farm near Battle Creek Nebraska where she enjoyed the love of her parents Joe and Anna Hughes and her siblings JoAnn, Helen, Mike and Howard. Upon graduating from Battle Creek High School she attended Duchesne College in Omaha earning a teaching certificate and making many lifelong friends. After a summer working in Estes Park Jane took a teaching position in Rawlins, Wyoming where she was introduced to John (Jack) Campbell on the church steps. Shortly thereafter they were engaged and married on June 12, 1956.
Deciding that railroad life was not a long term calling they decided to start an educational odyssey that would last 9 years and take them to Laramie Wyoming and Manhattan Kansas. Jane is legendary among her student housing peers for taking care of as many as 25 children in her small apartments as a way to help pay the bills. She also typed hundreds of pages of Master’s and Doctoral Thesis on a manual typewriter for Jack that could have zero mistakes. All the while she also managed three young children of her own, John, Mike and Jeannie. The family moved to Lincoln where daughter Cathy was born. In 1971 the family came full circle to North Platte, Nebraska which was home to Jack’s parents John and Cecelia and brother Jerry. They created a wonderful group of friends and strong base for the family over the next 43 years on Beverly Boulevard.
Jane was active in anything that had to do with St. Pats School, Holy Spirit Church, Catholic Daughters, her rosary group or University Extension organizations. Countless coffee cakes appeared over the years on the doorsteps and tables of neighbors, newcomers and strangers in need as one of her ways she showed her care for others. Jane was instrumental in formation of the Birthline (now known as the Women’s’ Resource Center) dedicated to helping women with unexpected pregnancy and providing alternatives to abortion. She took her Catholic faith as a calling to inconspicuous actions that gave witness to the living Gospel of healing and forgiveness.
Her main calling in life was the physical and spiritual care and feeding of her immediate and extended family. Cards and letters flowed from her even as her vision and ability to write failed. Despite her pain and sickness from early onset of rheumatoid arthritis and complications from medication she was always “getting better”. Her enthusiasm for life and interest in people made a lasting impression on many who knew her. Daughter Cathy and her family have been full time caregivers in Overland Park the past two years and our gratitude is beyond words.
She was preceded in death by her husband Jack.
Jane is survived by sons, John Campbell and spouse Robyn Tait of Omaha, NE, Mike Campbell and spouse Debbie of Kansas City, MO; daughters, Jeannie Campbell and spouse Tim Kluempers of Lenexa, KS, and Cathy Campbell Miyake and spouse Dean of Overland Park, KS; twelve grandchildren, Kaitlin, Jacob, and Cecelia Campbell, Annie Freeman (Seth), Molly, Rosie, and Mary Grace Campbell, Janie, Catherine, Brock and Lacianna Kluempers and Raina Miyake; and three great-grandchildren Jackson and Luke Freeman, and Bird Campbell.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic Endowment Fund or to the Women’s Resource Center.
Christian Wake Service will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend C.P. Varghese as celebrant. Interment will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be noon until 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Lea (McGregor) Shimmin, age 67, of North Platte, NE, went home to be with her Savior after a courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, April 20, 2016, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Sandy was born May 14, 1948, to Ervin Robert and Ruth Maxine James McGregor in Imperial, NE. She attended school in Hayes County, NE before the family moved to North Platte in 1954 where she attended Cleveland Grade School and graduated from North Platte High School in 1966. Sandy later graduated from the Personnel Training Institute of Omaha then began a career with Western Union Telegraph in Scottsbluff, NE.

On August 17, 1969, Sandy married her best friend, R. Loren Shimmin in North Platte. They lived in Scottsbluff until 1972 when they returned to North Platte where they made their home and celebrated over 46 years of marriage. Sandy began her banking career in 1975 when she went to work for American Security Bank. She later worked for several banks until retiring from Hershey State Bank in 2010.

Sandy was a member of the North Platte Berean Church and taught Sunday School for many years. She loved Nebraska football, volleyball and baseball. Sandy especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and enjoyed making quilts for each of them.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Loren, of North Platte; three daughters, Jennifer (Roger) Murphy, of Sidney, NE, Tara (Toby) Norman, of Stevensville, MT, and Amanda (John) Howell, of Kearney, NE; six grandchildren, Alexandra and Johnny Hehnke, Kensley, Connor and Caden Norman, and Fionna Howell; her sister, Marlene Gale, and sister-in-law, Paula (Dan) Dishman, all of North Platte; brother-in-law, Charles (Deb) Shimmin, of Chiang Mai, Thailand; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ervin and Ruth McGregor; in-laws, Ben and Lila Shimmin; and brother-in-law, Ray Shimmin.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, April 26, 2016, at the North Platte Berean Church with Pastor John Stone officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday and from 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. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Berean Church or New Tribes Mission for Charlie and Deb Shimmin’s Ministry.

Viola Rae Kramer, age 69, of Axtell, passed away Tuesday April 19, 2016 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, NE.
Viola was born on November 9, 1946 in Gothenburg, NE to Leonard and Helen Joy (Everett) Kramer of Stapleton, NE. She spent her first 13 years at home with her family. She was later moved to Beatrice for 23 years, and then made her home at Mosaic in Axtell, NE for 33 years. She was well liked by the staff and thought of them as her family and received great care from all of them. She will be missed by her family and friends at Mosaic. Viola liked to go for car rides and walks in the summer time. She did a few crafts with the help of the staff members. She really liked to have her great niece and nephew come to visit her.
Viola is survived by 6 sisters, Linda Crisman of Gothenburg, Marlene Johnson of Farnam, Florence Sims of Mesquite, TX, Lynette (Steve) Krab of Paxton, NE, Gloria (Steve) Shingleton of Albuquerque, NM, and Tina (Rick) Terry of Salt Lake City, UT; 3 brothers, Wilfred (Virginia) Kramer of Kearney, NE, Leonard “Shorty” (Cathy) Kramer of Stapleton, NE, and William Kramer of Dallas, TX; as well as several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; 2 brothers Larry and Walter; and brothers-in-law Terry Johnson and Ronald Crisman.
Memorials are suggested to Mosiac Home, 1044 23 Rd., Axtell, NE 68924 and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday April 23, 2016 at McCain Cemetery near Stapleton, NE with Pastor James Paine officiating. Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 p.m. Friday April 22, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Gail Lee Williams was born February 3rd, 1934 in Des Moines, Iowa to Edward and Vendora Williams. Departed on April 16th, 2016 at the age of 82 at his home with his family at his side.
Gail graduated North Platte High School in 1953 and started working for Union Pacific Railroad in June of 1953. In August 1954 he joined the United States Army (1954-1956) and spent time in Japan and South Korea and due to his experience, assisted on the South Korean Railway System. After serving 2 years he was discharged and returned to North Platte and resumed working for Union Pacific until he retired as a Conductor in 1995, 42 years of service. The mountains of Wyoming and Montana were his little piece of Heaven on Earth, Especially the Snowy Range Mountains near Laramie, WY. Gail was a proud member of First United Methodist Church, devoted husband and father, Enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, Nebraska football and spending time with friends and family. He was preceded in death by wife, Myrna L. Williams; son, Randy D. Williams; grandson, CJ Sean Williams and parents Edward and Vendora. Surviving family includes his sisters, Shirley Fickenscher of Mesa, AZ; Bernice Sakurai of North Platte, NE and brother, Gary D. Williams (Olive) of Waxahachie, TX; son, Steven Williams (Regina) of North Platte, NE; daughter, Karen Williams of North Platte, NE; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, and many friends and family. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 22, 2016 at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Rev. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday and from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Lois Elaine Wright, age 92, of North Platte, formerly of Lincoln, NE, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2016, at Premier Estates Senior Living in North Platte.

Lois was born January 19, 1924, to Elmer William and Grace May Smith Wilcox at Lincoln where she grew up. Lois graduated from University High School and worked for Cushman. While working she met the man she would marry, Harold Eugene Wright. Lois and Harold were married on May 25, 1946, at Marysville, KS. They made their home in Lincoln where they spent their life together for over 60 years.

Lois enjoyed sewing for her grandkids and loved her flowers.

She is survived by her son, Dan (Pam) Wright, of North Platte; five grandchildren, Todd (Mandy) Wright, Laurie Wright, Shawn (Megan) Wright, Brandon Rodgers and Travis Rodgers; five great-grandchildren, Kenadie, Allie, Aidan, Hunter and Finley; and other family.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents, Elmer and Grace Wilcox; and a brother, Delmar Wilcox.

Graveside Funeral Service will be 11:30 a.m. Monday, April 25, 2016, in Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery. Viewing is for family only. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Premier Estates. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Orval Auston Miller, age 92 went home to be with his Lord on April 15, 2016 at his home in Tryon, NE.
Orval was born on October 25, 1923 at home in McPherson County north of Ringgold to Alpha Earl and Della May (Harvey) Miller. He attended rural School District #7 through 8th grade and then stayed home to help with the ranch. On December 24, 1944 he married Vera June Smith at the Ray Dobbins home near Tryon. Orval and Vera June made their home in the Stapleton, Arnold and Tryon areas until 1966 when they moved to Ogallala, NE and owned and operated the Miller Sporting Goods Store for several years. He then worked for the Co-ops in Ogallala and Grant. In 1977 they moved back to Tryon, NE where he lived at the time of his death. He loved to hunt and fish. The elk hunting trip to Hahns Peak, CO each fall was a special thing he did for 35 years. Living close to Lake McConaughy gave him a chance to pursue his hunting interests. He operated commercial goose pits for several years and often times after goose hunting would walk a couple of fields to see if he could bag a pheasant and then would stop at the lake to try to catch a trout. Hunting coyotes with hounds and trapping coyotes was something he enjoyed. He raised a large lush garden each summer and enjoyed sharing the produce with friends and neighbors. He was his kids’ greatest sports fan. His grandchildren and great grandchildren were all very special to him. They loved coming to visit and hear Granddad’s stories. In 1954 he accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. He attended the Berean Church in Ogallala and was a member of Hall Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent and was on the church board. Reading his Bible and the Daily Bread Devotions was part of his every day.
Orval leaves to cherish his memory and many stories, his four children, Lorna (Ron) Dobbins of Tryon, NE, Dennis (Lynelle) Miller of Kearney, NE, Janet (John) Ireland of Cottonwood Falls, KS, Dwight (Nancy) Miller of Tomball, TX; 28 grandchildren; 32 great grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild; sister Delma (Ivan) Knapp of Ogallala, NE; and special friends Mark (Kathy) Marcuzzo and family of Memphis, TN.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 67 years, Vera June; his parents; four sisters, Ona Kammerer, Fredia Mattson, Doris and Vera Miller; two brothers Lonnie and Wayne Miller; and grandson Joshua Ireland.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday April 20, 2016 at Hall Church near Tryon with the Reverend Jonathan Martino officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday April 19, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Albert Arnett, age 94, of North Platte, formerly of Hershey, NE, peacefully passed away surrounded by his family at Linden Court on Wednesday, April 13, 2016.

Charles was born in North Platte on April 8, 1922, to James Raymond and Elsie Pearl Watts Arnett. He grew up in Platte Valley, graduated Valedictorian from Platte Valley High School then attended Parks Business School in Denver, CO. Charles returned to Platte Valley where he began farming.

On September 12, 1942, Charles was united in marriage to Betty Catherine Diener at North Platte. They lived in Platte Valley before moving to a farm northwest of Hershey. Charles chose the farming profession his entire life, loved what he did, and was “outstanding in his field”.

Charles was an innovative, forward-thinking farmer and was one of the first to bring ridge till to the area. He partnered with George Olson and started a successful fertilizer plant in Ogallala. He was one of the first farmers to adopt the use of anhydrous ammonia in this area. Local farmers would solicit his advice and Charles was more than willing to help those who were interested in new ideas. Everyone always knew his word was good as gold.

In 1963 he was presented an award and membership to the 200 Bushel Club for outstanding agricultural achievement by producing a corn yield of 175.62 bushels from a measured acre. He was also a board member of the Platte Valley Irrigation District for many years.

Charles was active in the Hershey community, serving as a school board member for the Hershey School District for 16 years and was a charter member of the Hershey Lions Club. He was also a member and board member of the Hershey United Methodist Church where he was involved in the construction of the new church. Charles enjoyed eating and playing cards with his friends at the Hershey Senior Center and loved bowling and dancing with Betty, his wife of 73 years.

Charles leaves behind his wife, Betty, of North Platte; children, C. William ‘Bill’ (Donna) Arnett, of North Platte, Alan (Georgena) Arnett, of Loveland, CO, Robert ‘Bob’ (Kathy) Arnett, of Hershey and Ann (Jerry) Ollo, of Houston, TX; 9 grandchildren, Jon (Sherri) Arnett, of Bennington, NE, Jennifer (Chad) Monie, of North Platte, Christopher (Katey) Arnett, of Dallas, TX, Casey (Lindsay) Arnett, of Loveland, CO, Stephanie (Chad) Russell, of Gretna, NE, Bobbi (Cory) Rosenblad, of Elkhorn, NE, Rachel (Trampas) Belknap, of Hay Springs, NE, Carson (Carly) Arnett, of Hershey and Lauren Arnett, of Kearney, NE; 19 great-grandchildren, Jacob, Ryan, Samuel and Cade Arnett, Josh and Anna Monie, Sydney, Cole and Georgia Kate Arnett, Emma and Avery Arnett, Noah, Keanan, Owen, Liam and Evie Russell, Jace Rosenblad and Jaycek and Presley Belknap; his sisters, Mildred McTiernan, of Denver, CO, and Pat Colvin, of North Platte; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Elsie; brothers-in-law, Jim McTiernan, Ray Colvin, Harlan Diener and Richard Diener; sisters-in-law, Leola Diener and Virginia Diener; and nephews, Mickey Diener and Jim DeBell.

Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 23, 2016, at the Hershey United Methodist Church. Private family inurnment will be in the Riverside Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Hershey United Methodist Church or Hershey Senior Center.