James Joseph “JJ” Bryant Jr. of North Platte passed away on the morning of Saturday, March 5, 2016 at the age of 64. J.J. was born in Tarboro, ND to James Joseph and Joanne (Hufham) Bryant, Sr. on September 8, 1951. He spent his childhood in California before moving to North Platte in 1970. He married Rebecca Hert and to this union a son, James Joseph III was born. On October 18, 1982 he married the love of his life and best friend, Sherry (Thompson) Garrick. J.J. adopted her two children, Lindsay and Jason. Together they had one child, Jeffrey.
J.J. worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for 42 years before retiring as a locomotive engineer in 2011. He had a special love of music, spending countless hours playing his guitars and listening to classic rock. He also enjoyed camping and four-wheeling in his Jeep. However, his great joy in life was spending time and creating memories with his loved ones.
Survivors include his wife Sherry Bryant of North Platte; children, James J. III (Dawna) Bryant of Littleton, CO, Lindsay (Levi) Caudy of North Platte, Jason Bryant of North Platte, and Jeffrey Bryant of Englewood, CO; father, James J. Bryant Sr. of North Platte; sisters, Teresa (Mark) Crewdson of North Platte, and Lynda Beach of Grand Terrace, CA; grandchildren, Conner, Treven, Jaycee, Kinlee, Evan, Ian, Ibaleen, Aroque, Andrew, Javen, Addysen, Kaylee, Cassady, Sonny, and Shady; great-grandchildren, DayLynn and Ronen; several nieces and nephews; mother-on-law, Marge Thompson of North Platte; and a sister-in-law, Debbie (Bruce) Holm of Wallace.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Joanne; uncle, Johnny Bryant; and father-in-law, Ron Thompson.
Per J.J.’s wishes a funeral service will not be held. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that a donation be made to the Harvest Christian Fellowship Church of North Platte. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jeanette “Jenny” Murrain, 52 of Gothenburg passed away March 5, 2016. Jenny was born September 30, 1963 in Grand Island to Leonard F. and Mary Frances (Leonard) Buhrman. She graduated from North Platte St. Patrick’s Catholic High School with the class of 1982. Jenny attended Mid Plains Community College and worked at Quik Shop while she finished her degree. She later went back to school and received her dental hygienist degree. On June 11, 1988 Jenny was united in marriage to Rodney Murrain. To this union two children were born, Samantha and Cody. Jenny worked at Taco John’s for 30 years, which included 10 years as a manager. She began working at Shopko in 2008 and was currently store manager at the Shopko in Gothenburg. She was a hard worker, loyal friend, and a loving mother, daughter, sister, and friend.
Survivors include her children, Samantha (Jon “JT”) Beck of North Platte, and Cody Murrain of Gothenburg; father, Leonard Buhrman of Grand Island; grandchildren, Alyssa Dimmitt, and Emily Beck; siblings, Kathy Buhrman of Denver, CO, Connie (Bill) Niles of Hastings, Patty (Don) McBride of Grand Island, Richard (Vickie) Buhrman of Gretna, and Bill (Lisa) Buhrman of Council Bluffs, Iowa; best friends, Jamie Holson of North Platte, and Barbara Robinson of Maxwell.
She was preceded in death by her mother; and a sister Jean Ann.
Memorials may be made to North Platte Catholic School Endowment and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 10, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverends Don Buhrman and James Golka as co-celebrants. Burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Arthur Greder, age 76, of North Platte, NE, went to be with his Lord, with his family by his side on Saturday, March 5, 2016, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.

Gary was born January 3, 1940, to Kenneth Ernest and Ruth Augusta Stern Greder at Lincoln, NE and grew up in Ainsworth, NE. In 1958 he graduated from Ainsworth High School, lettering in football, basketball and track. Gary then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Sigma Fraternity and participated in ROTC for two years. In 1962 he graduated with a degree in Range Management.

On June 21, 1959, Gary was united in marriage to Doris Marie Best at Wood Lake, NE, and to this union three children, Gregory, Paige and Grant, were born. Following his graduation from UNL, Gary and Doris moved to Halsey, NE where he worked for the George and Leona Bush Ranch. In 1964 they moved to North Platte, NE. Gary was employed by the Nebraska Board of Educational Land and Funds for 10 years. After that he managed farms and ranches for the National Bank of Commerce Trust Department and United Farm Management for 30 years. In 2012 he formed his own real estate and farm management company, Circle G Ag Real Estate, where he mentored his grandson, Jordan Maassen.

Gary obtained his Real Estate License and Appraisal License which allowed him to teach at Appraisal Schools throughout the Midwest. He was a 40 year member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and served as Chapter President.

Gary was very active in his community, generously giving of his time and talents to his family, friends and those in need. He was a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff Posse for 15 years and President for 5 years. He rode in the Pony Express Reenactment for over 20 years and was a 4-H Leader for 15. Gary coached football, basketball and Little League Baseball, and rarely missed any of his children’s or grandchildren’s activities. He was also a life time member of the First United Methodist Church and served as Head Usher for 3 decades. Gary never faltered in his Christian faith and loved his family and friends very much.

Gary leaves behind his loving wife of nearly 57 years, Doris of North Platte, NE; their children, Paige (Brian) Maassen of Hershey, NE, and Gregory (Tezra) Greder and Grant (Sarah) Greder of Lincoln, NE; six grandchildren, Jordan (Megan) Maassen of North Platte, Amber Maassen (fiancé, Kyle Krula) of Rogers, NE, and Landan Maassen, Trevallion Greder, Gianna Greder and Nash Greder all of Lincoln, NE; a great-granddaughter, Teagan Maassen of North Platte, NE; his sister, Karen (Brent) Johnson of Johnstown, NE; sisters-in-law, Sharon (Jay) Stombaugh of Lexington, NE, and Louise Knoedler of Camarillo, CA; brother-in-law, Jim Best, of Lakewood, CO; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth Greder and Ruth Greder Atwood; stepfather, Arthur Atwood; his brother, Gail Greder; and brother-in-law, Carl Knoedler.

Funeral Service will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 11, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will be 3:30 p.m. in the Mt. Hope Cemetery at Wood Lake, NE with Pastor Don Letellier officiating. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. 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 suggested to the Lincoln County Sheriff Posse or First United Methodist Church.

Roger Wendell Holsten, age 88, of North Platte, NE, died Wednesday, March 2, 2016, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Roger was born June 16, 1927, at Norman, NE, to Swan August and Violet Esther Estergaard Holsten and in later years gained a stepfather, Arthur Bramble. He grew up and attended school in Hastings, NE and Cambridge, NE then joined the U.S. Navy. Roger served in active duty from 1944 to 1946 and was in the Navy Reserves until 1951.

Roger owned a bar in Cambridge for a short time before he started his career as a drywall contractor. By the early 1950’s, Gene’s Drywall was started by Roger, his brother, Stanley, and Gene Wolf, and they worked in Omaha, Denver and North Platte. During this time Roger also invented a drywall taping gun which he patent and later sold. It was and still is used by many drywallers.

On September 23, 1955, Roger married Barbara Ann Cox in Omaha. They lived in Omaha for 6 years before moving to Denver for a year then settling in North Platte. They were married for over 42 years when Barbara passed away in 1997.

Roger enjoyed playing pool and Bingo and getting hugs from anyone. He also liked his special treatment from the Assisted Living gals at Premier Estates. Roger was a great husband, dad, grandpa and uncle, he was loved by all.

He is survived by his children, Michael Holsten (Phyllis Smith) and Kimberly Whitson, of North Platte and Bobette Morris (Bill Johnson), of Panama City, FL; three grandchildren, Leah (Roger) Stroud, Chase (Jenna) Whitson and Joey Smith; four great-grandchildren, Gage, Daejah, Kenna and Aidan; his sister, Marjorie Troubaugh, of North Platte; brother, Stanley (Helen) Holsten, of Grand Island, NE; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with is wife, Barbara, Roger was preceded in death by their daughter, Sherri Holsten; his parents, Swan Holsten and Violet Holsten Bramble; stepfather, Arthur Bramble; and son-in-law, Woody Whitson.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside Memorial Service with military honors will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 8, 2016, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, April 7th at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Premier Estates Assisted Living.

Thurston Fay Allen, age 81 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday March 2, 2016 at the Medical Center of The Rockies, in Loveland, CO.
Thurston was born on February 16, 1935 in Monte NE, AR to Clarence and Daisy Elizabeth (Crossan) Allen. He grew up on a ranch North of North Platte, being raised by his Aunt Laura and Uncle Ben Allen. He attended North Platte Public Schools and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1952. He enlisted in the US Navy in 1952 and served during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1956. He then attended college for a year in California. He married the love of his life, Joyce Marlene Zimmerman on August 23, 1959 and to this union two children were born, Steve and Sheri. Thurston was a masonry bricklayer, then later became a general contractor. He owned and operated T.F. Allen Construction for many years in North Platte. He enjoyed golfing in his early years. His passions were “cars and guitars”! Music was an important part of his life. He was a member of the Eagles Club and First Christian Church. Thurston will be remembered as a kind, generous and hard working man with a great sense of humor.
Thurston is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce Allen of North Platte; son Steve (Natalie) Allen of Ft. Collins, CO; daughter Sheri Jo (Jerry) Howell of Lombard, IL; 2 grandchildren, Luke and Elsie Howell of Lombard, IL; brother, George (Donna) Allen of North Platte; sister Mary Parrish of Cascade, MT; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his Aunt Laura and Uncle Ben Allen; parents; brothers, James and Clyde; and granddaughter Mariana Howell.
Memorials are suggested to the Donor’s choice and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Sunday March 6, 2016 at the First Christian Church with Reverend Jan Ekstedt officiating. Cremation was chosen and inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson at a later date. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday March 5, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Cullen Harold Rishel, age 76 of North Platte, passed away at his home on Thursday March 3, 2016.
Cullen was born on December 5, 1939 in Plankinton, SD to Zura and Florence (Rademaker) Rishel. He joined the US Navy and served from August of 1957 until August of 1963. After his Honorable Discharge from the Navy he worked as an auto body mechanic. On September 3, 1965 he married Delsey Meeker in Hartington, NE. The couple and their three sons moved to North Platte where he worked at Joe Dye Ford, Cement Products, Simon Construction and Western Engineering. In 1987 he was forced to quit working due to health issues. He was a member of the Salvation Army and the Eagles Club. He enjoyed family genealogy, hunting, fishing and camping. He will be remembered as a kind and gentle soul who would give you the shirt off his back.
Cullen is survived by his wife of 50 years, Delsey Rishel; 3 sons Vernon (Jodie) Roepke, Bob (Julie Lyon) Roepke, and Mark Roepke all of North Platte; 5 grandsons, Nathaniel (Sally), Andrew, Jordan, Brandon (Ashley), and Caleb.; 1 granddaughter, Taylor; sister Irene Refior of North Platte; 9 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister Ardella Styles; and granddaughter Jessica Lynn Roepke.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Cancer Center – Poudre Valley Hospital, UN of CO Health Cancer Center, 2121 E Harmony Rd., Suite 170, Ft. Collins, CO 80528. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 11;00 a.m. Tuesday March 8, 2016 at the Salvation Army Church with Captain Tony Bowers officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday March 7, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

George Melvin Andre, age 88 formerly of Stapleton, NE passed away on Monday February 29, 2016 at the Callaway Good Life Center.
Melvin was born on June 19, 1927 at the family home in McPherson County, NE to George Martin and Iva Elsie (Cassens) Andre. He attended Pleasant Hill Country School. He thoroughly enjoyed working for farmers and ranchers in the Stapleton area most of his life and took great pride in always doing a good job. His lived his last 12 years at the Callaway Good Life Center in Callaway, NE.
Melvin is survived by his brothers, Clifford and wife Claire of Morrison, CO, John and wife Peggy of Citrus Heights, CA; sister-in-law Anna Andre of Plattsmouth, NE; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Zeppelin Moore and Elsie Hopkins; and brothers Lyle, Paul, James and Peter.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday March 7, 2016 at the Ringgold Free Methodist Church with Pastor James Paine officiating. Burial will follow at the Loup Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Jean (Thompson) Steinbrink, age 53 of North Platte, passed away March 1, 2016 at her home in North Platte, NE. Bonnie was born in Attleboro, MA on August 2, 1962 to Donald and Carol (Ford) Thompson. Bonnie spent her early childhood at Camp Lejeune, NC then moved to Newport, NC where she attended high school at West Carteret High. She then attended East Carolina University before entering the U.S. Navy in 1986.
Bonnie served in the U.S. Navy from 1986 till 1991, being stationed in Florida and then in Hawaii, where she meet and was married to Larry Steinbrink on November 25, 1989. In 1991 Bonnie and Larry moved back to North Carolina where Bonnie worked as a Court Reporter for 11 years and completed her Bachelor of Science Degree from ECU. In 2003 the couple moved to North Platte, NE were Bonnie worked for the Probation office until declining health issues required an early retirement.
She had a great love for her pets, gardening, antiquing, and auctions. She got a huge enjoyment from preparing way too much food for Christmas and family gatherings. She was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary in North Platte and a member of the Military Order of Cooties Auxiliary.
Bonnie is survived by her husband Larry Steinbrink; step-father O.D. Landry of Newport, NC.; brother Terry (Gloria) Thompson of Stella, NC, nephew Dwayne, niece Alysun; brother Scott (Heidi) Thompson of Dallas, AL, nephew Alex, niece Codie and nephew Devan; as well as numerous other family members, friends and beloved pets.
She was preceded in death by her mother Carol (Thompson) Landry; and her father Donald Thompson.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday March 7, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Jacob Rahrig officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday March 6, 2016 with family receiving friends from 4:00 until 6:00 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Betty L. Mitchell, age 82 of North Platte, passed away February 28, 2016 at Linden Court. She was born Sept. 26, 1933 to Edward and Sarah (Krieger) Tritten in Humphrey, NE. She graduated from Humphrey High School and later attended business school. On Feb. 1, 1957, she was united in marriage to Keith L. Mitchell in North Platte, where they made their home. Betty was employed at the Union Pacific Credit Union for 39 years, serving as manager from 1987 until her retirement in 2012. She also served on the Union Pacific Credit Union supervisory Committee up to the time of her death. Betty was loved by all her family and held in high esteem for her fairness and professionalism by all who met her. She is survived by her sons, Bob (Mary), Doran (Cherice) and Troy all of North Platte and Derek (Ruth) of Kearney; 11 grandchildren, Tonya, Trent, Elizabeth, Aaron, Debbie, Alex, Eric, Katie, Cameron, Casey and Russell; three great grandchildren, Olivia, Conrad and Adalyn; and a sister-in-law, Pat Tritten. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2004; and two brothers, Gene and Loren Tritten. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to any veteran’s charity.
Services will be 11:00 am Friday, March 4, 2016 at Harvest Christian Fellowship.
Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm Thursday with the family receiving friends from 6 to 8pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.