Donald Leland Hansen Sr., age 78 of North Platte, went to be with his heavenly father and his loved ones on January 11, 2016.
Donald was born on January 19, 1937 in Omaha, NE to Lewis A. and Dorothy M. (Olsen) Hansen. He married Marilyn Ann Lincoln on August 18, 1953 and the couple was blessed with 6 children, Wes, Donald, Kathy, Kristy, Matthew and Troy. Donald worked for 42 years at NorthWestern Public Service Company and played guitar and vocals with Hadley Barrett and the Westerners as well as other bands for 40 plus years. He was a member and past president of the Eagles. He enjoyed his family, camping, fishing, music, Husker football and his Packers. The Blackhills were his home away from home.
Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years Marilyn Hansen; children Wes Hansen of North Platte, Donald Hansen Jr. of North Platte, Kathy Bailey of Sutherland, NE, Kristy Jochum (Doug) of Sutherland, NE, Matthew Hansen of North Platte, and Troy (Leanne) Hansen of Denver, CO; 21 grandchildren Hope (John) Carson, Beau (Chris) Hansen, Madeline May, Cort Hansen, Donna Hansen, Hannha Hansen, Javan (Brittany) Hansen, Ellen (Joe Glassmyer) Duggan-Bailey, Travis Brandt, Tyson (Damien) Brandt-Simmons, Tyne (Leo) Kreber, Jeremy (Dusty) Zona, Nicole White, Jaci (Justin Trobough) Hansen and Branden (Josie Jaeger) Hansen; 33 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; as well as many others he considered family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his mother and father-in-law Ray and Mildred Lincoln; and infant daughter Jaci Ray.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday January 16, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Dennis Dailey officiating. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Vera Jean Foster, age 60 of North Platte passed away on January 12, 2016 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE with her husband by her side. Vera was born to Walter and Patsy (Culp) Payne on September 6, 1955 in Oklahoma City, OK. She went to school in Oklahoma until she met the love of her life, Douglas Foster. The couple moved to North Platte to start their family. On a brief move back to Oklahoma they had their first of seven children. Shortly after, they moved back to North Platte and had six more children. For Vera life was about spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren. She loved going to garage sales and Goodwill so she could find treasures for her grandchildren. She was a mom, aunt, grandmother, and friend to everyone she met. You would hardly see her without one of her grandchildren or children around; she always had a smile. Doug and Vera were always together. She loved collecting Coca-Cola memorabilia. She rarely missed any sporting event, program, or activity that her husband, children, or grandchildren were involved in. Vera will be remembered for her smile, laugh, and willingness to help everyone, caring about others and putting herself last. With all the ailments she had, she never showed she was hurting.
Vera was preceeded in death by her parents Walter and Patsy Payne; her brother Robert Payne; and her in laws Frank and Elsie Foster.
Vera leaves behind her husband Doug of North Platte; 5 sons Cody (Mandy) Foster, Heath (Chandy) Foster, Dana (Ricci) Foster, all of North Platte, Treavor (Jessica) Foster of Hershey, NE, Brett (Turney) Foster of O’Neil; 2 daughters Lydia Woodward and Cassandra (Gary Brogdon) Foster of North Platte; and 27 grandchildren, Crashell, Rylee, MJay, Tallon, Anthony, Daniel, Mason, Tanner, Adyson, Holly, Zoe, Shaylin, Baily, Nivek, Silver, Jackson, Makenna, Carly, Karter, Sadie, Jaylee, Phoenix, Ethan, Maci, Kayden, Carson, Allison; as well as 1 brother Walter (Brenda) Payne; 5 sisters Betty Best, Janis (Robert) Bettinzole, Mildred Payne, Teresa Brown, Sandy (John) Bookout all from Oklahoma; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family.
Memorials are suggested to the family to help cover expenses and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday January 18, 2016 at Harvest Christian Fellowship with Pastor Jacob Rahrig officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday January 17, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Vernon John Brosius Sr., age 91 of Stapleton passed away January 11, 2016 at Great Plains Health. He was born March 29, 1924 in Stapleton to William and Frances (Christ) Brosius.
Vernon graduated from Stapleton High School in 1941 and continued to farm with his family, then began farming with his brother Bill, forming Brosius Brothers. He married Karen Portz on September 13, 1969 in Stapleton. Vernon’s love for Karen was so great, that he not only became a husband, but an instant father to five children. The couple later added 3 more children to their big family. Vernon later farmed independently until he was able to farm and ranch with his sons.
He served on the Stapleton School Board for 8 years, handing out graduation certificates to several of his children. He also served on the Logan County Co-op board, Logan County ASCS board (farm service agency), was a member of the Knights of Columbus #1211 for 65 years as a 3rd degree member. He made Cursillo #13 in 1965, was a board member of the Stapleton Rural Fire Board, had his pilot’s license and enjoyed flying. He was a member of the National Flying Farmers, the North Platte Sheriff’s Posse, enjoyed bowling, playing cards, telling stories, and always had a joke to tell. Vernon was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church where he led the rosary for over 30 plus years. He loved following his children’s and grandchildren’s activities and events.
Survivors include his wife, Karen of Stapleton; children, VJ (Marie) Brosius Jr of North Platte, NE, Jennifer (Steve) Jonasen of Great falls, MT, and Robert (Jennifer) Brosius of Ashby, NE; step-children, Michael Kramer, Scott Kramer, and Robin (Kramer) Garlett all of Stapleton, and Melissa (Kramer) Barnes of Billings, MT; brothers, Kenneth Brosius of Stapleton, and Bill Brosius of Colorado Springs, CO; 18 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a step-son, Mark Kramer, brothers, Bernard Brosius, and Petie Brosius; and sisters, Mary Brosius, and Helen (Brosius) Breen.
Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Catholic Church, the North Platte Catholic School Endowment or to the Stapleton Rural Fire Department. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Services will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday, January 17, 2016 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Stapleton. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, January 18, 2016 at St. John’s Catholic Church with the Reverends Thomas Gudipalli and Jack Schlaf as Con-Celebrants. Burial will be in St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and noon until 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Craig Louis Baxter, age 28 of North Platte departed this life on January 4, 2016 in Lincoln, NE.
Craig was born on August 28, 1987 to Dr. Kim and Nancy (Pelster) Baxter in North Platte, NE. He attended McDaid Elementary School and graduated in 2006 from St. Patrick’s High School. While at St. Pat’s, he participated in football and basketball, as well as vocal music and many other sports and activities, including Student Council and National Honor Society. He was selected to the All-District Football Team and was chosen by his teammates to be co-captain of the St. Pat’s football team his senior year. He also received numerous music awards at conference and district competitions and was selected to All-State Chorus, as well as the UNK Honor Choir and the UNK Festival Choir. While in high school, he was selected to attend Boys State, as well as RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award) camp where he won the individual talent competition.
Craig was very active at St. Patrick’s Church where, while growing up, he served as a music leader with his dad and Mikaela, his sister, eventually becoming an individual music leader as well. He had an exceptional talent for music, playing guitar and singing. His passion for music led him to become a natural performer and he put that to good use in many ways, often sharing his talent for charitable events and those honoring our veterans. He became an accomplished song writer as well and often incorporated many of his own original songs into his performances.
Following high school, Craig attended the University of Nebraska, where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in 2011. While at UNL, Craig was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. For three consecutive years Craig headlined “Concert for a Cause”, a charity fundraiser which he conceived himself and organized with the help of his fraternity brothers. This charity generated substantial funds for various worthy causes, including the TeamMates Mentoring Program. He was also selected to represent UNL as a member of their New Student Enrollment team, where he helped write and produce skits to help educate new students on college life. He took on a big role as a performer in many of these skits and also gave campus tours for new students and their family members.
Following graduation from UNL, Craig was accepted to attend the Southern College of Optometry (SCO) in Memphis, TN and was just beginning his final clinical externship when he passed away. He was scheduled to graduate this coming May and will be receiving an Honorary Doctorate degree posthumously at SCO’s commencement ceremony.
Craig definitely had a very giving heart. This showed through with his many close friends who have recalled how Craig was always there for them, reaching out to them whenever they were going through any sort of personal struggles, offering his support and love to them. This same caring heart guided him toward mission work, having traveled to Russia as a member of a UNL Catholic FOCUS mission trip to a very poor area of that country. Even prior to that, he had accompanied his dad on several different eye care mission trips to a number of underdeveloped countries. Through these experiences, he gained an even stronger sensitivity for the poor and underprivileged and he came to realize how good it made him feel to be of service to others. This is primarily what led him to pursue a career in optometry.
Craig had many passions in life besides the aforementioned and they almost always involved spending quality time with his family and friends. He loved snowboarding, downhill and cross country skiing, hiking, bicycling and backpacking. Upon graduation from SCO, he had planned on bicycling around the coast of Ireland, partly with his dad. He was a strong Husker football fan and an avid Green Bay Packer fan. He particularly admired Aaron Rogers, not only for his athleticism, but also for his humility and character.
Survivors include his parents, Dr. Kim and Nancy Baxter; his sister Mikaela (Dave) Meagher; his grandmother Anne Baxter; numerous uncles and aunts; as well as many cousins and close friends, and his beloved dog Bailey.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, W. Neal Baxter and Leonard & Christine Pelster; and his aunt Jeannie Pelster.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to North Platte Catholic Schools, St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Mid-Nebraska Community Foundation’s “Dr. Kim & Nancy Baxter Family Fund” for disadvantaged children, or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake services will be at 7:00 p.m. Friday January 15, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday January 16, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend James Golka as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Closed casket visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday January 14th and from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Friday January 15th at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Mildred Lorraine Gade, age 91, of Oberlin, KS, formerly of Sutherland, NE, passed away Monday, January 11, 2016, in Kansas.

Mildred was born November 5, 1924, to Roy Ellison and Alta Isabell Ward Walker in North Platte, NE where she grew up. Mildred graduated from North Platte High School with the Class of 1943. She then worked for United Airlines in Cheyenne, WY during World War II doing maintenance and fueling.

On April 13, 1946, Mildred married Victor Theodore Gade at Marysville, KS. They lived in North Platte until 1955 when they moved to Denver, CO. In 1978 they returned to Nebraska and settled in Sutherland. After 56 years of marriage Victor passed away in 2002. Mildred later moved to Kansas to be closer to their son.

Mildred was a member of the Sutherland Senior Center and Grace Lutheran Church and had recently joined Immanuel Lutheran Church in Norton, KS.

She leaves behind her children, Ron (Ruthanne) Gade and Patricia Sedlmayer, all of Loveland, CO, and Terry (Sandra) Gade, of Norcatur, KS; nine grandchildren, Alan (Jennifer) Gade, Brian Gade (Kim Newman), Amy (Pete) Vandervort, Adam Sedlmayer (Rachel), Nicholas Gade, Chavvahn Gade, Benjamin Gade, Stephen Gade and Laurence Spoo; five great-grandchildren, Bowen, Sydney, Stephen, Jordyn and Madeleine; her sister, Joan Driggs, of North Platte; and other family.

Along with her husband, Victor, Mildred was preceded in death by their son, Theodore Gade; and her parents, Roy and Alta Walker.

Funeral Service will be 1 p.m. Friday, January 15, 2016, at Grace Lutheran Church in Sutherland with Pastor Erin Dunlavy officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial.

David Alan Craig, 83, of North Platte passed away Jan 9, 2016 at Sutherland Care Center just 11 months after his beloved wife Jodi. He was born August 18, 1932 to a family in Hastings NE during the Great Depression. Around the age of 6 month he was adopted by Charley and Rose (Cecil) Craig of North Platte, Nebraska. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1950 and was a key player for the 1949/50 State Football Championship team. While still in high school Dave started working summers for the Union Pacific Railroad as a Gandy Dancer eventually hiring on full time immediately after high school. His career with the railroad spanned 44 years with his final years as a Mechanical Supervisor in the Diesel Shop. In 1951, Dave married Marlene May and from this union they had two children, David and Debra. On March 6, 1960, Dave was married to Joan “Jodi” K Troyer in the First United Methodist Church in North Platte. He was a 65 year member of the First United Methodist Church in North Platte, Past President of the UPRR Junior Old Timers and later was involved with the UPRR Old Timers Club. He was also a member of the Platte Valley Lodge 32 AF & AM since 1960. He served in several leadership roles with the Tehama Temple of the Shrine, including being the presiding President during the building expansion of the Masonic Lodge. Dave was an avid fisherman and hunter, as featured on the cover of Nebraskaland magazine. He was the proud recipient of (4) master angler awards, not including the ones that got away. He retired from the railroad in 1995 to his woodworking where he mastered the craft of custom furniture building. He also had a strong passion for electronic gadgets; always staying up on the latest technology even in the last years of life. Dave was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Joan “Jodi” Craig. He is survived by four children, David Mikel (Nancy) Craig of Evergreen, CO, Debra (Gale) Luenenborg of North Platte , NE, Todd (Abby) Craig of Palmdale, CA and Christine (Stan) Chmiel of Greeley, CO; nine grandchildren, Jennifer (Michael) Anderson, Dr. Charley (Jennifer) Craig, Sarah (Kody) Amor, Craig (Cassi) Wieland, Annie (Geoff) Hughes, Jacob Craig, Erica Lynn Chmiel, Jared Craig and Emily Luenenborg; and 11 great grandchildren; his sister, Diane Finch (Ken) Oerter and sister-in-law, Louise (Gearld) Steele. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating, with Masonic rites by Platte Valley Lodge No. 32 AF&AM. Burial will be at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Joan “Jo” Marie (Jolliffe) Conway-Withers, 68, of North Platte, “Heaven Got Its Best Angel Ever” on January 9, 2016 at her home, after a long and courageous battle with Merkel Cell Carcinoma (Cancer). She was born Dec. 6, 1947 to Glen and Beverly (Kuglar) Jolliffe of Ogallala. She graduated from Ben Lomond High School in Ogden, Utah. Joan married Maurice Withers and they resided in Lincoln County for 30 years. She loved to go camping, traveling and the occasional trip to gamble. She is survived by her husband, Maurice Withers; sons, Kelley Conway of North Platte and Chris (Dana) Conway of Hanford, CA; step children, Steven Withers of Joplin MO and Susan Withers of Grand Island, NE; three sisters, Judy (Roy) Brooks of Santa Maria, CA, Debbie (Martin) Williams of Hastings, NE and Kim Walker of Ogallala, NE; one brother, Mark (Deb) Jolliffe of North Platte, NE; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a special 4 legged family member, Baxter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Beverly and Glen Jolliffe. A Special Celebration of Life for Jo “Grandma Jo” will be held Tuesday, January 12, 2016 from 12pm CST to 3pm CST at the Eagles at 621 North Chestnut, North Platte, NE. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the family in lieu of flowers. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Kristian Douglas “Kris” Woodhouse, 24, of North Platte, passed away Jan. 3, 2016, as a result of an automobile accident.
He was born to Aridria Smith and David Woodhouse on born Nov. 20, 1991, in Denver, Colorado. At the age of seven they moved to North Platte. At an early age, Kris captured the hearts of his family with a his favorite saying, “Luv em. Neck, hug, tiss. Mum muh muh.” Kris enjoyed the years he was in Boy Scouts. He attended North Platte High School.
Kris had a passion for hunting and the great outdoors and he felt like you could not get enough camo. Kris enjoyed crusin’ the ones with his family and friends, which later gave him a passion for working on cars. On May 11, 2013, he married the true love of his life, Brooke Volcek in North Platte. They moved to Missouri for a short time and then moved back to North Platte, prior to the birth of his twins. His greatest joy came with the birth of them, Ariah and Vincent, on March 4, 2015. Though a man of few words, his smile and hugs would say it all, especially when holding his children. Kris had a smile that could light up the room. He was a friend to many and enjoyed spending time with his friends. In Kris’ younger years he worked in the fast food industry, then as he got older worked a variety of construction jobs. He loved being a mechanic while living in Missouri. Kris worked at a ranch and enjoyed being outside, repairing fences and other miscellaneous jobs.
Kris was preceded in death by his uncle, Troy Bouzek, great-grandma, Marge Johnson, and great-grandpa, Fred Bouzek. He is survived by his wife, Brooke, of North Platte; his children, Ariah and Vincent Woodhouse, Kaiden Duggan and Maddox Westling; mother, Andria Smith; father, David Woodhouse; siblings, Gennaya, Lexius, Breanna, Tanner, Isabella, Sabastian, Kallie, Braidyn and Camiryn; grandparents; Karen Meade, Robert Wolf, Diane McDaniels; great-grandparent, Lorna Bouzek; aunts and uncles, Jamie (Kevin) Peters, Jake (Alicia) McDaniels, Debbie (Ben) Miyake, Mike, Ryan, Derek and Kyle Wolf and Cindy Marsh; in-laws, Joe (Denise) Volcek and Jenay (Dennis) Nelsen; other special family members, LuAnna Romero, Patrick and Mackenzie McDaniels, Kelsey Miyake-Williams and Megan Thibodeau;along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.
So Kris, from your wife, and your extended family and friends, “It’s been a long day without you my friend. I’ll tell you all about it when I see you again.”
Memorials are suggested to the family to help with funeral expenses. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 9, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Bret Montgomery of the Valley Christian Church. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will take place in Colorado at a later date. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. today and Friday, Jan. 7-8, at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Roberta “Bobbie” Jean Stenger, 88, of North Platte, passed away Jan. 6, 2016 at Great Plains Health. She was born Jan. 24, 1927 south of Maxwell, NE in Box Elder Canyon to Orin and Elna (Anderson) Robinson at their home. She grew up as a “boy” helping her Dad with farm work and working with cattle. She and her sister rode their pony to grade school and later attended North Platte High School. While taking the 11th and 12th grades years combined, she had to quit school and go home to help her Dad on the family farm, it was during war years and there was no help available. This background proved to be valuable as she married a local boy, who also farmed and ranched nearby. She was united in marriage to Lester V. Stenger on June 3, 1944 at Oberlin, KS. They had 54 years together before he passed away on August 13, 1998. They started their married life in Box Elder Canyon and later moved to the North Platte Valley, they built their home in 1955, where she was still living. Bobbie truly appreciated all the caring women and staff from Home Instead, who helped take good care of her over the past 10 years. She was blessed with two sons, Don and Loretta (Wilhelmson) Stenger that farm in the North Platte Valley and Vernon and Jackie (Collier) Stenger that ranch in Box Elder Canyon; three grandchildren, Julie (Greg) Kreutzer, Jeff (Julie Jo) Stenger and BJ Stenger all of North Platte; four great grandchildren, Brandon (Brittney) Stenger, Kayla Stenger and KyAnn and Kyndsay Kreutzer all of North Platte; a nephew, Larry (Linda) Montross of North Platte; a niece, Judy Mullen of North Platte; and several cousins in Nebraska and other states. She dearly loved her family and was always there for them. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Erma Wallace. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Heart Institute of North Platte. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2016 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Tim Eighmy officiating. Burial will be at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.