Norma Gladys Young, 92, of North Platte passed away January 5, 2016 at her home. She was born February 20, 1923 at Lakemba, N.S.W. Australia to Eliza (Fitzsimmons) and Charles Goodman. She attended St. George Girl’s High School at Kogarah. Norma was first employed by the I.C. S. (International Correspondence Schools) as a mathematics instructor. She resigned to enlist in the WAAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force) in April 1941, serving in Melbourne, Richmond AFB, Sydney, Dubbo, and Brisbane. She was promoted to Sergeant on March 1, 1943, and was discharged December 22, 1944. On June 24, 1944 she married Vernon W. Young, USN in the Methodist Church at Lakemba and made their home in Brisbane, then North Platte. She was active in Girl Scouts, then executive director of the Lincoln County Chapter, American Red Cross for seventeen years, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Virginia (Joe) Bullis of Salisbury, MD; son, Terry (Jacqueline) Young of Belvidere, IL; 8 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; a brother, Mervyn Goodman of Dubbo, Australia; and a brother-in-law, Laurie Mitchell.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; a sister, Hazel Mitchell; and a brother, Darcy Goodman.
Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Services will be 3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the First Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 11, 2016 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Cremation was chosen; those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. today and Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Bert B. Housman, 85, of North Platte, passed away Jan. 5, 2016 at Great Plains Health. He was born Jan. 28, 1930 to Floyd James and Grace Lodema (Mosley) Housman at Palisade, NE. Bert graduated from Hayes Center High School with the class of “48”. He was united in marriage to Adina “Joan” Yonkers on Nov. 23, 1949 at Hayes Center. Bert farmed with his father in the Hayes Center area, then moved to Lincoln and worked for Modern Cleaners and National Insulation and Home Improvement. After moving to North Platte he was employed by the North Platte Police Department, Deputy Sheriff for Lincoln County, then for NPPD as a Hydro Plant Operator in North Platte, retiring March 31, 1992. Bert was an avid pilot and built three of his own planes. He is survived by his two daughters, Lodelia (Ken) Baxter and Berdonna (Matt) Leeper all of North Platte; two sisters, Mary Sivits and Lodema Kittle; grandchildren, Shane (Jenny) Baxter, Andrea (Charles) Foster, Matthew Housman, Amanda (Jeremy) Hankla and Brett (Kit) Mentzer; six great grandchildren, Ben, Amilia, Parker, Piper, Caleb and Nathaniel; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife in 2007; a son, Jim Housman; a brother, Richard Housman and an infant brother. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Graveside services will be 12:30pm at the Hayes Center Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Friday with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Karen Elaine Svejkovsky, age 35, of North Platte, NE, died unexpectedly at home on Friday, January 1, 2016.

Karen was born January 15, 1980, to Fredrick Glen and Velda Joanne Schrayer Emert at Geneva, NE. She grew up and attended school in North Platte and later married Dave Nowatzke.

Karen worked as a telemarketer for five years then worked a couple years at the Opportunity Center as a support worker. She later stayed home to care for her daughter, Morgan.

On May 9, 2014, Karen was united in marriage to Kip Alan Svejkovsky at North Platte where they made their home. Karen grew up in the United Methodist Church and attended the Harvest Christian Fellowship. She supported the National Federation for the Blind and did lots of driving and support work. She also liked to read.

Karen leaves behind her husband, Kip, daughter, Morgan Nowatzke, and mother, Joanne Emert, all of North Platte; her father, Glen (Linda) Emert, of Broken Bow, NE; father and mother-in-law, Pat and Janice Fitzpatrick, of Butte, MT; sisters, Joy (Bobby) Martin, of Inola, OK, Kelle (Merlin) Dikeman, of North Platte, Bernice (Terry) Holland, of Willimson, GA; step siblings, Kevin (Mary Ann) Miller, of Hermitage, MO, Kent (Glenda) Miller, of Sandborn, IA, and Karma (Ronnie) Reed, of Wiley, CO; brothers-in-law, Ken (Tag) Svejkovsky, of Vancouver, Canada, and Kerry (Susan) Svejkovsky, of Sutherland, NE; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Janelle Emert.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, January 6, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the National Federation for the Blind or the donor’s choice.

Maynard Wright Zlomke, age 87, of North Platte, NE, passed away Wednesday, December 30, 2015, at the Fillmore County Hospital in Geneva, NE.

Maynard was born May 11, 1928, to Elmer Emil and Rebecca Anna Wright Zlomke at Burwell, NE. He grew up in the Ord, NE area and graduated from Ord High School in 1946. Maynard joined the U.S. Navy in May of 1946 and served as an Aerographer’s Mate.

Following his discharge in 1953, Maynard attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Oklahoma. He then began his career with the National Weather Service, first working at Loredo, TX and later Middleton Island and Yap Island. From Yap Island he went to Anchorage, AK and this is where he met Lula Mae Manuel. Maynard and Lula were united in marriage on August 15, 1953, at the Methodist Church in Anchorage and they lived in Anchorage for a time.

Maynard’s work with the National Weather Service later took them to Kotzebue (north of the Arctic Circle), Idaho and Montana before moving to North Platte in 1963. He retired in 1986 then went into the cattle business for a number of years.

Maynard was a member of the First United Methodist Church, National Rifle Association and the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. He enjoyed painting and wood carving and loved gardening. He also liked Alaskan bush piloting and flying.

Maynard leaves behind his wife of 62 years, Lula, and daughter, Lise Zlomke, both of North Platte; a granddaughter, Tonya (Tim) Townsend; two great-grandchildren, Tyler and Tiffany Townsend; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Rebecca; and a brother, Dr. Wayne Zlomke.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 4, 2016, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Burial with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. in the Ord City Cemetery. Visitation is Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Ronald Louis Bourne, age 69, of North Platte, NE, passed away surrounded in love by his family and several close friends on Sunday, December 27, 2015, in Omaha, NE.

Ron was born many moons ago to Nile and Evelyn Bourne on December 29, 1945, at Kearney, NE, and grew up in Lexington, NE. After hearing all the shenanigans he was involved in, it’s amazing he graduated from Lexington High School. Later, Ron took pride in actively serving our country in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, which included a year in Vietnam in a triage emergency hospital.

After he was discharged, Ron returned stateside and continued his advanced anesthesia training in Washington before returning to Nebraska. Ron worked passionately as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist) in North Platte for 42 years. Throughout his career he was repeatedly thanked by his patients and colleagues for being skilled, compassionate, genuine and kindhearted.

The women in his life were numerous. He married his main squeeze, Sheri Kay Remus, almost 43 years ago on May 25, 1973, at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte. They were fortunate enough to have four beautiful, successful daughters—Tresa, Michelle, Pamela and Carrie. Ron taught them to shoot a gun, fish, hunt, respect Mother Nature, save their money, and put God first in their lives. To balance out the low testosterone in his household, God later blessed him with five grandsons, Wyat Barkley, Gage Grant-Barkley, Parker Louis, Harrison Grant and Hudson Nile.

Ron was an avid hunter and conservationist. He spent his free time at the family farm or ranch planting trees, clearing the pastures of cedar trees, fixing fence and hunting. Ron could also “fix” anything with a caulking gun and duct tape. He had a big spirit and loved helping people. Anyone that knew Ron knew he had a gift to gab and never hesitated to express his political views. He loved to cook and had a lifelong love affair with cherry pie, chocolate ice cream, Diet (caffeine free) Mountain Dew (AKA dad’s water) and peanut butter toast.

Ron was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM, Tehama Shrine Temple and the North Platte Shrine Club.

Ron leaves behind his wife, Sheri, of North Platte; daughters, Tresa (Richard) Myers, of Lynnwood, WA, Michelle Faulkner and Pamela Bourne, both of Omaha, and Carrie Bourne, of North Platte; five grandsons, Wyat, Gage, Parker and twins, Harrison and Hudson; his loving mother-in-law, Lela Remus, and amazing brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and wife, Peggy Remus, all of North Platte; a niece, Stacee (Randy) Baker, of Broomfield, CO; his favorite (and only) nephew, Garod (Danielle) Remus, of North Platte; his uncle, Kurt Remus, of Wellfleet, NE; as well as many other relatives and friends. And special thanks to Dr. Chris Seip for saving Ron’s life and giving us extra time with him and Dr. Gary Conell and Dr. Sri Venkat Suravarapu for their extraordinary care and friendship.

Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Nile and Evelyn Bourne; an infant sister, Sharon Bourne; his grandparents; and father-in-law, Grant L. Remus.

Cremation was chosen. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10 a.m., Saturday, January 9, 2016, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Full military honors and Masonic Rites will follow the service at the church. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, January 8th, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the LCRA (Loess Canyons Rangeland Alliance) which strives to deepen landowner commitment to environmentally sound practices, including prescribed burning, prescribed grazing and wildlife habitat management. Ron often rode an ATV in the smoke, spraying water or pulling a drag to make sure the fire stayed inside the perimeter. He was vital first aid for an injured LCRA firefighter, and a champion for safety equipment and first aid training for firefighters. Ron and the LCRA strongly believe that these practices will help protect the resources for future generations.

Wayne R. Preston age 77 of Arnold, Nebraska passed on December 31, 2015 at his home. Wayne was born February 12, 1938 in Holstein, Nebraska to Merna & Rex Preston. He was the third of four children. He lived most of his life in the Arnold Area. He graduated in 1955 from Logan County High School in Gandy. Wayne entered the Army Reserves in 1955 and served 6 months active duty and 8 years Reserve. He married his high school sweetheart Maxine “Mick” Bersley on July 22, 1956 at the Garfield Methodist Church. To this union came four children Christy, Carmen, Ray, & Wade. In the early years he worked for several farmers and ranchers in the area as well as farming and ranching for himself. He also drove truck for Pete Hagler. In 1965 he sold out on the farm and moved the family to California where he worked for Masonite at Ukiah, CA. They moved back to Nebraska where he attended college and received his Accounting Degree at Grand Island School of Business. He then worked for CIT Financial Group and then was hired as an accountant at the St Mary’s Hospital in North Platte. In 1971 Wayne and Mick purchased the Arnold Insurance Agency in Arnold from Don Kellenbarger. They operated it together until 1995. After retirement he pulled camper trailers from factories and dealerships for a short time as well as drove long haul trucks from coast to coast for a short period of time. The farm boy in him always lured him back to the farm where in the spring he hauled fertilizer for All Points and in the fall he helped farmers harvest until his health failed. He was a member of the Arnold Rotary Club from 1972 to 1995 where he held many offices. He was a member and officer of the Nebraska Wally Byam Airstream Caravan Club. From 1993 to 2000 he led a caravan from Nebraska to Dayton, Ohio for a rally. He was a member of the Broken Bow Elks Club 1688. He was a member of the Arnold volunteer fire department, and served on the city council. Wayne was a member of the Arnold United Methodist Church and served on the administrative council. He and Mick traveled the United States, and wintered in California and Arizona for many years. He loved golf, hunting, fishing, and playing cards. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Larry of Arnold and Lanny of Phillipsburg, KS, and sister Shirley Callison of Big Spring, TX , sister-in-laws Viola Preston and Anna Rothmiller, brothers-in-law Dale Bersley and Charles Bersley, nephews Lane Preston and Dirk Callison, mother and father –in-law Minnie & Clifford Bersley, and step grandson Brian Willard.
Survivors included wife Mick, daughters Christy (Tim) Olin of Lincoln, Carmen (Larry) Willard of Stapleton, Ray (Jan) Preston of Griswold, IA, and Wade (Patty) Preston of Waukee, IA. Grandchildren Ashley (Brandon) Roth of Milford, Amanda (Erik) Isackson of Huntington Beach, CA, step granddaughter Jenifer Wieting of Lincoln, Courtney (Tanner) Schacher of York, step grandson Brad Willard of Conifer, CO, Landon Preston of Griswold, IA, and Tanner Preston of Atlantic, IA, Jeff (Michelle) Preston of Arnold, Jessica Preston of Budapest Hungary, and Rachelle Preston of Kearney, sister-in-law Kay Preston of Phillipsburg, KS, and brother-in-law Gene Callison of Big Spring, TX. He will be missed by 8 great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. Rather than flowers, the family would appreciate your memorials to Arnold Fire Department or Arnold United Methodist Church. Memorial services will be 10:30 am Tuesday, January 5, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church in Arnold. Inurnment will be at the McCain Cemetery southeast of Stapleton. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9am to 5pm on Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte or @ www
carpentermemorial.com

Dick E. Deutschman passed away December 31, 2015 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE after a battle with leukemia. Dick was 57 years old.
Dick was born on January 28, 1958 in North Platte, NE to Robert and Mary (Eychner) Deutschman. He was baptized at Trinity Methodist Church in Grand Island, NE on October 5, 1958. Growing up in North Platte, Dick went hunting, fishing and golfing with his father. His mother helped to instill a love for music that lasted his lifetime. He attended Lincoln Elementary, Washington Elementary and Adams Junior High. He graduated from North Platte High School in May of 1976. After high school, he attended Mid-Plains Community College where he played on the golf team. After Mid-Plains, he continued his education at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He graduated in May of 1980 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education. After college graduation, Dick returned to North Platte and started his career as a 4th grade teacher for the North Platte Public School System at Jefferson Elementary. This is where he met his wife, Robin Musil, also a first year teacher, also teaching 4th grade. Dick and Robin were married July 18, 1981. In 1984 he received his Master’s Degree in Administration from Kearney State College. Dick and Robin have three children, Benjamin (Toni) Deutschman of Blair, NE, Andrew Deutschman of Omaha, NE, and Makenzie Deutschman of West Point, NE. They have two grandsons, Brock and Brody Deutschman of Blair, NE. Dick was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church where he served on the school board for many years. He was a member of the Sandhill Symphony, where he was serving as Vice-President. This was Dick’s 36th year of teaching with the North Platte Public School System. During his career, he taught at Jefferson Elementary, Adams Middle School, Lincoln Elementary, and half time teacher / half time principal at Osgood Elementary.
Dick is survived by his wife Robin; mother Mary Deutschman; two sons Benjamin (Toni) Deutschman and Andrew Deutschman; daughter Makenzie Deutschman (fiancé Seth Scollard); and two grandsons Brock and Brody.
He was preceded in death by his sister Jane; his father; and grandparents.
Memorials are suggested to Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday January 4, 2016 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church with Reverend Robert Weist officiating. Burial will follow at North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday January 3, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Melvin Rex Irish, age 68 of North Platte, passed away Thursday December 31, 2015.
Mel was born on February 28, 1947 in Nampa, ID to Bennett and Verna Dell (Glenn) Irish. He graduated from Cozad High School in 1966 and attended North Platte College where he played basketball for 2 years. On July 8, 1968 he married Glenna Smith in Norton, KS and to this union 2 sons were born, Chris and Matt. He entered the US Army in 1968 and served in Germany during the Vietnam War. After his discharge in 1971 he worked as a salesman and driver for Coca Cola, Pabst Blue Ribbon and Budweiser. On June 10, 1994 he married JoAnn Loving. Mel was a member of St. Patrick’s’ Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus #1211. He enjoyed playing softball and was part of a state championship team. He loved nature and traveling to the mountains. He cared for those around him and loved to have a good time spending time with friends and family and following his children’s and grandchildren’s activities. He will be greatly missed by those who knew him.
Melvin is survived by his sons Christopher (Tanya) Irish and Matt (Melissa) Irish all of North Platte; adopted son Matthew Evans of North Platte; grandchildren Jalen and Cody Irish, and Peyton, Madison and Isaac Irish; siblings Rhonda Stephen of Cozad, Ed Irish of North Platte, Steve (Dee) Irish of Norfolk, Judy Vanderpool of TN, Cindy Irish of North Platte, Bob Irish of Cozad, Ben (DeAnna) Irish of Greeley, CO, Trudy Delgado of Sterling, CO; step brother Rick Irish of Pangua, UT; longtime friend Suzie Myers; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and 2 brothers Bennett Albert Irish Jr., and Patrick B. Irish Sr.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Service will be 6:00 p.m. Monday January 4, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Tuesday January 5, 2016 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend Charles Torpey as Celebrant. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Visitation will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday January 3rd and 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Monday January 4th at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

On the evening of December 28, 2015, Merri Louise “Harden” Magee passed away in Chappell, NE. She was 58 years old when she passed.
Merri was born May 28, 1957 in Lexington, NE to Herbert and Janice Harden. On that same day her father purchased the family farm on Dodge Hill. She was the youngest of her seven siblings and had many fond memories growing up on the farm.
She graduated from North Platte High School in 1974. Merri was a bit of a nomadic soul, who was always on the go. She was a jack of all trades going from a farm wife to lawyer’s secretary to writing title insurance to a Mary Kay Consultant. In 2000 She began a new chapter in her life becoming a Union Operating Engineer, later getting her crane certification.
When she wasn’t working, she spent her time with her children and grandchildren. Her summers were spent at Lake McConaughy where she loved spending time with friends and family.
Survivors include her three children, son Elliot Garrison (Anchorage, AK); son Joshua Magee and grandson Roudy Magee (Curtis, NE); Daughter Haley Magee and grandson Charlie Magee (Chappell, NE)
Also surviving are 6 siblings, Larry Harden and wife Kathy (Denton, TX); Linda Torske (Annapolis, MD); Theresa Wright and husband Joe (Berrian Springs, IL); Bette Richardson (North Platte, NE); Janelle Wise and Husband Dale (Lincoln, NE); Tracey Harden (Cheyenne, WY)
She was preceded in death by her Father, Herbert Harden and Mother, Janice Harden.
A Merri Magee Memorial account has been set up at Adams Bank & Trust. Memorials can be given to the family or given directly to Adams Bank & Trust for Merri’s headstone. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be Sunday, Jan. 3, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in North Platte. Pastor Jim Nichols will be officiating. Burial will be following service at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday January 2, 2016 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.