Vyvene Young, 85, of North Platte went to be with our Lord on November 20, 2015. She was born on June 5, 1930 to Clyde James and Violet Vyvene (Murphy) Gardner on a farm near Quick, NE in Frontier County. She grew up in Frontier County and attended high school in Curtis, NE graduating in 1947 and then attended Kearney State Teacher’s College. She taught in country schools in Frontier and Lincoln Counties. In 1949 she was married to Richard Paul Pedersen. In 1958 she married Duane Samuel Harvey, who preceded her in death in 1969. In June of 1974, she was married to Fred Young and they resided near Stapleton, NE for many years before moving to North Platte where they lived the remainder of their lives. She had three sons Richard Paul Jr. (Mary) of North Platte, Jerry D. (Mitzi) Pedersen of Sherman, TX, and James A. Pedersen (deceased). She attended Bethel Evangelical Free Church, and enjoyed Sunday School class and participating in the quilting group.
Vyvene was quick to say her greatest accomplishment was raising three wonderful sons and she will be fondly remembered as a grandmother who was always eager to hug her grandkids and great grandkids and would never miss a chance to tell them she loved them. She was a sweet, cheerful, caring person who always had a hug and a compliment to offer. She loved to collect angels, and we can find comfort knowing that she is now among them, watching over us from Heaven.
She is survived by her sons, Paul and Jerry, as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren including Jason Pedersen, sons Jeremiah and Cooper of Dennison, TX; Rebekah (Curtis) Allen, children Cheyenne and Codi Hamilton, Caiden, Ben, and Nick Allen, and grandson Kason McDonald (Vyvene’s first great, great grandchild) of Sherman, TX; Kendra (Tadd) Schmid and children Katelyn, McKenzie, and Braxton of Lincoln, NE; Nathan (Katy) Pedersen and son Liam of North Platte; Elizabeth (Jason) Griffith and children Sara, Lisa, and Jake of Palestine, TX; Heidi (Joe) Chambers and daughters Aleksa and Sophia of Crete, NE; and Sally (Steve) Thorne and son Asher of Lincoln, NE. Sisters Rose Hennegler of Lakewood, CO; Greta (Willis) Roethemeyer of North Platte; Peggy Miller of Germantown, TN ; and brother Bernard Gardner of North Platte.
She is preceded in death by her husband Fred Young, son James Pedersen and brother James Gardner. The family is especially thankful to Vyvene’s friend and caregiver Karen Macy for the excellent care she provided over the past few years.
In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Memorial Services will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 27, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9:00 .am. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph Boyd Meredith, 93 of Cozad passed away November 22, 2015 at the Golden Living Center in Cozad. He was born May 21, 1922 in Cozad to Edward A. and Rhoda A. (Pebley) Meredith.
Boyd attended school in Dawson and Lincoln Counties. He entered the United States Army on November 19, 1942. He was an Amphibian Tank Driver; serving as a tank driver with the 780th Amphibian Tank Battalion through two major campaigns in the Pacific Ocean. He received the American Service Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, World War II Victory Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Bronze Service Arrowhead Pacific Theater Cir. 465 WD 44. He was honorably discharged January 3, 1945. Boyd was employed by the Union Pacific Railway at Roscoe as a section hand before entering the Army. After his discharge he returned to work as a heavy equipment operator for several years and later worked for the Pacific Fruit Express Railway. On August 20, 1968 he married Esther Frew Muirhead.
He was a lifetime member of the VFW Organization, belonged to the Eagles and Moose clubs. He loved to dance, attend auctions, rodeos, and family gatherings, and enjoyed going out to Don Licking’s ranch when they worked cattle. As a young man he enjoyed riding bronc horses, watching bull riding, and team horse pulls. As a hobby Boyd raised Shetland ponies and made little wagons for them to pull and many sets of harnesses. He entered his ponies in many area parades and was proud to show them off!
In November of 2009, he became a resident of Golden Living Center in Cozad and later moved to Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte. On September 15, 2014 he returned to Golden Living Center in Cozad where he passed away with family present.
He is survived by his son, Tom Meredith of North Platte; step-son, Steve (Mary) Laser of Broomfield, CO; special nephew, Harley Nichelson of Eustis who was like a son to him, and Harley’s wife Mary, who was the daughter he never had; several grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives; a host of friends including Don and Linda Licking, and Dr. Gary Conell. He will sadly be missed by them all.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Esther; sons, Leonard “Skinner” Meredith and Ralph Eugene Meredith; brothers, Henry, Bill, Fred, and Kenneth; sister, Ruby Schwartz; and half brothers and sister, John, Jim and Eliza Druery.
Memorials may be made to the VFW Post 1504 or to the Alzheimer’s Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson .com.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, November 27, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Brent Montgomery officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with full military honors graveside. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Edwin William Laurinat, age 91, of North Platte, NE, passed away Saturday, November 21, 2015, at the Sutherland Care Center where he had resided the past few years.

Ed was born April 6, 1924, to August and Ina Belle Clark Laurinat at St. Paul, NE. He grew up in Grand Island, NE where he played American Legion Baseball during the summers and graduated from Grand Island High School in 1942. Ed joined the U.S. Army in 1943 and served until 1946.

Following his discharge, Ed returned to Grand Island where he was united in marriage to Arlene Kathryn Anderson on August 12, 1947. They moved to Lincoln, NE so Ed could study architecture at the University of Nebraska. After he graduated in 1952 they returned to Grand Island and Ed went to work for the Frank N. McNett Company for five years before moving to North Platte. Ed then formed an architectural partnership with Robert R. Hinde, Jr. and was a partner in Associated Architects. He later formed his own private business and retired from there in 1999.

Ed enjoyed his work and was active in the field of architecture, holding offices in the local and state chapter of the American Institute of Architects (A.I.A.). He was a member, deacon, trustee and elder at the First Presbyterian Church. Ed was also a member of P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and Elks #985, and past member of Rotary and Kiwanis.

Ed is survived by his children, Mary Ann Laurinat, of Waltham, MA, Robert (Connie) Laurinat, of Portage, MI, and James Laurinat, of Martinez, GA; two grandchildren, Ahern (Elizabeth Guzy) Laurinat, of Seattle, WA, and Owen Laurinat, of Kalamazoo, MI; a niece, three nephews and other family.

Ed and Arlene had been married for 68 years when she passed away in August. He is also preceded in death by his parents, August and Ina; a brother and sister-in-law, Harlan and Anita Laurinat; and sister and brother-in-law, Arline and Leo Vogel.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. or on Monday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The casket will be closed.

Memorial Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Polly Deppen-Williams officiating. A private family burial will be held in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Alzheimer’s Support Group or the First Presbyterian Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Bowley, 68, of North Platte, passed away Nov. 11, 2015 at his home. He was born Aug. 7, 1947 to Larry and Gertrude Bowley at Omaha, NE. Gary grew up in Omaha and graduated from Omaha North. He served in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968 and shortly after his honorable discharge he moved to the North Platte area. His home along I-80, west of North Platte, was a landmark and home to thousands of ducks and geese. Gary farmed and also hauled hay and grain for many years. He is survived by his daughters, Lesa Villafuerte of Illinois and Mychelle Martinez of Omaha; and four grandchildren, Adriane, Marissa, Andrew and Jacob. He was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m. November 25, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Inurnment at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE with military honors. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Fredreka “Reka” Dorlene Winder, age 93, a lifetime resident of the Stapleton community passed away at Linden Court Friday, November 20, 2015 surrounded by her family.
Reka was born on January 6, 1922 in Gandy, NE to Samuel Fredrick and Ada Myrtle (Rogers) Weber, the 7th of 11 children. She attended country school in the Gandy area until the 8th grade, and then helped out on the family farm. She was joined in marriage to Laurence (Buster) Winder on September 11, 1939 in Stapleton. They established their home in the Stapleton – Gandy area where they farmed their entire life. To their union two sons were born, Larry and Lynn and they adopted Rodney in 1958. Reka was a talented seamstress and an excellent cook and loved to garden and can her vegetables. She was a member of St. John’s Catholic Church and the Altar Society. She enjoyed her family, especially her grandchildren.
Reka is survived by her sons Larry (Janet) Winder of Hershey, Jerald “Lynn” (Carol Robertson) Winder of Stapleton and Rodney (Vicky) Winder of North Platte; 9 grandchildren Sue Ann (Jay) Tripp of Peru, NE, Sherry (Joe) Tatman of U.A.E., Kent (Deb Hoffman) Winder of North Platte, Kerry (Ron) Brown of Nebraska City, Kevin (Jennifer) Winder of North Platte, Laurie (Darek Johnson) Winder of Maxwell, Matthew (Jayme John) Winder of Lincoln, Shane (Jenn) Winder of Omaha, Todd (Jen) Winder of North Platte; 17 great grandchildren; 6 great great grandchildren; 2 sisters Alta Johnson of Alliance, OH and Emma Wilson of Dundee, OR; as well as many nieces, nephews and many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Laurence; sisters Jennie Predmore, Rachel Sorenson, Ruby Weber; and brothers John, Francis, Clarence, Karl and Maynard.
Memorials are suggested to the St. John’s Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday November 24, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday November 25, 2015 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Stapleton with Reverend Thomas Gudipalli as Celebrant. Burial will follow at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday November 24, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Kathleen Ann ‘Kay’ Gerber, age 89, of North Platte, NE, died Tuesday, November 17, 2015, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Kay was born June 29, 1926, to Jerome and Gladys Anna Rose Fain at Guymon, OK where she grew up and attended school.

On October 11, 1958, Kay married Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Gerber at Clayton, NM and they settled in North Platte 10 years later due to Rudy’s job with the railroad. On January 19, 1977, Rudy and Kay renewed their wedding vows at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where they had become members.

Kay had worked for W.T. Grant Company before going to work in the cafeteria at Buffalo School. She also helped out during vacation times at the Triangle Motel.

Kay was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #1504 Auxiliary.

She is survived by her children, Debra (Thomas) Burger, of North Platte and Gary (Cathy) Gerber, of Albuquerque, NM; three grandchildren, Amanda Gerber, John Gerber and Connie Gerber; five great-grandchildren, Dominic Donner, Ryan Chessmore, TJ Gerber, Addie Gerber and S. Sheridan Schroder; sister, Rita Showers, of Tucson, AZ; and other family.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband, Rudy; parents, Jerome and Gladys Fain; her twin, Carol Bigerstaff, and sister, Mildred Bartels; brothers, Erwin and Clifford Fain; grandson, Terry Gerber; and step-granddaughter, Melissa ‘Missy’ Clear.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Graveside Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2015, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Father C.P. Varghese of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the V.F.W. Post #1504 Auxiliary. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

LeEtta Sue Coons, age 70, of North Platte, passed away Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at her home.
LeEtta was born on September 27, 1945 in North Platte to Arthur W. and Erma Alma (Watson) Kohl. She grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1963. She held various jobs over the years waiting tables, working at Greyhound Bus, Detlefsens Truck Stop, Trailways Bus Depot and Skelly Truck Stop. She married John Shepherd and to this union created 2 daughters, Pamela and Leonda. She then married Robert Coons on March 1, 1980 and he preceded her in death in 2012. She was a member of the 1st Baptist Church for 55 years and an avid collector of angels and other collectibles. She was a very forgiving and loving woman who was always there for everybody and will be remembered as always having an “ear for you”.
LeEtta is survived by her daughters Pamela (Robert) Alvarado of North Platte and Leonda Steele of North Platte; grandchildren Krystal (Derek Sturgeon) Smith and Kent Smith both of North Platte; three step grandchildren, Maggie Alvarado, Heather Alvarado, and Ellie Alvarado all of North Platte; two great grandchildren, Bryley Smith and Eiery Lehman both of North Platte; and 4 step-great grandchildren, MaKayla DeWolfe, Sienna DeWolfe, Marley DeWolfe, and Ladaisha Jones; and sister in law Marilyn Kohl of North Platte; as well as many other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands; daughter Marla; and siblings Loyal Kohl, Vernon Kohl, Gilbert Kohl, Jay Kohl, Karren Binegar, Delilah Kohl, Karla Meyers, Eula Kohl and Wesley Kohl.
Memorials are suggested to the 1st Baptist Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 10:00 A.M., Tuesday, November 24, 2015 at the First Baptist Church with the Reverend Peter Brick officiating. Burial will follow at the North Platte City Cemetery. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 P.M. Saturday and Sunday and 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. on Monday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which in charge of arrangements.

Richard A. Tackett, 64, of North Platte, was promoted to glory November 15, 2015 at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He was born September 8th, 1951 to Walter and Imogene Tackett in Goody, Kentucky.

Richard grew up in Willamson, West Virginia where he attended high school and became an amazing athlete. Being short in stature, Richard was nicknamed “Mighty Midget”. He also was a member of the Salvation Army, volunteering often.

Upon graduation in 1970, Richard entered the Air Force, and was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, SD. During this time, he met his soon-to-be bride, Wilma Gilbert. They were married on March 22, 1974 in Wilma’s home town of North Platte, Nebraska, and settled down in South Dakota. After his time with the Air Force ended, the couple relocated to North Platte, and were blessed with two beautiful children, Joanna and Nathan.

In 1976, Richard became employed with Union Pacific Railroad where he worked in the Sheet Metal Workers Local 334 until his retirement in 2012.

In his free time, Richard loved building model airplanes. He also enjoyed volunteering with the Salvation Army, watching West Virginia and Nebraska football, but most importantly, spending time with his family. Though he was a quiet man, he loved to play harmless jokes on family and friends, and was always there to lend a hand. He had a strong presence and was adored by all who met him.

Richard is survived by his loving wife, Wilma; son, Nathan (Jennifer) Tackett of Sutherland, NE; granddaughter, Cydney Spady of Imperial, NE; mother Imogene Tackett of Williamson, WV; brothers Charles Terry (Diana) of Lexington, KY; Joseph (Thelma) of Williamson, WV; Stephen (Jeanette) of Montgomery, AL; Jeffrey (Alice) of Turkey Creek, KY; numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws, extended family, and countless friends.

He was preceded in death by his father; Walter; infant brother, Frank; infant daughter, Joanna; in-laws Bill and Geraldine Gilbert.

Visitation will be Thursday, November 19 from 9am-9pm at Adams Swanson Funeral Home. Funeral services will be on Friday, November 20th at 1030am at The Salvation Army in North Platte. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell,NE. Online condolences can be made at adamsswanson.com

Margurette Alice Johnson, age 74, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home with her family by her side on Monday, November 16, 2015. She had fought a courageous battle with cancer for nearly nine years.

Margurette was the ninth of 10 children born to Leonard W. and Rose Fortik Trew. She was born August 7, 1941, on the family farm near Cumro, NE where she grew up. Margurette attended Cumro country school and later Ansley High School, graduating in 1959.

Shortly after graduating, Margurette was married to Richard Hoblyn and they had two children.

On September 22, 1984, Margurette was united in marriage to Charles Mack ‘Chuck’ Johnson and they made their home in North Platte. Chuck and Margurette enjoyed collecting classic and antique automobiles, and she was especially proud of her 1985 red Cadillac convertible. Over the years she had used this car to transport various local, state and national dignitaries in various local parades. During the last six years Margurette also had the privilege of driving the Miss Nebraska Pageant winner in her red convertible in the Antique Car Parade.

Not only did Margurette enjoy her classic cars, she enjoyed the outdoors and gardening, especially growing roses. Over the years she had won the “Yard of the Week” several times and once hosted the Gardens and Gables Tour. Along with caring for her yard, Margurette loved to decorate the yard, trees and home for all the holidays, especially Christmas. She was awarded the “Yuletide Yard” award several times over the years.

Margurette also liked country music, dancing, horses, and life in general. She belonged to the Harvest Christian Fellowship, Flatlanders Car Club, Lincoln Continental Owners Club and Eagles Auxiliary #2839. Margurette always had a smile and a hug for everyone. She will be missed by many.

She leaves behind her husband, Chuck, of North Platte; children, Gary (Catherine) Hoblyn, of Windsor, CO, and Deb (Mike) Rhoden, of North Platte; stepdaughter, Stacey Johnson, of Grand Island, NE; granddaughters, Loretta (Dusty) Tyan, of Brule, NE, and Kelsey Rhoden, of North Platte; grandsons, Brandon (Cortney) Hoblyn, of Cheyenne, WY, and Ben Rhoden, of Frisco, CO; and nine great-grandchildren.

Survivors also include her brother, Larry (Claudia) Trew, of Grand Island, NE; sisters, Vivian Reisser, of Norfolk, NE, Evelyn Catlett, of Westerville, NE, and Laraine (Paul) St. John, of Kearney, NE; her faithful horse, Dub; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Margurette was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Rose Trew; brothers, Wayne, Earl, Glen and Floyd Trew; sister, Bernice Petersen; stepson, Scott Johnson; and in-laws, Ben and Ruth Harrison.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday, November 23, 2015, at the Harvest Christian Fellowship with Pastor Jacob Rahrig officiating. Burial will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Viewing will be for family only. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Gift of Hope or the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.