Jon A. “Jack” Gentleman passed away Saturday, January 5, 2019 in Alliance, Nebraska.  He was born on January 2, 1958 in Omaha, Nebraska to John “Jack” and Patricia Gentleman, the oldest of six boys.  He grew up in North Platte, Nebraska where he enjoyed many sports, including football, track and wrestling in middle school and high school.  He had a few jobs, but the Sirloin Stockade in high school may have been his favorite.  He had many stories about it.  He also worked in carpentry jobs and at the Gerald Gentleman Power Plant.  He later worked at Burlington Northern for 21 years and Siemens for 18 years until his health forced him to retire last year.  He enjoyed scuba diving, riding motorcycles, playing with his grand-kids and building anything.  He created many amazing decks, sheds and wrap-around porches, including his grandchildren’s favorite, the big backyard playhouse.  He was loved by children and adults alike for his playful nature, fun ideas and amazing stories.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Alberta; their three children, Tara (Rich) Stanec, Jenny Gentleman, and Matt Gentleman; and nine grandchildren, Tabetha, Austen Jon “AJ” and Kera Stanec, Mercedes Maxey, Casey and MaKenzie McCarty, and Landon Brody and Ember Gentleman.  He is also survived by his mother, Pat, and his brothers Mike (Michelle), Greg (Paula), Tim (Krisanne), Mark (Linda), and Shawn (Teri); as well as many nieces and nephews and “adpoted” grandchildren.  Any child that knew him, called him “Grandpa Jack.”

He was preceded in death by his father.

Memorial services will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. Mountain Time at the Alliance United Methodist Church, 702 Box Butte Ave, Alliance, Nebraska.  In lieu  of flowers, memorials may be sent to Jane’s Closet in Alliance, Nebraska or the Festival of Hope in Scottsbluff, Nebraska

Helen Y. Kamino, 96, of North Platte, passed away January 5, 2019, at Linden Court in North Platte, Nebraska.

Helen was born on Oct. 19, 1922 in Yoder, Wyoming, to Koshichi and Chiyo Kanno.  She lived in Morrill, Nebraska, until 1954 when she married Hideo Kamino and moved to North Platte.  Helen and Hideo farmed in the Platte Valley area until the late 1980s.  She enjoyed life on the farm and was truly a small town girl.

Helen was very active as a volunteer at Linden Court, Great Plains Regional Medical Center, the Ready to Serve Volunteer Program and was a Member of the Episcopal Church of our Savior.

She loved to cook and bake for family and friends, and share and exchange recipes with everyone.  She had a natural gift for gardening and nurturing flora.  Helen’s other activities included bowling, playing cards, and reading.

An ever smiling Helen was devoted to her family and friends—loving, kind, thoughtful, and generous, for which she will always be remembered.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hideo; parents, Koshichi and Chiyo; sisters Mary Yoshimura and Josie Sato; brothers, Tucker Kanno, George Kanno, Harry Kanno, and Bill Kanno; brothers-in-law, Sam Kamino, Ed Yoshimura, George Sato and Thomas Tomoi; sisters-in-law, Frances Kanno and Mary Kogiku.

Survivors include her daughter, Patricia (Jeffrey) Pasternak, son Terry Kamino, sister, Ruth Tomoi, sister-in-law, Dr. Ruth Kamino, and seven nephews and five nieces.

Helen’s family wishes to extend their heartfelt thanks to all family members, including her Episcopal Church family, Linden Court staff and residents, and all of her other dear friends, for their love and blessings throughout the years.

In lieu of flowers and koden, memorials are suggested to the Episcopal Church of our Savior or PAWS-itive Partners.  On-line condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.

Visitation with family receiving friends will be from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm on Wed., Jan. 9^th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.  A private service will be held at the Episcopal Church of our Savior. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

James Richard Kemp, age 84 of Tryon, Nebraska, passed away Saturday January 5, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

Richard was born July 31, 1934 north of Tryon to Ray and Irene (Neal) Kemp at the home of his grandparents, Tom and Pearl Neal.  He was born on his mother’s 21^st birthday, in the same house and the same bed as she was.  Richard was baptized as a young boy in the Dismal River.  He attended Gospel Ridge District #9, a little country grade school, and graduated high school with the class of 1952 from McPherson County High School.  Richard grew up on the family ranch ten miles north of Tryon.  He helped build the McPherson County High School and Highway 97 north of Tryon.  He was proud to serve his country in the US Navy from March 1956 thru March 1958, being stationed in Long Beach, California.  He served aboard the USS Herbert J. Thomas destroyer ship and during these two years, 21 months were spent at sea.  His ship was known as the “eyes of the sea” as it was equipped with extensive radar and was sent 50 miles ahead of the rest of the fleet.  After his discharge, he returned home and married Carolyn Black on July 3, 1960 at the Tryon Methodist Church.  To their union, Gaylene Kay and Lamar James were born.  Richard was known for drilling some of the best water wells in the Sandhills.  He enjoyed his neighbors and friends and was always up for a good game of pitch.  He was known to be quite a “card shark” and his family will always cherish great memories of playing cards with him.  He had a special love for his cattle, horses, kids, grandkids, and then the great-grandkids!  He will always be remembered for his great story telling and memorable laugh.

Richard is survived by Carolyn, his wife of 58 years; daughter Gaylene (John) McCall of North Platte; 5 grandchildren, Jessica (BJ) Wilson, Jennifer (Josh) Staab, Ben (Alexa) McCall, James Kemp and Christopher Kemp all of North Platte; 8 great grandchildren, Hali, Levi, Carsen, Josie, Oakley, Axel, Hadlee and Remyton; brother Jerry Kemp of Tryon; as well as nieces and nephews and other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Irene Kemp; son Lamar; infant granddaughter Rebecca Leanne Kemp; and brother Karl Kemp.

Memorials are suggested to the McPherson County Fire and Rescue or to the donor’s choice.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswansoncom.  Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday January 10, 2019 at the First United Methodist Church with Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating.  Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery near Tryon.  Visitation will be noon until 8:00 p.m. Wednesday January 9, 2019 with Family Receiving Friends from 6:00 until 8:00 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Riley James Dolan, 27, of North Platte passed away on January 4, 2019 at Fullerton, Nebraska as a result of an auto accident.  Riley was born on July 5, 1991 in Denver, Colorado to Doug and Kathy (Knopik) Dolan.

Riley attended North Platte Public Schools after his family moved to North Platte in 1995.  He graduated from North Platte High School.  On August 29, 2015, Riley married Jill Petersen and to this union was born a son, Wyatt Riley, on June 21, 2018.  Riley was a very proud and loving husband and father.

Riley enjoyed wood working with his dad and brothers, together they did all kinds of construction and remodeling.  He loved making old things new including his home, truck and tractor.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and being outside.  Riley had a passion to follow in his family footsteps and one day become an auctioneer.  Riley was an honorary volunteer firefighter.  He was employed by Titan Machinery.

He shared a lot of joy and fun with everyone he came in contact with.  He loved life and lived it to the fullest.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jill; son, Wyatt Riley; parents, Doug & Kathy; brothers, Jerome (Amanda) Dolan, Rick (Hannah) Dolan; nephew, Eddie; niece, Ella; grandmother, Lea Knopik; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by grandparents, Dick & Phyllis Dolan and Eddie Knopik; two uncles, Rick Knopik and Bill Dolan; and other family members and friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory.  Cremation was chosen.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book can do so Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemoiral.com.  Memorial Mass will be 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 10, 2019 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in North Platte.  A Christ Wake Service will be at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday at  Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Nadine Ruth Spaugh, 92, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on
Thursday, January 3, 2019, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Nadine was born August 9, 1926, at Upland, Nebraska, the only child to
Nels and Ruth Ibsen.  She lived at Upland until 1942 when she moved to
Colorado Springs, Colorado with her parents. She graduated from Colorado
Springs Bible Training School in 1944.

On August 5, 1945, Nadine married David Spaugh at Frankfort, Indiana.
They moved to Texas then Oklahoma and later back to Colorado Springs
where her husband attended college.  After David graduated they traveled
in song evangelism work for a year until moving to North Platte in 1952,
which became home until her passing.

Nadine and David were blessed with two children, Ruthie and Glen, who
were both born in North Platte, and 71 years of marriage.  Nadine worked
at Sears in the catalog department for several years before going to
work for Hallmark.

At a very young age, she gave her life to the Lord.  She followed in her
parents footsteps as a dedicated “prayer warrior”.  Nadine was active in
the Wesleyan Church including youth and children’s work, was a Sunday
School teacher and church organist until her health began to fail.  In
later years she attended Parkview Church of the Nazarene.

Nadine loved and cared for her family, each one was special. She enjoyed
traveling and often talked about what a joy it was to see the different
parts of the country.  Her hobbies included collecting salt and pepper
shakers and gardening.  She also enjoyed cooking for her family,
especially at Christmas time with a vast assortment of cookies and
candies.  Nadine was very devoted to faith and family.  Her
encouragement and selflessness will be long remembered and she will be
greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles David; parents, Rev.
Nels and Ruth Ibsen; father and mother-in-law, Rev. Oscar and Ina
Spaugh; and sister-in-law, Lois Spaugh.

Survivors include her children, Ruthie (Jim) Sheets, of North Platte
and Glen (Doris) Spaugh, of Gordon, NE; granddaughters, Jennifer (Kyle)
Welch, of Fort Collins, CO, and Lindsey (Jonathan) Johansen, of Gordon,
NE; grandsons, Jim, Jr. (DeAnna) Sheets, of Lincoln, NE, and Mike Sheets
(Katie Hill), of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Jaxson, Aidan and
Alexis Welch, of Fort Collins, CO, Benjamin Johansen, of Gordon, NE,
Hailey, Carson and Emma Sheets, of Lincoln, NE, and Bailey Sheets, of
North Platte; special cousin, Maurice Bauer, of Vidalia, GA; special
friend, Everett Calkin; and other family and friends.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 7, 2019, at Odean
Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore.  Burial will follow in the North Platte
Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial
Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  Online
condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Memorials have been
established to the Wesleyan Global Partners-Jesus Film Ministry.

Jeannette Marie Knoles, age 77 of Wellfleet, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 surrounded by her loving family.

Jeannie was born March 20, 1941 in Boise, ID to Orval and Marie Elsie (Neider) Vedder, and was raised on a ranch near Wallace, NE.  She met the love of her life and soulmate, Nyle Knoles, in the fall of 57’ at a dance in Elsie.  They were married May 24, 1958.  To this union three children were born, Denise, Harlan, and Kim.  They started out their life in Elsie and moved to Hershey, NE in 1961.  In 1966 they moved to a farm just east of Wellfleet, NE and moved into Wellfleet in 1972 when Nyle started working on the railroad.  Jeannie was a member of the United Methodist Church and the Methodist Women’s Club.  She loved gardening, crafts, camping, and mostly spending time with family.

Survivors include her loving husband, Nyle; 3 children, Denise (Randy) Maline of Wallace, Harlan (Linda) Knoles of Hershey, and Kim (Brett) Seamann of Maxwell; 11 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren; sister, Gloria Schultz; brother, Henry “Hank” (Barb) Vedder, both of Wallace; 3 sisters-in-law, Lyla Hahn of Elsie, Lula Kennicut of Paxton, Millie Leonhardt of California; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and several brother-in-laws  and sister-in laws.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday December 31, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating.  Burial will follow at Morningview Cemetery at Wallace.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday December 30, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Daniel Marcellus Schaaf, 71 years of age – husband, father, grandpa, and friend passed away in North Platte, NE December 30, 2018 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. He

was born February 17, 1947 in Norfolk, NE to Marjorie (Hansen) and Marcellus Schaaf.

Dan’s youth was spent in O’Neill, NE. In 1966 he graduated from St. Mary’s High School in O’Neill.  In 1969 he enlisted and served his country as a United States Marine until 1971 and was a Vietnam War veteran. Oorah.  He earned a Bachelor of Science at Briar Cliff College in Sioux City, IA in 1972 and completed a Master of Science in 1984 from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.  He worked as a horticulturist for 45 years at the University of Nebraska West Central Research and Extension Center. A highlight of Dan’s horticulture career was researching penstemon with the American Penstemon Society in Chihuahua, Mexico.

Dan was known for his faith in God, his love of family, his faithful friendship, and unwavering appetite for Dr. Pepper, ice cream, coconut macaroons, and jelly bellies.  He loved Scripture and was enthused to hear these words: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Judie Zelfer Schaaf.  His oldest daughter, Heidi, lives in Omaha, NE with husband Ben Gilbert and daughters Elle, Emily, and Edison. His second daughter, Jayna Schaaf, and husband Cameron Craig, live in North Platte, NE. His son, Joel Schaaf, lives in Bellevue, NE, and youngest daughter, Danielle, lives in Colorado Springs, CO with husband Dustin Savage and three children, Duke, Finnley, and Evi. Other survivors include sisters Dianne Hilger of David City, NE, Cathy Grutsch of Eagle River, AK, Yvonne White of Fort Calhoun, NE, his brothers Marcellus Schaaf of Anchorage, AK and Joseph Schaaf of Lake in the Hills, IL.

Dan is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Lauren Schaaf.

His family will miss his memorable laughter but are left with loving memories of “the Station”, learning how to change car oil, and appreciation of nature and adventure.

In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Women’s Resource Center of North Platte, NE, United States Marine Corp Scholarship Foundation, or Hope Lodge of Omaha, NE.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday January 8, 2019; Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday January 9, 2019 both at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as Celebrant.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. both Monday and Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Peggy Ann Fleecs, age 85 of Sutherland, went to meet her heavenly Father on Tuesday January 1, 2019.  At the time of her passing she was at the North Platte Care Center surrounded by her family.

Peggy was born August 23, 1933 in Sutherland, NE to P.E. and Isabell (Willmus) Priel.  She graduated from Sutherland High School in 1952.  Soon after, she extended her education by attending Duchesne College in Omaha and then St. Francis School of Nursing in Grand Island.  Her nursing career started in North Platte at St. Mary’s Hospital and then onto Great Plains Regional Med Center’s Home Health Department and retiring from Centennial Park Retirement Village.  Peggy married the love of her life, Donald W. Fleecs on December 29, 1956 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland.  They lived south of Sutherland until they outgrew their home.  In 1965 they built their forever home, raising their six children together and residing there ever since.  She and Don traveled during their life together, with their most recent adventure being a trip to Italy where they met the Pope.  Peggy loved her gardens, from beautiful flowers to fresh fruits and veggies, especially her cantaloupe.  Cooking was a passion of hers as well as collecting cookbooks.  Quilting also consumed much of her time, as did knitting.  She loved life and lived it to the fullest every day.

Peggy has left behind Don Fleecs, her husband of 62 years; 6 children, Diane McConnell of North Platte, Jackie Williams of Kansas City, MO, Pat (Ruth) Fleecs of Sutherland, Joe (Nickie) Fleecs of Sutherland, Liz (Chris) Skov of Hershey, and Tina Fleecs of Kansas City, MO; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; brother Bud (Betty) Priel, sister Mary McVay, and sister-in-law Kathleen Hoatson all of North Platte.

She was preceded in death by her parents P.E. and Isabell Priel; parents-in-law; a son-in-law; and other in-laws.

Memorials are suggested to the Buffett Cancer Center in Omaha and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Sunday January 6, 2019 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church; Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday January 7, 2019, both at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland with the Reverend Matthew Nash as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland.  Visitation will be from noon until 4:00 p.m. Sunday January 6, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.