Betty Jean Shaner, 92 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, April 3, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte.

Betty was born December 25, 1922, to Ben and Mamie Munson Larson at Bertrand, NE where she grew up. Betty graduated in 1942 from Bertrand High School and later moved to North Platte where she worked as a bookkeeper at Dempster’s Furniture Store until she was married.

On February 24, 1945, Betty married Ron Shaner at Atwood, KS. They made their home in North Platte where they raised their two children. Betty continued to work at Dempster’s until she went to work for Shaner and Schram’s Garage and later, Shaner Garage until 1982. She then worked at Swan’s Furniture as a bookkeeper until she retired.

Betty was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She enjoyed solving crosswords and liked to watch KU Basketball and Nebraska Volleyball.

She is survived by her children, Ronda Johnson, of Frisco, TX, and Steve (Deb) Shaner, of Manhattan, KS; three grandchildren, Alison (Rich) Wiegard, Ben (Kristie) Johnson and Dr. Adam Shaner; two great-grandchildren, Cash Douglas Johnson and John Ryan Wiegard; a nephew, Benson Shaw; and other family.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Ron; son-in-law, Doug Johnson; two sisters, Jane Shaw and Ruth Clark; and her parents, Ben and Mamie Larson.

Graveside funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, April 7, 2015, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Goodfellows Shoe Fund. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Nicholas Ryan O’Neill, age 34 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday April 1, 2015 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
Nick was born on March 14, 1981 in Omaha, NE to David G. and Vicki S. (Nelson) O’Neill. He attended Omaha Public Schools before moving to North Platte in 1987 where he attended ESU16 and North Platte Public Schools, graduating in 2002. He worked at the North Platte Opportunity Center and lived at the Men’s Residence there until recently moving to Kearney where he worked at NE Developmental Services. He loved trains, camping, listening to music, cars and fishing. He was a special young man who participated in the Special Olympics for many years. He had a great memory, remembering everybody’s name and specific things about people and their families and pets. He loved his movies and enjoyed his family, especially his nieces, if just to tease them! His special pet was his cat Eggroll.
Nick is survived by his mother Vicki O’Neill and father Dave (Linda Woodward) O’Neill all of North Platte; siblings Jennifer (Eddie) Bales of North Platte, Daniel O’Neill of Portland, OR and Katie (Jacob) Chingren of North Platte; 4 nieces Sophia and Jocelyn Chingren and Samantha and Carli Bales; as well as numerous family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents Donald and Mildred O’Neill and Roger and R. Jane Nelson; and uncle Ron Rohatsch.
Memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics or Autism Awareness and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and a Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Monday April 6, 2015 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend James Golka officiating. Memorial services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday April 7, 2015 at Bethel Evangelical Free Church with Reverend Andy Pull officiating. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday April 6, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Eulalia Bettina LaRue, age 83 of North Platte, passed away at North Platte Care Center on March 31, 2015.
Eulalia was born on May 27, 1931 in Woodston, KS to Alfred F. and Hazel (Thornbury) Brown. She grew up in Hotchkiss, CO. She led an interesting life, at one time living in tent while picking fruit with her family during the Depression. She moved to Dragerton, UT with her parents while her dad worked in the mines, then back to Woodston, KS where she attended school thru the 8th grade, then graduated from Barefoot Nation School. She worked as a caretaker until she married Robert E. Wilson on December 24, 1949. The couple had 3 children, Bill, Lenora and Calvin. She and Robert later divorced. She married Melvin L. LaRue and the couple had 3 children, Sheila and twins Norma and Norman. After Melvin’s death she lived on her own for many years before moving into the North Platte Care Center.
Eulalia is survived by her children Lenora Larsen of North Platte, Sheila (Merle) Powell of North Platte, Norma (Dick) St. Clair of Craig, CO, Norman (Jill) LaRue, brother Leonard Brown; daughter-in-law Sharon Wilson of Craig, CO; 21 grandchildren; and 49 great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents Alfred and Hazel Brown; husband Melvin LaRue; 2 sons William “Bill” E. Wilson and Calvin L. Wilson; and grandchildren Cindy, Myron and Sheryl.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday April 4, 2015 at Republican City Cemetery in Republican City, NE with Dan Weller officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday April 3, 2015 with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Warren Harold Bush, 71 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2015, at the Sutherland Care Center.

Warren was born November 22, 1943, to Hugh Harold and Retha Irene Bishop Bush at North Platte where he grew up. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1962. While in high school Warren met Charlene Brill and they were married on June 6, 1964, at North Platte where they made their home.

Warren served six years with the Nebraska National Guard in North Platte, being discharged in 1971. He hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1967 and retired from there in 2004. He was a member of the UTU (United Transportation Union) and the Hershey Baptist Church.

Warren loved the outdoors, hunting and fishing. He especially loved to hunt with his sons and grandsons. He also liked to can vegetables and make salami, jerky and smoked turkeys, and enjoyed tinkering in the garage.

Warren was a helpful friend to many. There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his friends. When riding the trains, he always took his homemade goodies for everyone to enjoy. He was a crewman’s best friend.

The family would like to thank everyone who has helped Warren the last several years due to his declining health. They appreciate everyone’s help.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Charlene Bush, of North Platte; three children, Bob Bush, of Sutherland, NE, James (Rachel) Bush, of Omaha, NE, and Melissa (Tony) Kapustka, of North Platte; five grandchildren, Kinsey, Kayla, and Kamden Bush, Austin Bush, and Tatum Kapustka ; his brother, Gary, Sr. (Jan) Bush, of North Platte; mother-in-law, Arlene Brill, of Imperial, NE; brother-in-law, Wayne (Phyllis) Brill, of Omaha; a niece, Daniella (Brent) Flanary, of Denver, CO; four nephews, Gary Lee Bush, of Kearney, NE, Jerry Bush, of Lincoln, NE, Greg (Lucy) Brill, of Kansas and Douglas (Beverly) Brill, of North Carolina; and other family.

Warren was preceded in death by his parents, Hugh and Retha Bush; father-in-law, Robert Brill; a nephew, Jed Bush; and a great-niece, Katie Joslin.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Saturday, April 4, 2015, at the Hershey Baptist Church with Pastor Kevin Hendricks officiating. Private family inurnment will be at a later date. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or the Diabetes Association.

Hazel Melvina Wisdom, 96 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away Monday, March 30, 2015, at North Platte Care Center.

Hazel was born September 27, 1918, to Hans and Helma (Berg) Bjerknes in Gonvick, MN, where she grew up. Hazel graduated from Gonvick High School at the age of 15 then attended Concordia College in Moorhead, MN.

Hazel met Harry Allison Wisdom and they were married on December 10, 1938, in Fargo, ND. Harry worked for Nash Finch and was transferred several times with the company before moving to North Platte in 1960.

Hazel was an active member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church. She volunteered at the North Platte hospital for many years and was a member of R.S.V.P. Hazel enjoyed golfing, playing bridge, working crossword puzzles and reading, but most of all she enjoyed her family. She will be remembered for her thoughtful support, concern for others and a smile that could “light up a room”.

Hazel was a devoted mother and grandmother who will be dearly missed by her three children, Harry (Kathy) Wisdom, of Burnsville, MN, Tom (Judy) Wisdom, of Lexington, NE, and Linda (Al) Schimek, of North Platte; nine grandchildren, Brian (Megan) Schimek, Jeff (Sarah) Wisdom, Jennifer (Pat) McPartland, Marc (Tara) Wisdom, Dan (Melissa) Wisdom, Suzi (Chadd) Hoeft, Joel (Anne) Wisdom, Amy (Tommy) Strese and Ty Wisdom; 11 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harry; parents, Hans and Helma Bjerknes; sister and brother-in-law, Adeline and Arnt Aune; and sister-in-law, Julie Pettibone.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, April 3, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Inurnment will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore.

Memorials can be made to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce Oscar Freeburg, 83 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away Sunday, March 29, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village.

Bruce was born November 11, 1931, to Carl Oscar and Christina Marie Sutherland Freeburg at Spencer, IA where he grew up. The family moved to North Platte in 1948 where Bruce completed his education, graduating from North Platte High School in 1949. He then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad for a few years before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1952. Bruce served in Korea until his discharge in 1954. He then returned to North Platte and his employment with the railroad, retiring from there in 1990.

On June 18, 1954, Bruce married Juel Marie George at North Platte where they made their home and celebrated nearly 61 years of marriage. As a second job between trips with the railroad, Bruce worked for Mahoney Plumbing and built homes. He was a member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion.

He is survived by his wife, Juel, of North Platte; their children, Terry (Gale) Freeburg, of Lincoln, NE, and Todd (special friend, Theresa) Freeburg and Beth (Bill) Beckius, all of North Platte; six grandchildren, Cara Freeburg, Travis Freeburg, Stephanie (Aric) Riggins, Craig (Erin) Freeburg, Sarah Beckius (special friend, Amos Meek) and Shannon Beckius; five great-grandchildren, Coleman, Riley, Kaden, Mason and Liam; several nieces, nephews and other family.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Christina; a brother, Claire; and two sisters, Margaret Freeburg and Helen Erickson.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, April 2, 2015, at Bethel Evangelical Free Church with Pastor Dan Reimer officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Maranatha Bible Camp. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Susan J. Paulsen, 58, of North Platte, passed away March 26, 2015 at the North Platte Care Center. She was born March 1, 1957 to Lois and Mary (Poe) McKiddy at Gary, Indiana. Susan grew up in Gary, Indiana and graduated from Calumet High School, Gary IN in 1975. On December 21, 1983, she was united in marriage to Jeffrey Paulsen at Williamsburg, KY. They moved to North Platte in 1984 and most recently she was employed as a sales associate at Wal-Mart. She was a member of First Church of God, loved animals, sewing, singing, writing, and her faith and family first and foremost. She is survived by her husband, Jeff; son, Phillip both of North Platte; granddaughter, Kaitlyn; brother, Dwayne (Judy) McKiddy of Covington, KY; father, Lois (Doris) McKiddy; step sister, Doreen (Spencer) Lyon; sister, Patricia McKiddy all of Williamsburg, KY; nieces, nephews and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her mother, Mary; and her brother, Darrell McKiddy; a namesake niece Natasha Juanita Spencer. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in her memory. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday and 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Bob Speral, age 73, of North Platte passed away March 27, 2015 at his home. He was born August 20, 1941 at Breckenridge, MN to Harold and Margaret (Zwickl) Speral. Bob grew up in Wahpeton, ND and graduated from high school there and later served in the United States Navy where he was aboard the USS Saratoga. Following his honorable discharge in 1964 he was employed by Continental Insurance in North Platte, Denver, CO, Phoenix, AZ and Imperial, NE before retiring in 1999. He was united in marriage to Denise Cook on December 19, 1984. Bob was a motorcycle enthusiast and enjoyed flying and his Koi pond. He was a member of the American Motorcycle Vets Club, A.B.A.T.E. Organizations in North Platte and Imperial, American Legion, and lifetime member of the VFW. His loving family include, his wife, Denise of North Platte, children, Jennifer “Jeni” (Rick) Carroll and Andrea (Chris) Hare both of Glencoe, AL, Shannon (Dan) Kuhlmann of Imperial, Melissa (DeWayne) McClendon of Hoklesbluff, AL, Jocelyn (Jeff) Hubbach of Castle Rock, CO, and Samuel Jackson of North Platte, brothers, Ron (Marge) Speral of Lakewood, CO and Terry (Julie) Speral of Marion, IA, 12 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be 1:00 pm Tuesday, March 31, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. Cremation was chosen. A memorial has been established in his memory. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 am to 8:30 pm Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences maybe shared at www.carpentermemorial.com

Dewey Albert Houser, age 63 of North Platte, passed away March 27, 2015 at Great Plains Health. He was born February 3, 1952 at Broken Bow, Ne to Floyd and Martha (Powell) Houser. Dewey graduated from North Platte High School in 1970 and later married Janie Shirley. He worked at North Platte Packing, Western Motors, owned and operated an auto repair business, and most recently was a machinist for the UPRR. He loved racing, fishing, hunting, and cooking. Survivors include his children Bridget Warren and Bobby Houser both of North Platte, brothers, Dan Houser of Hershey, Floyd “Gene” (Linda) Houser of North Platte, and Vernon Houser of Seaside, OR, sister, Martha (Danny) Hallmark of North Platte, grandchildren, Kassidy, Reece, Jessica, and Blayke, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services will be 11:00 am Thursday, April 2, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Cremation was chosen. A memorial has been established in his memory. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9am to 5 pm Monday through Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences maybe shared at www.carpentermemorial.com

Betty Joan Pearman, age 84 of North Platte, passed away Friday March 27, 2015 at Great Plains Health in North Platte.
Betty was born on October 27, 1930 in Lakeside, NE to Frank C. and Freida (Leistritz) Adam. She grew up on the family ranch at Lakeside and finished high school at the Curtis Ag High School. After graduation she took her teacher’s training and went on to teach at various rural schools in the Sandhills. She met Bob Pearman in 1947 and the couple was married on September 10, 1950 at Lakeside Methodist Church. They lived on the family ranch before moving to their own ranch in Maxwell in 1951, where they continued to live and ranch for the next 63 years. Betty also ran the Flock Inn for many years and was always a good listener and mentor to many of the people that came in. In addition she drove the school bus for several years.
Betty is survived by her children Doug (Collene) Pearman of Maxwell and Jolene (Clarence “Butch”) LaBore of Mullen; 5 grandchildren Jennifer (Travis) Franks of Hessmer, LA, Amy (Lloyd) Pemberton of Lynchburg, VA, Trent (Kate) LaBore of Denver, CO, Jill (Rob) Star of North Platte and Lana LaBore of Grand Island; great grandchildren Dylan, Jaelyn, Ashton, Alexander and Quinton; as well as many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Bob; daughter Barbara; and 3 sisters Edna Boots, Elaine Mellinger and Jean Neafus.
Memorials are suggested to the Maxwell Public Schools Scholarship Fund and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be Tuesday March 31, 2015, 2pm at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. Burial will follow at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday March 30, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.