Jana Lee Petersen, 55, of North Platte, passed away March 24, 2015 at her home. She was born March 19, 1960, to Robert C. and Joann (Schueler) Hill at North Platte. She graduated from the North Platte High School with the class of “78”. On June 17, 1978, Jana was united in marriage to Robert G. Petersen in North Platte. She had various hobbies including, camping, hiking, bowling league for 28 years, and various horse groups including the Sheriff’s Posse and the Velvet Spurs. Survivors include, her husband, Robert G. “Bob” Petersen of North Platte; her daughter, Melissa (Jason) Smith of Wahoo; her parents, Robert C. and Joann Hill of North Platte; brothers, Tom Hill and Ron (Regina) Hill both of North Platte; mother-in-law, Sharron (Jim) Meston of North Platte; brothers-in-law, Mike (Mary) Petersen of Lakemoor, IL, Scott (Sarah) Petersen of Pontiac, IL and Calvin Petersen of North Platte; numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Jana was preceded in death by her grandparents; and her father-in-law, Raymond LeRoy Petersen. Memorials are suggested to Callahan Cancer Center. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend James Novakowski as celebrant. Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Mable L. Johnston, 88, of North Platte passed away March 24, 2015 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg. She was born December 29, 1926 in Wellfleet, NE to Charles and Lorena (Moyer) Miller. Mable grew up in Wellfleet and attended the public schools there. She married Leonard H. Johnston and the couple had 8 children. Mable enjoyed camping, fishing, square dancing, and having fun with her grand kids and kids.
Survivors include her children, Verna (Gary) Price of North Platte, Gary (Ann) Johnston, Stan (Donna) Johnston all of Texas, Dennis (Melody) Johnston of Florida, Doug (Barb) Johnston of North Platte, Gaylene (Bob) Lueck of Lexington, and Colleen (Don) Dubry of North Platte; 23 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Leonard; daughter, Cheryl; two granddaughters, Sherry and Chasidy; grandson, Charles; brothers and sisters; several cousins; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 28, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Wellfleet Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Altha Leanore Babbitt, 95 years, formerly of Sutherland, NE, passed away Monday, March 23, 2015, at Lakeside Hospital in Omaha, NE.

Altha was born October 22, 1919, to Rolland Arthur and Cecelia Burgetta (Outson) Frame in Lisco, NE. The family lived near Hershey, NE and she graduated from Hershey High School in 1937. Altha then attended Kearney State Teachers College, graduating in 1941 with a degree in Business Education and later earned graduate hours from the University of Colorado at Boulder and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

Altha went to California where she was employed by the Lockheed Aircraft Factory in Burbank. When she returned to Nebraska, Altha worked for Mars Clothing Shop and Hansen & Fuenning Accounting Firm in North Platte before starting her teaching career.

Altha taught high school business classes at Scotia, Bloomfield, Hershey and Sutherland. She then taught business and sponsored various clubs at Sutherland High School for 25 years and was sponsor of the yearbook “The Log” from 1963 to 1978. Altha retired from teaching in 1978.

On August 14, 1949, Altha married Paul DeLancey Babbitt at Hershey, NE, and they lived in Sutherland where they raised their son, Gregory.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church for 60 years and was active with the United Methodist Women and served in different positions. Altha was also a member and officer in the Sutherland Woman’s Club and on the Library Board.

In 2004, Altha moved to the Skyline Retirement Center in Omaha to be closer to Greg. Here she was active in attending the Omaha Community Playhouse until her health declined. She also enjoyed playing bridge.

She is survived by her son, Greg Babbitt, of Omaha; a sister, Patricia Ulrich, of Omaha; sister-in-law, Evelyn Frame, of Hershey; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Altha was preceded in death by her husband, Paul; her parents, Rolland and Cecelia Frame; and brothers, Perry and Gayle Frame.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2015, at the Sutherland United Methodist Church with Pastor Kola Akinnigbagbe officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland UMW or United Methodist Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Elaine Mae Odean Stagemeyer, 85 years, longtime resident of Hershey, NE, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2015, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

Elaine was born January 28, 1930, to George Livingston and Ruby Elizabeth Owen Humphrey at Sutherland, NE where she grew up. Elaine graduated from Sutherland High School in 1947.

On November 2, 1947, Elaine married Delmar Delaine Odean in Sutherland and they made their home in Hershey. To this union three children, Kenneth, David and Elizabeth, were born. Delmar and Elaine later divorced. She married Eugene ‘Gene’ Stagemeyer on June 19, 1978, at Hershey. They lived in Hershey before moving to North Platte in 1991. She returned to Hershey in 2007 to be closer to her family and enjoyed spending time with her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. Elaine and Gene also enjoyed traveling until he passed away in 2003.

Elaine was a member of the Hershey United Methodist Church and was the first woman bus driver for Hershey school. She also worked as a waitress at the North Platte Elk’s Club and Hershey Truck Stop. Elaine enjoyed crocheting, gardening and yard work, and liked her coffee.

Survivors include her children, Elizabeth ‘Liz’ (Steve) Ellerd, of Platteville, CO, and Kenny (Cindy) Odean and David (Julie) Odean, of Hershey; stepchildren, Brenda (Bill) Perry and Mike Stagemeyer, of Elwood, NE; six grandchildren, Javin Odean, Stevi (Clayton) Rawles, Scott Wilson, Stephanee (Bryan) Borquez, Jeremiah (Jamie) Ellerd and David Ellerd; 16 great-grandchildren; three great great-grandchildren; her sister, Lila (Clarence) Arensdorf, of Sutherland; a brother, George (Aubra) Humphrey, of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Marjorie Goedert, of Sutherland; brother-in-law, Don Karash, of Arapahoe, NE; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with her husband, Gene, Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, George and Ruby Humphrey; two brothers, Jack and LeRoy Humphrey; sister-in-law, Dolores Karash; and a great-grandson, Elijah Ellerd.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Thursday, March 26, 2015, at the Hershey United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery south of Sutherland. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Hershey United Methodist Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Rose Ilene (McDermott) Dybdahl Robinson, 92 of North Platte passed away March 21, 2015 at the North Platte Care Center. She was born on December 31, 1922 in North Platte to Steven and Fairy (Masters) McDermott. Rose grew up in Wellfleet on the farm. She attended Medicine Creek School in Curtis. Rose worked for many years at the Tomahawk Truck Station, and other area restaurants. She also worked as a telephone switch operator in Wellfleet. In 1942 she married Fred Dybdahl, who preceded her in death on May 22, 1969. Rose remarried in the early seventy’s to H.D. Robinson. He preceded her in death on August 29, 1985. Rose was a member of the North Platte Berean Church for many years. She enjoyed fishing at the local lakes and she was an outstanding cook and accomplished musician, especially the piano and accordion. Rose was also an avid Nebraska Husker fan.
Survivors include her son, Fred “Berdell” (Jan) Dybdahl of Florida; grandchildren, Christine Rose Cruz of Florida, Jeffrey (Traci) Dybdahl of Chicago, Richard (Karyn) Dybdahl of Florida, Debbie, and Denise; sister, Mildred (George) Welsh of Mullen; great-grandchildren, Henry, George, Gregory, Kiana, Dean, and Kayla; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; both husbands, Fred Dybdahl and H.D. Robinson; a son, Dennis Dybdahl; 4 sisters; and 3 brothers.
Memorials may be made to Maranatha Bible Camp (where she was baptized) and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Vernon Cecil Cooper, age 88 of North Platte, passed away Thursday March 19, 2015.
Vernon was born on January 10, 1927 in Sioux City, Woodberry Co., IA to Ray and Bertha (Adams) Cooper. At the age of 16 he moved to North Platte where he attended high school. After graduation he entered the army and served during the Korean War. After his discharge from the army Vernon returned to North Platte where he worked for Western Construction and the State of Nebraska. He married Elsie M. Lindenmuth on June 8, 1956. After Elsie’s death in 1985, he met and married Bonnie J. Pease on September 1, 1987. He enjoyed stock car racing, loved working with wood, in his yard and especially with his flowers.
Vernon is survived by his children Bradley James Cooper, Tammie Jean Cooper, Teresa Leann Cooper; stepson Martin (Alice) Mora Jr; grandchildren; sisters Gloria (Willie) Rogers and Jean Goltry; brother in law Irving P. Hiatt; as well as other extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Elsie; wife Bonnie; daughter Therina Lee Cooper; and brother, James Cooper.
Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday March 25, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Chaplain Robin Storer officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday March 24, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Celestina ‘Tina’ Mohr, 61 years, of North Platte, NE, died as the result of an automobile accident on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, in North Platte.

Tina was born March 14, 1954, to Marcos B. and Frances Louise Ramirez Moreno at Grand Island, NE where she grew up and attended school. While in school, Tina worked at the Yancy Hotel before going to work for the Dept. of Roads. She later transferred with the Dept. of Roads from Grand Island to North Platte in 1977, working with them for 20 years. Tina then worked at Scott Abstract for 5 years before going to work as a secretary at Adams Middle School and later the Nebraska State Patrol. At the time of her death, Tina was working as a secretary for Fed-Ex Ground and was Finance Minister for St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

On January 25, 1990, Tina married Joseph Paul Mohr in North Platte where they made their home. She was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and 25 year volunteer for the Rape/Domestic Abuse Program. Tina loved to play slow pitch softball, which she did for 30 years. She also loved her grandchildren and dogs, Pepper and Princess. Tina was a faithful woman and a huge giver to all.

She will be missed by her husband, Joe, of North Platte; daughters, Nichole Perez (Jeremie Mitchell), of Grand Island, Alicia (Chad) Spilker, of Cortland, NE, Elena (Mario) Ramos and Jessica (Danial) Lawrence, all of North Platte, and Tara Perez (Christopher Charles), of Forks, WA; 14 grandchildren, Marcos, Erika, Bailey, Billy, Brayden, Marissa, Christian, Derrek, Brittany, Landon, Sophie, Devin, Antonio and Xavier; five great-grandchildren, Lilliana, Alyana, Meah, Jaelyn and Abigail; three brothers, Mike Moreno, Stanley (Janice) Moreno and Tony Moreno, all of Grand Island; three sisters, Henri (Pete) Escobar, Cynthia White and Betty Moreno, all of Grand Island; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Tina was preceded in death by her parents, Marcos and Frances Moreno; two brothers, Vincent and Peter ‘Larry’ Moreno; and two sisters, Phyllis and Constance Moreno.

Cremation was chosen following her gift to others as a tissue donor. Services will be Tuesday, March 24, 2015, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, beginning with a Rosary Service at 10 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Father Jim Golka as celebrant. Inurnment will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Capital Campaign or Rape/Domestic Abuse Program (RDAP). Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Thomas Ray Beckius “Tom”, age 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle passed away Monday March 16, 2015. Tom was born in North Platte, Nebraska on August 7, 1939 to the late J. Paul and Cecilia (Davis) Beckius. He graduated from St. Patrick’s High School with the class of 1957.   Following high school, Tom enlisted in the United States Navy in Omaha, Nebraska on February 28, 1958; he served our country proudly and held rank in Fundamental Aviation until February 27, 1962, when he was honorably discharged. After serving in the military Tom continued to serve through the Fire Department, starting his career at Denver, CO, with 25+ years of service, retiring from the Orlando Fire Department.

Tom was united in marriage to Anna Tochet` in 1960.  Their union was blessed with an only child, Tim.  Tom later married Juanita Griner and four step children were added to his family.

Tom is survived by his wife, Juanita Beckius; his son, Tim Beckius of Shreveport, LA, two granddaughters Amy Gauther and family of  Boyce, LA. and Megan Crews and family of Shreveport, LA; brother, Jerry (Sharon) Beckius of North Platte; his step children, Elaine Barton, Jack Eldon Griner Jr, Joyce Chancellor, and David Griner; 8 step grand-children; 21 step great-grandchildren; and two nephews, Chris and Court Beckius of  North Platte.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Paul & Cecilia Beckius; and a niece, Heather Beckius.

Funeral Services for Tom were held at the Church at South Lake, Clermont. Interment was at Oak Hill Cemetery, Clermont.

 

Francis Dale McFarland, 87, of North Platte, passed away March 17, 2015 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. He was born July 11, 1927 to Asa O. and Edna L. (Miller) McFarland at St. Francis Hospital in Grand Island, NE. Dale served in the United States Merchant Marine during WWII until his honorable discharge and later served in the National Guard in North Platte. On November 25, 1946, he was united in marriage to Dorothy Jean Macomber in Kansas and to this union three sons were born. Dale was proud of his sons and their accomplishments. In 1948, he was hired at the Union Pacific Railroad as a switchman, yardmaster and retiring as a brakeman in 1992. On May 6, 1983, Dale married Florence “Susie” Arnold. He enjoyed dancing and playing pool on the Brothers Pool Team. He is survived by his three sons, James (Kim) McFarland of Lincoln, NE, Robert (Roselyn) McFarland of North Platte, NE and Mark (Marcia) McFarland of Albion, NE; 9 grandchildren, Doug McFarland of Lincoln, NE, Jamie McFarland of New York; R. Brian (Stephanie) McFarland of Concrete, OR, Greg (Heather) McFarland of Lee Summit, MO, Jody (Travis) Lawson of Pleasant Hill, CA, Keri (Steve) Dowler of Merriam, KS, Staci (Mike) Kelly of Lawton, IA, Leslie (Andrew) Feeney of Omaha, NE and Jana (Brent) Turner of Grant, NE; numerous great grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Decker of Kearney. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florence “Susie” McFarland; and a brother, Donald McFarland, Sr. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Public Schools Foundation or Down Syndrome Foundation. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 23, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Norma Maxine Groff, 89 years, formerly of Hershey, NE, passed away at the Golden Living Center in Cozad, NE, on Tuesday, March 17, 2015.

Norma was born March 13, 1926, to Shirlee Roy and Burtus Faye Cogdill Barton at Brownville, NE where she grew up and attended school through junior high. She graduated from Peru High School in 1944 and waited tables at Peru College while in high school. Norma married Leland Blankenship and her children, Butch and Linda, were born. They later divorced.

On May 18, 1964, Norma married Ralph Henry Groff in Mexico. They lived in Auburn, NE until 1972 when they moved to Hershey, NE. Norma worked in the office at North Platte High School and later was employed by Security International out of Omaha, and worked as a security guard at the Gerald Gentleman Station for six years. She then worked at the North Platte Animal Shelter.

Norma was a proud supporter of 4-H, working with the organization in Nemaha County and North Platte for over 20 years.

She is survived by her children, Bonnie Groff (special friend, Robert Irwin), of North Platte, Linda (Jeff) Huey, of Omaha, NE, and Leland ‘Butch’ Blankenship, of Onawa, IA; six grandchildren, David Sims, Ann Sims, Chris Sims, Carrie Blankenship, J.C. (Hannah) Kleewein and Kylin (Casey) Lundvall; eight great-grandchildren, Austin, Jared, Trey and Brendan Sims, Jagger, Cannon and Marlow Kleewein, and Talis Lundvall; and other family.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph; parents, Shirlee and Burtus Barton; two brothers, Roy and Burl Barton; her sister, Darlene Quinn; and daughter-in-law, Elaine Blankenship.

Graveside funeral service will be 2 p.m. Friday, March 20, 2015, in the Riverside Cemetery northwest of Hershey with Pastor Jeremy Rinke of Harvest Christian Fellowship officiating. The family has established a memorial. The memorial book may be signed at the graveside and condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.