Pauline Julia Nicholson, age 84 of North Platte, passed away February 3, 2015 at Great Plains Health Center.
Pauline was born June 20, 1930 in Tryon, NE to Paul and Opal (Shriver) French. She believed life is an adventure. Her first adventure was from birth to age 18, growing up in the Tryon area and graduating from McPherson County High School. The second adventure began after meeting a young man named Don Nicholson who was running a café in Tryon, playing for dances and pitching baseball. Don and Pauline were married on June 26, 1948 and had 3 boys, Danny, Rocky and Monte. The next adventure began in 1956 and lasted for 8 years. The couple moved around finding work wherever they could. They lived in Kimball, NE, Cheyenne, WY, Torrington, WY, Golden, CO, Ord, NE, and Arnold, NE finally returning to Tryon in 1964 to open a café and run the Tryon Graphic. Adventure #4 lasted a while longer. During this time they still operated the café, plus she was the dispatcher for Don who was the McPherson County Sheriff. 1990 would begin her last adventure which was retiring to North Platte. She spent her lifetime enjoying her kids, grandkids, great and great great grandkids.
Pauline is survived by her husband Donald of North Platte; sons Dan (Penny) of Oologah, OK, Rocky (Pat) of Hershey, and Monte (Teresa) of Bryan, TX; 11 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren; and sister Alice (Clayton) Dobbins of Riverbank, CA.
She was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law Arthur and Alma Nicholson; and 2 brothers Arthur and Buryl.
Memorials are suggested to the Hershey Baptist Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday February 6, 2015 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Kevin Hendricks officiating. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Thursday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and Friday from 9:00 a.m. until service time at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Susie Lyn Maupin, age 56, of Wallace, passed away January 30, 2015 at Great Plains Health.

She was born February 19, 1958 in Ogallala, NE to Jack and Dolores Belieu Carlson.  Susie grew up in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School in 1976.  On April 16, 1977, she married Jerry Johnson.  To this union 3 children were born, Lexie, Megan, and Eric.  Susie worked at JC Penny’s for 7 years, before becoming a stay at home mom.  She later decided to further her education by attending the University of Nebraska Kearney, graduating in 2000 and receiving her Masters from the University of Phoenix.  On June 13, 1998 she married Michael Maupin, the couple resided in Wallace where Susie worked at various places including McCarthy, Gale and Moore, the village of Wallace as clerk, Piccolo Law Firm, the First Christian Church, McChesney, Martin and Sagehorn PC CPA’s in Ogallala.

Susie and Mike have been the organizers for the “Mikey Ride” in Wallace for the past 10 years, raising $100,000 for people with cancer or for those in need.  She enjoyed bike shows, was a master gardener and loved her flowers.  She especially enjoyed beating Mike at bike shows.

Survivors include her mother, Dolores Carlson of Thornton, CO; husband, Mike of Wallace; 6 children, Lexie (Mike) Dillard of Sutherland, Megan Hooper of North Platte, Eric Johnson, Lisa Maupin both of Lincoln, Jill (Scott) Kennicutt of Wallace, and Andrew (Brandy) Maupin of Weatherford, TX; 8 grandchildren, Tydus, Maisie, Emily, Aidan, Nevaeh, Kenedi, Janessa, and Maverick; siblings, Berta (Don) Rynearson of Thornton, CO, and Jon (Sharron) Carlson of Palmdale, CA; sister-in-law, Jackie (Larry) Long of Rapid City, SD; nieces and nephews, Evan (Jen) Rynearson of Aurora, CO, Jared (Carrie) Reglin, and Shane (Megan) Reglin all of Rapid City, SD, Jena (Bryan) Barnes of Palmdale, CA, Jamie (Nicky) Sovereign of Temperance, MI, Jason Sovereign of Newport, MI, Carl Deuter of Oxnard, CA, and Joel Deuter of Oxnard, CA; numerous other family members and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, and her grandparents, Susie and Forrest Belieu.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family for later designation, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday February 3, 2015 at the Wallace High School with Chaplain Gary Smith and Rev. Harun Gatuba officiating.  Burial will be at the Morningview Cemetery near Wallace.  Visitation will be Monday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vera Dee Johnson, 97 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away at Centennial Park Retirement Center in North Platte on Thursday, January 29, 2015.

Vera was born in a log cabin on June 3, 1917, to Carl Orn and Sadie Sheppard Thero at Stover, MO. When she was a small child, the family moved to Tribune, KS where she grew up and attended school. Vera later moved to Julesburg, CO where she lived with her aunt and uncle, Vera and Vernie Twomey, and worked as a telephone operator and at the Lincoln Cafe.

On April 24, 1940, Vera married Everett Hans Johnson in Sidney, NE and they made their home in North Platte. In 1961 Vera went to work for the North Platte Public Schools in Food Services, she retired from there after 29 years.

Vera had been a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church since March 3, 1945. She was active in Esther Lois Circle, taught Sunday School, and was in charge of making the dressing for Thanksgiving dinner for many years. Vera was also a life member of the PTA and a member of RSVP and Union Pacific Old Timers.

When the children were younger, Vera was a Cub Scout leader and Blue Bird leader. She enjoyed helping others by sewing quilt tops for the church and school bags for Lutheran World Relief. In recognition of her kindness, Vera was the first recipient of the KODY Good Neighbor Award in 1958.

She is survived by her children and grandchildren, E. Charles Johnson, of North Platte and his children, Shelly (Sam), Amy (Julian) and Mike (Dee); Sharon (Charles) Kleckner, of North Platte, and their children, Sarah, Rebecca and Laurel (Nick); and Larry (Carol) Johnson, of Phoenix, AZ, and their children, Craig (Mi Kyong), Todd and Trish; 14 great-grandchildren, Elizabeth, Emily, Christopher, Brett, Madison, McKenna, Brianda, Mitchell, Andrew, Camden, Jamie, Dylan, Christian and Julia; three great great-grandchildren, Marley, James and Angalee; and other family.

Vera was preceded in death by her brothers, Karl and Charles Thero, who were both killed in W.W.II; her husband, Everett; parents, Carl and Sadie Thero; and special friend, Ray Kehm.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Easter Seals or the W-ELCA (Lutheran Church Women’s Circle). Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Eugenia (Jeannie) Reynolds passed away January 26, 2015 at St. Mary’s Manor in Blue Springs, Missouri.
Born May 20, 1921 in North Platte to Harry A. and Katherine Macey Ackerman, she was a life time resident of North Platte. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1939.While in high school she participated in the on the job training program working in the office of Dr. Brock, D.D.S. On May 26, 1940 she was united in marriage to Raymond C. Reynolds at the First Lutheran Church where she had been baptized and confirmed. She was the oldest living church member at the time of her death. During WWII she volunteered at the Canteen in the Union Pacific depot while her husband was serving in the U.S. Navy Amphibious forces in the Pacific area. She also worked as a Pink Lady volunteer at the Memorial Hospital which she enjoyed very much. When her sons were small, she taught Sunday school and Bible school at church. She served for two years as treasurer of W.L.C.A. and enjoyed many other volunteer opportunities at her church. She enjoyed oil painting until her eyes failed. She enjoyed traveling, especially the Mediterranean cruises with her son Johnny and his wife in later years.
Survivors include her son, Johnny (Dee) Reynolds of Blue Springs, Missouri; sister, Mary (Keith) Peterson of Hartsburg, Missouri; brother, Melvin Ackerman of North Platte; four grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her infant son; her parents; husband, Raymond on December 8, 1993; son, Ronald (Karen) Reynolds in 1998 of Council Bluffs, Iowa; brother, Arthur (Jenny) Ackerman of Medford, Oregon; and her sister, Shirley (James) Wresche of St. Paul Minnesota.
Memorials are suggested to the First Lutheran Church of North Platte and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Grave side services and burial at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte will be 3:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015 with Reverend Frank Fitch III officiating. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Richard Charles “Rick” Hodgen, Jr., 61, formerly of North Platte, passed away Jan. 18, 2015 in San Francisco, CA. He was born June 8, 1953 to Richard C. and Sally (Davenport) Hodgen, Sr. at Omaha, NE. He graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1971. He enjoyed traveling to many different states, including: Steven Gaskin’s “The Farm” in TN for a number of years, he then lived in India for 6 months and studied and worked for eight years at Tassatara Zen Retreat in CA. He was united in marriage to Barbara Buzzell. Rick was a free spirit and a San Francisco Giants Fan. He is survived by his mother, Sally of North Platte; two brothers, Mike Hodgen of Peoria, IL and Mark (Lisa) Hodgen of North Platte; a sister, Nancy Von Behren of North Platte; 12 nieces and nephews; 16 great nieces and nephews; a friend, Gary Bundy; and his loved cat, Roxanne. He was preceded in death by his father; and a niece, Mykayah Hodgen. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to Donor’s choice. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2015 Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mark R. Fiedler, 55, of North Platte, passed away January 23, 2015 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.  He was born Oct. 25, 1959 to Siegfried Paul Willhelm “Fred” and Anita (Johannsen) Fiedler at Fremont, NE.  Mark graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1978.  On August 1, 1981, he was united in marriage to Dottie Feik at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in North Platte.  Along with his father and brother, Mark owned and operated Fiedler’s Meat Market for many years.    He is survived by his parents, Fred and Anita Fiedler of North Platte; his daughter, Megan of North Platte; his son, Lance of Lincoln; a brother, Mitch (Pat) Fiedler of North Platte; and aunts, uncles and other family.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Dottie; and a brother, Michael.  A memorial has been established in his memory.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Cremation was chosen.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2015 at Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Tim Eighmy officiating.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Anne Gosnell, 72, of Maxwell, passed away January 25, 2015 at Great Plains Health. She was born April 17, 1942 to Cliff and Lois (Lyon) Ash at North Platte. She was raised by her grandparents, Claire and Blanche Lyon. She attended St. Patrick’s High School and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1960. Sandra was united in marriage on Oct. 23, 1960, to Gordon Gosnell at North Platte. In 1977, they moved south of Maxwell where they farmed and ranched. She owned and operated a collection agency for many years in North Platte. She was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club. She enjoyed bowling and was an avid reader. Sandra was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by her husband, Gordon of Maxwell; a son, Chris (Amber Fogle) Gosnell of North Platte; a grandson, Samuel; and other relatives. She was preceded in death by her parents; and a daughter, Mindy. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to First Lutheran Church or Donor’s Choice. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be Thursady, January 29,11:00 a.m. at First Lutheran Church with Rev. Frank Fitch officiating. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Virginia F. Mengel, 100 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Great Plains Health.

Virginia was born November 23, 1914, to Martin Edgar and Maude LaRae Spicer McBride at Rock Springs, WY. She grew up in Green River, WY, and graduated from Green River High School. Virginia later attended Barnes School of Business in Denver, CO, then returned to Green River to work.

On September 5, 1936, Virginia was united in marriage to Francis Marion Mengel at Manilla, UT. They lived in several communities before settling in North Platte in 1944. Here she was a member of the Berean Church for over 70 years and was responsible for putting out the church bulletin for 50 years. In 1993 Francis passed away after 57 years of marriage.

Virginia had been a Girl Scout leader and manager of the North Platte High School cafeteria. She helped others through her volunteer work at Scout’s Rest Ranch Museum and RSVP. She was also active with the Platte Valley Golden Husker Camping Group and the Maxwell Booster Club.

Virginia leaves behind her children, Patricia Hanson, of Sandy, UT, and Thomas (LaRue) Mengel, of Maxwell, NE; her sister, Mary Burke, of Palmer, AK; six grandchildren, Barrett (Suzanne) Hanson, Julie (Tom) Varoz, Rochelle (Mark) Miller, Thomas (Sharlene) Mengel, Tylon Mengel and Trent (Pam) Mengel; 15 great-grandchildren, Christopher, Brandy, Lisa, Shane, Marcus, Hunter, Jillian, Cheyenne, Kala, Sean, Skyler, Haley, Morgan, Jacobbie and Kegan; 10 great great-grandchildren, Casey, Natalia, Cooper, Jordan, Jenna, Emerson, Braelee, Reece, Zander and Easton; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with her husband, Francis, Virginia was preceded in death by their son-in-law, Richard Hanson; her sisters, Mabel Lewis and Stella McBride; brother, Ernest McBride; and her parents, Martin and Maude McBride.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, January 29, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with George Cheek officiating. Burial will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. 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 Maranatha Bible Camp. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.