Marie Annette Bonney, 86 years, of North Platte, NE, died January 23, 2015, at the North Platte Care Center.

Marie was born on March 2, 1928, to Robinson W. and Helen Monnett Simmons at Prince Frederick, MD. She was confirmed at St. Paul Episcopal Church and graduated from Calvert County High School with the class of 1945.

Marie then moved to Baltimore, MD where she attended Strayer-Bryant & Stratton Business College, graduating in November 1946. She was employed by the pharmaceutical manufacturers Hynson, Westcott & Dunning, from December 1946 through May 1952.

On November 19, 1950, Marie and Clifford LeRoy Bonney, Jr. of North Platte, were united in marriage at Prince Frederick. They lived in Baltimore, MD for several years until moving to North Platte in April 1971. Marie then went to work at Memorial Hospital for the next four years. After 42 years of marriage, Cliff passed away in 1992.

Marie was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Lois Circle and was active in W-ELCA.

Survivors include her children, Lois Jean (Ron) Reed and Roy Neil Bonney, of North Platte; four grandchildren, Laura Ann Soto, of Denver, CO, Timothy Brian Mynes, of Maine, Michelle Marie Robinson, of North Platte and Allison Ashley Mynes, of Kearney, NE; 12 great-grandchildren, Anthony, Brittany, Nathan, Raelyn, Aubrey, Kaiden, Madden, Serenity, Wyatt, Savannah, Harlo and Calvin; a great great-grandson, Hunter; foster son, Charles Robert Clark, of Jacksonville, FL; a brother, Jack W. Simmons, of Prince Frederick, MD; and other family.

Along with her husband, Cliff, Marie was preceded in death by their daughter, Linda Marie Fowler; her parents, Robinson and Helen Simmons; and great-granddaughter, Jayla Robinson.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Frank Fitch III officiating. Inurnment will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church or the North Platte Senior Center. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

John Alfred Hellmuth, Jr., 83 years, of Hershey, NE, died Friday, January 23, 2015, at the North Platte Care Center.

John was born on August 24, 1931, to John Sr. and Esther Carrie Braatz Hellmuth at Brookfield, WI. In 1947 the family moved to Keenesburg, CO. John graduated high school in 1950 then moved to Hershey, NE that summer to play baseball and has lived there ever since. He worked at Ted’s Store as a meat cutter and did so until 1978 when he bought the store from Ted Young.

On August 7, 1955, John married Betty Ann Stevenson at the Maria Lutheran Church. Over the years John played an active role in the Hershey community where he served as mayor, was on the School Board and Village Board, and was president and charter member of the Lions Club. While he was mayor, John and Betty had the honor of joining President Ronald Reagan for lunch when he visited North Platte.

John was a supporter of youth activities which included Hershey School sports, music events and the Summer Youth Program. He was also a member and church board treasurer at Maria Lutheran Church.

John had a zest for life. He was a very giving and welcoming person, and rarely without a smile. His excellent sense of humor allowed him to share that smile with others. He thoroughly enjoyed his time spent with family and loved ones.

John will be missed by his wife of nearly 60 years, Betty, of Hershey; sons, Jason (Loretta) Hellmuth, of Lincoln, NE, and Jared Hellmuth, of Hershey; daughter, Janice (Neal) Creekpaum, of Blair, NE; four grandchildren, Bryson (Skyler), Baylor, Ryan and Amanda Hellmuth; and several nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John, Sr. and Esther; brother, Jerry; and his sister, Shirley Edwards.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, January 26, 2015, at the Maria Lutheran Church with Pastor Erin Dunlavy officiating. Inurnment will be 2 p.m. in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book can be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday with family greeting friends from 4 to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Memorials are suggested to the Hershey Youth Baseball Program or Maria Lutheran Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Norma Jean Biere, 80, formerly of Sutherland, passed away January 20, 2015 at Colorado Springs, CO. She was born April 18, 1934 to Lewis E. and Ruth (Paul) Lotter at Auburn, NE. On February 24, 1952, she was united in marriage to Raymond J. Biere at Auburn, NE. Norma was employed as a custodian at Gerald Gentleman Power Plant.
She is survived by two daughters, Connie (John) Snover of Ramah, CO and Cathy (Alan) Pipal of Arizona; a son, Daryl Biere of Ramah, CO; two granddaughters, Sheila Schafersman and Stacy (Mike) Kirchmann; four great grandchildren, Brittney, Colten, Dawson and Caleb; four great great grandchildren, Madison, Miranda and Marrissa, Braden; a sister, Colleen Routon of Fremont, NE; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her parents; a grandson, Shawn Alan Snover; and two brothers, Daryl and Donald Lotter.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in her memory. Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, January 24, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery at Sutherland. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends Friday, January 23, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Darlene M. Finke, 73, of North Platte passed away January 11, 2015 at the Littleton Adventist Hospital in Littleton, CO surrounded by her family. She was born July 23, 1942 in Odessa, MO to George and Edna (Hartsel) Shaw. She graduated from Ogallala High School in 1959 and worked at a CPA’s office and the Keith County Bank. On April 2, 1967 Darlene married Gerald A. “Jerry” Finke in Syracuse, NE. They lived in Ogallala until they moved to North Platte in 1972. She was a member of the Keystone Presbyterian Church and the First Presbyterian Church of North Platte. Darlene worked as the secretary for the Presbyterian Church for a number of years. She also worked for attorney’s office Kay and Kay and later Elliott and Brouillette.
She will be remembered as being an upbeat and kind lady who courageously battled cancer for many years.
Survivors include her husband of 47 years, Jerry of North Platte; daughter, Kirsten (Travis) Bayne of Windsor, CO; sisters, Donna (Frank) Macek and Deanna (Ken) Nolan; 3 nieces; and a nephew.
Darlene was preceded in death by her parents, George and Edna Shaw; and a niece, Angela Macek.
Memorials may be made to the Callahan Cancer Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. January 24, 2015 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Polly Deppen-Williams officiating. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. today, Thursday, and Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Belle Frey, 89 of Stapleton, NE, passed away January 19, 2015 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.
Bonnie was born June 6, 1925, in Westwood, CA to William Rankin and Nellie (Butler) Young. When she was a young girl, her parents moved to Callaway, NE where she attended grade school. She attended high school in Paxton, NE where her mother taught school then graduated from Stapleton High School.
In 1943 Bonnie moved to Washington DC working for the FBI as a finger print technician. She took great pride in working for J. Edgar Hoover. During this time she also attended modeling school.
On Dec. 1, 1945 she married Calvin Leroy Frey Sr. in Oberlin, KS. To this marriage 8 children were born. Bonnie was a full-time mother raising her children, helping on the farm and attending her children’s sporting events. She was a wonderful cook and seamstress, an avid reader of history, politics and mysteries, an expert at crewelwork, a great storyteller and fascinated with family history and genealogy. When guests arrived at Bonnie and Calvin’s home, they would be treated to a piece of Bonnie’s famous pies. Bonnie could take any fruit or filling, put it in her homemade crust and make the best pies.
In her later years, Bonnie and Calvin lived in Farragut, IA, Tabor, IA, and Arnold, NE. After Calvin’s death in 2007, Bonnie moved to Well Life Assisted Living in Kearney. In 2013, because of health problems, she moved to Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE to be closer to her family.
Survivors include her sons, Calvin (Judi) Frey Jr. of Gothenburg, Harry (Margaret Ann) Frey, Kent (Shirley) Frey, Mark (Traci) Frey, Darrin (Denise) Frey all of Stapleton; daughters, Laurie (Pete) Wiley of Omaha, Cynthia (Gary) Wilhoit of Santa Rosa, CA, and Mardelle (Scott) Patterson of Dallas, TX; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her husband, Calvin Sr.; her parents; a brother, William Rankin III; and a nephew, Charles Young.
Memorials are suggested to the Rape and Domestic Abuse Crisis Center in North Platte or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Bonnie chose cremation and memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Marcia Mapes officiating. Private family inurnment will be at Rosehill Cemetery near Callaway. There will be a reception at the Stapleton Community Center at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday. Those wishing to sign the register may do so from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Joseph Michael Peterson, 50 years, of North Platte, NE, formerly of Hesperia, CA, passed away after a long battle with COPD on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Joe was born on April 10, 1964, in Puerto Rico to Charles and Betty Price Peterson. He grew up in Puerto Rico, North Dakota and California. He lived in California until 2013 when he moved to North Platte to be closer to his mother.

Joe enjoyed dirt bike riding and racing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was an amazing journal writer and poet, and his family is thankful to have these journals. Joe also enjoyed the past six years living a life of sobriety.

He is survived by his son, Connor Cline, of Folsom, CA; his mother, Betty Peterson, of North Platte; brothers, David (Suzanne) Milleson, of North Platte, Charles R. Peterson, of Hesperia, CA, and Robert (Melloney) Peterson, of Phelan, CA; sisters, Debra, (Vince) Vasquez, of North Platte, JoAnn Fay, of Beaumont, CA, and Carla Bower, of Phelan, CA; extended family, Larry (Sharon) Milleson; 11 nieces and nephews; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other family.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Charles Peterson; grandparents, Flora Miller and Clifford and Veronica Peterson; and a nephew, Stephen Johnson.

Joe will be lovingly remembered by his family and friends in North Platte and California as they gather at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2015, at Centennial Park Retirement Village with his mother, Betty. They will have a short prayer and sharing of memories. Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be at a later date in California. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Bonnie Grein Fankhauser, 81 of North Platte passed away January 19, 2015 at Great Plains Health. She was born March 24, 1933 in Hermosa, SD to Frank and Naomi Blanche (Martin) Grein. She attended high school in Rushville, NE. On September 5, 1950 she married John Fankhauser in Scottsbluff, NE. To this union four children were born. In 1952 the couple moved to North Platte, where Bonnie sold Tupperware, worked at K-Mart, and worked as a cashier at 6th Street Food Stores and U-Save for 27 years. Bonnie loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whom she made quilts and baby blankets for. She also enjoyed crocheting and knitting. She and John enjoyed traveling, especially to the IMAX in Hastings. She will be remembered as a happy and fun person, full of life who enjoyed meeting and talking to people.
Bonnie is survived by her husband, John; children, Karen (Mike) Steele, Kenneth (Cindy) Fankhauser, Alan Fankhauser, and Joann (Bradley) McDermott; grandchildren, David, Jason, Jeremy, Mark, and Sara Steele, Steven (Samantha) Fankhauser, Darin Fankhauser, Chris (Timothy Garcia) Fankhauser, Daniel (Brittany) McDermott, Johnathan (Kellie) McDermott, and Rebecca McDermott; great-grandchildren, Rhythm, Tai Lynn, Treyson, Genna, Ariez, and Reyanne Fankhauser, Mason Fankhauser, and Scott McDermott.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Grein and Dean Grein; sister, Joan Shepardson; and a grandson, Scott Alan Fankhauser.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (www.cff.org) or to the North Platte animal shelter. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, January 23, 2015 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. today and Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Mary Ann Hannon, 60 years, passed away at her home north of Brady, NE, on Sunday, January 18, 2015.

Mary was born February 8, 1954, to Glenn Howard and Rachel Ruth Fahrenbruch Steinke in McCook, NE. Her family moved from Trenton, NE to Manning, IA when she was 3 years old. Mary graduated from Mannng High School in 1973 then attended college for a year before getting married.

On September 21, 1974, Mary married Gerald Brian Hannon at Wichita, KS. They made their home in Kansas, living in different places before moving to Nebraska. They lived in North Platte prior to settling north of Brady in 1986.

Mary then went back to college and earned a BA in Special Education from Kearney State College in 1995. She taught special education at Maxwell Public School and received her Master’s Degree in 2004. Mary resigned from teaching in September 2005 due to her health.

She enjoyed her farm animals and liked to help others. Mary also volunteered with many different projects. She had a strong faith and belonged to the Missouri Synod Lutheran Faith.

Mary will be missed by her husband of 40 years, Gerald, of Brady; children, Molly Hannon and Ryan (Paula) Hannon, all of Brady and Luke (Emily) Hannon, of California; five grandchildren, Hope, Miguel, Wyatt, Lane and Payton; her brother, Jim (Kathy) Steinke, of Cottonwood, ID; sisters-in-law, Denise (Byron) Sargent and Gail (Larry) Barnes, of Wichita, KS, and Devon (Tom) Dye, of Kansas, OK; a niece, Sabrina (Brian) Johnson; nephew, Jason (Michelle) Steinke; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenn and Rachel Steinke.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 22, 2015, at the Brady Community Church. Cremation will follow the service. Visitation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore and prior to the service in Brady. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Kids Scholarship at Maranatha Bible Camp. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Rodney Allen Hongsermeier, 52, of North Platte, passed away January 17, 2015 at Colby, KS, the result of an auto accident.

He was born January 25, 1962 to Roger C. and Phyllis M. (Brehm) Hongsermeier at Grand Island, NE. Rodney graduated from Giltner High School with the class of 1980. Following high school, he continued to be involved with farming on the family farm and was on a custom wheat harvest crew. In 1984, he was united in marriage to Mary Splichal, to this union two sons were born, Cody and Casey Hongsermeier. Rodney worked for Heartland Ag as a sales person and truck driver. He moved his family to North Platte to work for the North Platte hospital as a driver for the MRI portable scanner. In October 1993, Rodney was united in marriage to Patty (Barrett) Wilson. Rodney then purchased his first semi and was self-employed. The road took Rodney to many interesting locations, and he always came home with great stories to share. He was currently employed with Midwest Express. Rodney enjoyed the company of his family and friends and loved to listen to “according to him” the greatest artists around; The Doors and Merle Haggard. He was a member of the Eagles Club.

Rodney is survived by his wife, Patty of North Platte and her family, Monte Wilson, Ruy Acevedo, Michael (Amy) Wilson and their children, Samantha, Katie “Tea” Easley, Liberty Grace, Joshua, Isabella and Rachael Wilson; mother, Phyllis Hongsermeier; sons, Cody and Casey Hongsermeier both of Texas; brother, Ronald Hongsermeier of Lincoln; sisters, Diane Randolph and Barbara (Doug) Schultz both of Grand Island; nephews, Justin, Jeffrey, Jared and Jordan Groff; niece, Alicia (Hongsermeier) Marco; father-in-law, Bob Barrett; sister-in-law, Connie Rookstool; brother-in-law, Rocky Barrett; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents; his father; and mother-in-law, Bennitta Barrett.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to Pawsitive Partners. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2015 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Inurnment will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Clinton Jasper Knapp, 99 years, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2015, at Linden Court.

Clinton was born May 27, 1915, to Jasper Edward and Ada Howard Knapp at Winnabego, NE. At an early age he was on his own. By 1933, at the age of 18, Clinton enlisted in the Civilian Conservation Corps. where he planted trees for the Halsey National Forest. He later transferred to Oregon where he was a caterpillar operator building roads. Once when he was in Omaha, Clinton even shook hands with Charles Lindbergh.

Clinton moved to Mullen, NE and married Mabel Fox in 1941. They lived in Nebraska, first in Alliance where he was employed by CB&Q Burlington Railroad. They later moved to Arthur in 1955 where Clinton worked for Kramer Brothers for 36 years. After retiring, he and Mabel moved to Ogallala in 1990 then in 2011 Clinton moved to Linden Court in North Platte.

Clinton was a man of many talents. He invented time savers for ranch tasks, enjoyed working with wood, and was an excellent fence builder. Clinton loved working with animals, especially horses, and also trained his dogs to work. He was known for his honesty and hard working ethics. He was a good neighbor and always willing to help those in need. Ranch life will be his legacy.

Clinton was a devoted husband and a loving and supportive father who will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughters, Jane (Kenneth) Johnson, of Glenrock, WY, and Dixie McMillan, of North Platte; five grandchildren, Michael McMillan, of Denver, CO, Colleen Henley, of Casper, WY, Mark McMillan of Denver, CO, Lisa Johnson, of Glenrock, WY and Kenny (Julie) Johnson, of Douglas, WY; eight great-grandchildren, Casey (Katie), Gareth, Matthew, Phillip, Clint, Rhys, Jessie (Tyler) and Chet; three great great-grandchildren, Moira, Dylan and Maisie; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mabel; his parents, Jasper and Ada Knapp; six brothers, Orvil, Marcus, Marvin, Rusty, Pete and Fritz; and five sisters, Elva, Mildred, Hazel, Mable and Mona.

Cremation was chosen. Inurnment will be in the Cedar View Cemetery at Mullen, NE at a later date. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.