Francis Albert Liptrap, age 90 of Wellfleet, passed away Wednesday November 26, 2014.

Francis was born on March 17, 1924 in Clome, SD to Albert and Sara (McGee) Liptrap.   He attended school in both South Dakota and North Platte.  He was a welder and mechanic by trade and worked in Utah, and then at Platte Valley Hide and Metal in North Platte.  He married Ethel Clipper in Alabama and to this union 5 children were born, Albert, Mary, James, Barbara and Ruth.  He enjoyed hunting and fishing and working on his own vehicles.

Francis is survived by his children Albert Liptrap of Tryon, Mary Parks of North Platte, Barbara (August) Torrez of North Platte, and Ruth Dixon of North Platte; 12 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Ethel; son James; and 4 siblings, Willie, Violet, Jerry and Mabel.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday November 29, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Dean Bailey officiating.  Burial will follow at Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland.  Visitation will be Friday November 28, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Bernard Dale Lehn, age 92 of North Platte passed away at his home Monday November 24, 2014.
Barney was born November 16, 1922 in Elba NE to Herman M. and Ida Mae Lehn. He attended school at District #9 and Big Springs High School, graduating with the class of 1940. He worked around that area until he went to the Army in 1943. After his discharge in 1945 he worked for several years at the Ovid Sugar Factory. On November 5, 1950 he married Vivian I. Parker from Brule, NE. To this union three children were born, Martin A., Verna M., and Deborah K.
Bernard is survived by his children, Martin Lehn, Verna (Roger) Vedder, and Deborah (Zane) Zalud all of North Platte; grandchildren Bo Lehn of Grand Island, Jason (Jennifer) Vedder of North Platte, Lisa Vedder-Smith of North Platte, Tami (Josh) Telitz of Brady, Zane “Mike” Lehn of Hershey, Zaven (Tara) Lehn of North Platte, Brittney (Donald) Bristol of North Platte, Alexis Lehn of North Platte and Olivia Lehn of North Platte; 21 great grandchildren; step sister Marge Bauer; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Vivian; grandson Jeffrey Lehn; great grandson Braxton Lehn; and sister Marge Wilbur.
Memorials are suggested to the 1st United Methodist Church, Hospice or in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday November 28, 2014 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors and Pastor Gary Smith officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday November 26, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Edwin Otto ‘Ed’ Wachholtz, 98, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Wednesday, November 19, 2014, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Ed was born March 23, 1916, to Frank and Elsie Gast Wachholtz at Plainview, NE where he grew up. He graduated from Plainview High School and farmed in the area before getting married.

On May 7, 1938, Ed married Bernadine Opal Gilster at Julesburg, CO. They made Nebraska their home, living first in Plainview before moving to Neiligh and then to North Platte in 1942 where Ed hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad. He began work as a Fireman and retired as an Engineer in 1978. During this time he also had a construction company, Economy Builders. Ed built homes for many years and especially enjoyed doing the finish work.

Ed was a member of the First Evangelical Lutheran Church, Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF&AM, Tehama Shrine Temple and the North Platte Shrine Club. He was also a member and past trustee of B.P.O. Elks #985. Ed loved all sporting events and enjoyed hunting and fishing. He liked to volunteer, garden and work in his yard. Ed especially loved his grandchildren and enjoyed being around them.

After 74 years of marriage, Bernadine passed away in March, 2013. Ed then moved to Linden Court where he received good care. The family would like to thank the staff for the care and support they gave their dad.

Ed was also preceded in death by their sons, Harlan ‘Butch’, and infants, Ricky and Rocky Wachholtz; a grandson, Tim; his parents, Frank and Elsie; a sister, Mildred Peterson; and brother, Milford.

Ed is survived by his sons, Larry and wife, Vicki Wachholtz, of North Platte and Ken and wife, Judy Wachholtz, of Rancho Mirage, CA; two daughters, LaJean and husband, Val Long, of Sioux City, IA and Linda and husband, Steven Campbell, of San Diego, CA; 10 grandchildren, Bruce, Tracy, Kena Jo, Sherry, Kyle, Chris, Chad, Wendy, Tesha and Justin; 21 great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews and other family.

Funeral service will be 9 a.m. Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Frank Fitch III officiating. Burial with Masonic Rites will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. The casket will be closed at the church.

Harold Harry Wilson, 90, of North Platte, NE, passed away Sunday, November 16, 2014, at the North Platte Care Center.

Harold was born May 20, 1924, to Carl and Blanche Hanyie Wilson at Glenwood, IA. He grew up in Glenwood and farmed before being drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. Following his discharge in 1945, Harold returned to Iowa to farm with his dad. A year later moved to Council Bluffs, IA where he hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad as a Fireman-Oiler.

On April 21, 1963, Harold married Maxine Olene Frazier in Council Bluffs where they made their home until moving to North Platte in 1971 with the completion of the diesel shop. Harold continued his work with the railroad until he retired in May 1985 as a Fireman-Oiler. After retiring Harold and Maxine had a lawn mowing business for 10 years.

Harold was a life member of the V.F.W. Post #1504 and a past member of the Old Timers and P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion, and liked to play poker. Harold and Maxine also enjoyed traveling.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Maxine, and friends, Lois and Ron Reed, all of North Platte; and other family and friends.

Harold was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Blanche; a sister, Irene Goodman; and his brothers, George and Everett Wilson.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, November 19, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

Vivian M. Ditch, age 82, of North Platte, passed away Saturday, November 15th at Centennial Park. She was born October 2, 1932 in Milford, NE. to George and Ruby (Swisher) Porter. She grew up in Arnold, NE. She married Thomas Robinson on July 3, 1949 and to this union two daughters were born, Nancy and Judy. She then married Ivan Ditch on January 16, 1957 and to this union two sons were born, Ira and Sean. Vivian helped Ivan as a custodian at the North Platte Telegraph and she also worked as a nurse’s aide at Linden Manor. She also worked with assisted living helping people who couldn’t help themselves with their various chores. Vivian attended the Salvation Army Church and enjoyed quilting and reading, especially ‘The Guidepost’ and her bible.
Survivors include two daughters, Nancy (DeWayne) Spencer of Mitchell, S.D. and Judy Robinson of North Platte; two sons, Ira (Karen) Ditch of Hershey and Sean (Brenda) Marshall of Ogallala; a sister, Vannetta ‘Jo’ (Larry) Hickenbottom of Broken Bow; three brothers, Jimmy (Roma) Porter of Broken Bow, Oscar Porter of Cozad, and Sherman (Lou) Porter of Broken Bow; 13 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Ivan; and brothers Russell and Alfred Porter.
Cremation was chosen. Graveside inurnment will be 1:30 P.M., Wednesday, November 19th at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. A memorial has been established and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Those wishing to sign the register book may also do so today from 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Nina B. Johnson, 77, of North Platte, NE, passed away at her home on Monday, November 10, 2014.

Nina was born July 4, 1937, to Charles Henry and Ethel Blanche Alexander Veith in Arnold, NE where she grew up and attended school.

Nina raised seven children on her own until she met a wonderful man, Walter Lee ‘Salty’ Johnson. They were married on December 9, 1968, at North Platte where they made their home. Nina and Walter were soulmates and loved being with their children. They also enjoyed RVing, being outdoors and bowling and loved square dancing. Nina and Walter enjoyed 39 years of marriage before he died in 2007.

Nina enjoyed the simple things in life and having lunch on Saturdays with her girlfriends. She also liked to go North with her neighbors, B and B.

Nina will be missed by her children, Darlene (Raymond) Hansen, Debbie Nichols and Alice (Tommy) Vieyra, all of North Platte, Carol (Pete) Sorenson, of Anchorage, AK, Roy Nichols (significant other, Rachel Ruiz), of North Platte, Susan (Daniel) Marquette, of Kearney, NE, Jerry (Lori) Nichols, of North Platte and Tia (Dave) Mentzer, of Fremont, NE; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two great great-grandchildren; her sisters-in-law, Vera Veith, of North Platte, Lorraine Veith, of Colorado Springs, CO, and Delores Veith, of Des Moines, IA; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with her husband, Walter, she was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Ethel Veith; three sisters, Dixie Trobee, Helen ‘Toots’ Bayer and Rose Meyer; and five brothers, Cecil, Ernie, Herman, Richard and Manard Veith.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, November 14, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Roy Allen Nichols officiating. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Senior Center. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.