Kathryn Patricia “Patty” (Williamson) Birge was born on January 28, 1921 to George Williamson and Hazel (Schefnecker) Williamson, the second of three children born in Detroit, MI.
A fun loving little girl with a headful of ringlets, she developed a lifelong love for animals, friendship, theater, dance and the stage very early on in life.
In January 1946 in Detroit, MI, she met Rich Birge Jr. and nine months later, she married him and moved to North Platte. She was active in her church, making close friends with the women at St. Patrick’s and made five-decade long friendships with the families of West Circle Drive. She was also involved in local theater, eventually spearheading, virtually full time, the volunteers remodeling the old North Platte Fox Theater and serving as President of the Playhouse for most of 30 years. The “Patty Birge Room” stands in her honor at the Theater.
Patricia (Williamson) Birge passed away Tuesday October 14, 2014 at Brookstone Meadows in Omaha, NE after a brief illness at the age of 93.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rich; her parents; sister Mary Jane; and brother Jack.
She is survived by two sons, John (Debbie) of Omaha, NE and Tom (Suzie) of Denver, CO; four grandchildren, Justin (Nicole) Birge, Alexis (Matthew) Boulos, all of Omaha, Katerina Birge of Denver, CO and Lauren Birge of Salt Lake City; as well as four great-grandchildren, all of Omaha; nieces and nephews Patrick (Pam) Currier, of Spokane, WA; Linda Mabbs, of Potomac, MD, Barbara (Dan) Robinson of Ellsworth Pond, NY, and Scott and Jay Williamson of Phoenix, AZ; grand nieces and nephews Chris (Mike) Tinder of Tacoma, WA, Anne Currier, of Spokane, WA, Matthew (Nevada) Clark of Brooklyn, NY, and Angela Williamson Doncouse of Lubbock, TX all survive her; as well as numerous great grand nieces and nephews.
May her memory be eternal.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Community Playhouse or Holy Spirit Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Friday October 17, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday October 18, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Reverend Michael Pampara as Celebrant. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Janice Lavon Michaels Dubry was gently carried home by her Lord and savior, Jesus Christ on October 14, 2014 at Great Plains Health with her son Mark by her side and her son Troy in her heart.
Janice was born Sept 15, 1942 in North Platte to Lester and Marjorie Glenn Northouse. She was a bright and silly little girl who loved her sisters and later a little brother she was very close to. She graduated from North Platte High School and went to Denver to stay with her sisters and best friend Clara. If only the walls of that little apartment could talk about all that laughter and dancing to the hits of the time. Janice taught everyone how to dance and have a good time. After she married and had her sons her greatest wish and what she prayed for everyday was that they know their lord and savior and that they love each other. Janice lived life with a song in her heart and countless worn pairs of cowboy boots that she danced many a night away in.
She married Byron Michaels and to this union her two sons, Mark Michaels of NP and Troy (Susanna) Michaels of Iowa were born. Byron preceded her in death. She later married Ron Dubry of Mullen where she loved to walk for miles and miles in the sandhills with her dog. They later divorced. Her son Troy gave her two grandchildren whom she loved dearly, Bailey Michaels of Lincoln and Curtis and Kylar Michaels attending college in Kearney.
Janice is survived by both her sons and their families. She leaves her little brother Kevin and wife Elaine of Valentine, sister Rosetta of Fort Collins, CO nieces Susan of NP and Marian of CO; sister Joyce and husband David Lincoln of Denver, CO nephew David JR and niece Cynthia. Her mother’s sister Shirley and husband Royal Harless and family of Bridgeport, NE, Buzz Glenn and family of CA; Bob and Carol Michaels and Bev Michaels and lots and lots of cousins from her mom’s many sisters and brothers. She will be fondly remembered as a beautiful woman with a loving Christian heart. She will be laid to rest in the Riverside Cemetery in Sutherland NE.
Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, October 18, 2014 at Riverside Cemetery at Sutherland. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, October 17, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Gerald F McGowan, age 76 of North Platte passed away at Great Plains Health on October 14, 2014. He was born March 25, 1938 to Arthur and Jeanette (Sponem) McGowan in Oregon, WI. He spent his childhood years on the family farm and attended schools there. He moved to North Platte, NE in the early 1960’s and started to work at Simon’s Construction CO, where he worked for several years. He then started his own cement business and continued that until he began work at Union Pacific Fruit Express, retiring in 2001. On Jan. 11, 1988, he married Janice (Booth) Christensen at North Platte. They enjoyed their years of retirement attending antique tractor shows. He spent many hours working on his 1938 Allis Chalmer CA tractor. He is survived by his wife Janice; two daughters, Marilyn and Carolyn McGowan both of Madison, Wisconsin; step-son, Donald Christensen of Longmont, CO; step-daughters, Debra (Keith Hoffman) Christensen of Denver, CO and Sandra (Jim) Bondegard of Lodgepole, NE; one brother, Bob (Sandy) McGowan of Phoenix, AZ; sisters, Bernice (Vernon) Dunn, Teresa (Joe) Lalor, Lois (Ray) Gust, Helen (Ted) Balenza and Nancy Skudlt all of Madison, Wisconsin; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jim and Dale McGowan; a sister, Judy Stark; his son, Jerry McGowan; and two step daughters, Susan Glanz and Brenda Wamsley. Jerry will be greatly missed by his family, extended family and friends. He was a kind and loving man and “Grandpa Jerry” will be especially missed by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Online condolences may be shared www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be at 1:00 pm CST Friday, October 17th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Pastor Leonard Shur officiating. Inurnment will be at 3:00 pm (MT) at Chappell Mennonite Cemetery in Chappell, NE. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.

William M. “Bill” Callahan, 88, of North Platte, passed away peacefully at Golden Living Center at Cozad on October 15, 2014.  Bill was born to Ray and Olive (Sumner) Callahan on December 22, 1925 at White Cloud, KS.

He served in the military prior to attending college in Kearney and taught school in Sutherland.  He was the owner of Callahan Implement Company in North Platte and later spent his time ranching.  He was very active in the community for several years, serving on the committee that was instrumental in bringing the college to North Platte.  He also served as President for the Fair Board and the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, Board of Directors of First National Bank and the Foundation Board of Great Plains Health.  Bill enjoyed life to its fullest and one of his favorite past-times was the time he spent with the “coffee bunch” at Arby’s.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Patrick; a step-daughter, Cornell Wright; a step-daughter-in-law, Betty J. Cooksley; two sisters and two brothers.

Bill is survived by his wife of 48 years, Jo; his step-son and daughter-in-law, Paul and Betty (Drake) Cooksley; four grandchildren, Jed Cooksley, Tad (Teresa) Wright, Jennifer (Justin) Thomas and Greg (Ang) Wright;  six great grandchildren; and four nieces, Glenda, Soni, Arloa and Janice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Alzheimer’s Support Group or the First Presbyterian Church.

A Celebration of Life will be at 11:00 am Monday, October 20, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church with the Reverend Polly K Deppen-Williams officiating.  A private family burial will be held prior to the services.   Visitation will be from 1 pm to 7 pm Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Mitchell Sis, age 74 of North Platte, passed away October 14, 2014 at Great Plains Health surrounded by his family.
Dennis was born on April 10, 1940 in Benkelman, NE and grew up on a farm in northwest Kansas and graduated from McDonald High School in 1957. He attended Kansas State College for 2 years and then moved to Stratton where he worked as a welder at Miller Weeder. He met Joyce McDougal on a blind date and they were married on August 8, 1959 in Atwood, KS. Dennis and Joyce just celebrated their 55 year anniversary. The couple lived in the community of Max, NE where he managed a grain elevator. He worked various jobs through the years in the fertilizer industry, working for both Kugler Co and Oxcidental Chemical Co. In 1980 he started Sisco Fertilizer in Elsie. In 1987 he left the business to his sons and went to work again for Kugler Co. in McCook until his health forced his retirement. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and president and 25 year member of the Rocky Mountain Plant Food Assoc. He enjoyed his family’s sports activities and spending time with his pets and friends.
Dennis is survived by his wife Joyce of North Platte; children Greg (Cheri) Sis of Elsie, Terry (Cori) Sis of Elsie, Pam Neff of North Platte, and Tam (Terry) Kuenle of North Platte; grandchildren Jyll (Travis) Hansen of Broken Bow, Nikki (Brent) Downey of North Platte, Cameron (Katie) Sis of Elsie, Carlie Sis of Los Angeles, CA, Jenni Sis of Lincoln, Kelan Sis of Elsie, Ryan Kuenle of North Platte, Allison Kuenle of North Platte, Alex Neff of North Platte, Peyton Neff of North Platte, and Derek Sis of Elsie; great grandchildren Jackson and Lauryn Hansen of Broken Bow, and Ava Downey of North Platte; siblings Ron (Donna) Sis of McCook; sister-in-law Betty Sis of Benkelman; and numerous other family members and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James Dean; and infant grandson Jay Sis.
Memorial gifts are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday October 17, 2014 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend James Golka as Celebrant, and burial at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 p.m. Thursday October 16, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Harrison T. Halligan, 76, longtime rancher of North Platte, passed away October 13, 2014 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln, Nebraska. He was born July 12, 1938 to Claude and Edith (Wisnor) Halligan at North Platte. Harrison graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1956 and was later united in marriage to Sharon Goodwin on Feb. 16, 1958 at North Platte. Harrison was born, raised and worked on the family ranch that was homesteaded by his grandmother, north of North Platte. His love was his family and he enjoyed his dogs and hunting coyotes. He got to fulfill his dream and passion by rodeoing, where he bulldogged, roped and hazed for steer wrestlers for many years, and also known for having a good bulldogging team, taking him from coast to coast. He was a lifelong member of the PRCA, NSRA and was inducted into the Cheyenne Frontier Days Hall of Fame this past September. Harrison qualified for the NFR in 1971 and 1972. He is survived by his wife, Sharon; his daughter, Claudia Coble; his son, Dan (Cindy) Halligan; grandchildren, Sarah (Chris) Wright, Monica Halligan, Travis Halligan, Sawyer (Kegan) Rabe and Carter (fiancé Haley Keller) Coble; a great granddaughter, Hannah Wright; and many other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Claudette Halligan and a daughter, Tammie Halligan. 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. Wednesday through Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Memorial services will be 10:30 am Saturday, October 18, 2014 at the Steer Head Arena, on North River Road, north of Hershey. There will be an opportunity to share memories of Harrison at the service. Family request casual or western wear at the services. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.

David Henry Bertram, 68, of Sutherland, NE, formerly of North Platte, NE, passed away Monday, October 13, 2014, at Great Plains Health.

David was born May 28, 1946, to Pete D. and Esther Katherine Pyle Bertram at Scottsbluff, NE. He grew up in Gering, NE and graduated from Gering High School in 1964. David joined the U.S. Navy in August 1964 and served until August 1968.

On July 15, 1967, David married Ruth Louise Stewart at Long Beach, CA. Following his discharge, David worked for an auto body shop in California until 1970 when he and Ruth moved to Gering. Here David was a member of the Gering Volunteer Fire Department from ’71 to 76. In 1976 David became a Deputy Fire Marshal in Ogallala, NE and worked for the State Fire Marshal’s Office. In 1983 he became Chief Deputy Fire Marshal of District C for the State of Nebraska and the family moved to North Platte the following year. David retired in 2012 after 36 years of service.

David was a member of the Harvest Christian Fellowship, V.F.W. Post #1504 and Paul R. Martin Post #279 American Legion. He was also a member of the volunteer fire departments in North Platte and Ogallala and President of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association. David enjoyed youth sports and was the umpire in charge for girl’s softball and refereed high school football games.

He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Sutherland; daughters, Susan (Ralph) Quick, of Sutherland and Karen Bertram, of Omaha, NE; four grandchildren, Kristi (Zachary) Baird, Florence Quick (Tyson Osborne), David Quick and Thao Nguyen; five great-grandchildren, Taylor Fraizer and Devin, Trinity, Katelynne and Koda Baird; a sister, Sandie (Richard) Cummins, of Scottsbluff, NE; several nieces, nephews and other family.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Esther; and sisters, Mary Ann Severson and Alice Severson.

Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2014, at the Harvest Christian Fellowship. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 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 Sutherland Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Harvey W. Slankard, Jr., age 64, of North Platte, known to his family and friends as “Junior”, passed away Oct. 8, 2014 at Great Plains Health.

He was born January 12, 1950, in North Platte, NE, to Harvey W. and Maye (Anderson) Slankard, Sr.  Junior graduated from North Platte High School with the Class of “68”.

He shared many years of his life with his soul mate, Judy Palmer-McCaslin.  Driving commercial trucks was Junior’s passion.  He was an accomplished pool player and enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting and going to the drag races with Jude.

Survivors include; Sally Palmer-Gentleman and Karla Palmer; Crystal Hraban, Megan Gentleman, Kisha Payne, Jasmine and Char Palmer; brother, Daryl Hatheway of Seattle, WA; sisters, Sue Hatheway-Thompson of Phoenix, AZ and Sally Hatheway-White of Lincoln, NE; good friends and neighbors, Zachary Ortiz and Melinda Ticknor; and several other nieces, nephews, adopted family and close friends.

Junior was preceded in death by the love of his life, Judy; his parents; brothers, Walt, Glenn and Earl Slankard; and a sister, Sandra Rhiner-Larsen.

A Celebration of Junior’s life will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 13, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Dr. Rev. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Cremation was chosen.  Inurnment will be at a later date.  Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.