Rachel Jean Hernandez, 40, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, October 10, 2014, at Great Plains Health.

Rachel was born August 4, 1974, to Richard John and Donna Katherine DeWolf Hernandez at North Platte where she grew up. In 1993 Rachel graduated from North Platte High School. She later went to work at the Walmart Distribution Center before attending Mid-Plains Community College to study phlebotomy so she could help others by drawing their blood.

Rachel was a kind person, willing to help others without expecting anything in return. She was a loving and caring mother, daughter, sister and friend and enjoyed being with her nieces and nephews. She was also a Bronco’s fan, loved to travel and liked to visit Estes Park, CO. Rachel’s greatest joy in life was her son, Rueben, and she loved spending time with him.

Rachel was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and a volunteer and advocate for the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program.

She will be greatly missed by her family which includes her son, Rueben Mykel Hernandez Marquez, parents, Richard and Donna Hernandez, and grandmother, Modesta Hernandez, all of North Platte; her sisters, Melissa (Brad) Saathoff, of Hershey, NE and Juliana Caudillo, of North Platte; a brother, Richard, Jr., stationed at Norfolk, VA; her nieces, Kaitlyn and Harlie; nephews, Joshua, Chase, Colbey, Aaron, Zachariah and Marcus; a great-nephew, Brayden; aunts, Erlinda (Joe) Mata, of Cheyenne, WY and Harlya (Steve) Latham, of Belleville, KS; four uncles, Fermin (Sharon) Hernandez and Michael (Gloria) Hernandez, all of North Platte, Arthur (Janet) Hernandez, of Arvada, CO and Charlie (Fran) DeWolf, of Hershey, NE; numerous cousins and other family; and her friends which include, Nancy and Bo Cai and Heather Wright, all of North Platte.

Rachel was preceded in death by her special grandfather, Demetrio Jose ‘Pete’ Hernandez; grandmother, Carrie Turner; grandfather, Albert DeWolf; an uncle, Joseph Hernandez; and her special friend, Michael Deibert.

Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Wednesday, October 15, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Jim Golka. Cremation will follow the mass. In lieu of flowers, a trust fund for Rueben has been established at the Union Pacific Credit Union. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Doris L. Kugler, age 96 formerly of North Platte, passed away peacefully at Eaton Assisted Living in Lakewood, Colorado on October 8, 2014.

Doris was born July 19, 1918 in York, NE to Ray E. and Leona C. (Tondreau) Davis.  She graduated from York High School in 1936 and married William S. Kugler in November 1938.

Doris was a loving, generous, energetic person with a positive outlook on life.  She enjoyed playing bridge, traveling, her friends and her family.  Doris was a long time North Platte resident and participated in many community activities.  She was involved in PTA, was a board member and group leader in Camp Fire, and worked for many years on the American Cancer Society Daffodil Fundraiser.  She was active in the Good Fellow Shoe Fund, serving as president and shoe buyer.  She was a member of the North Platte First Presbyterian Church for over 50 years, where she served as a Deacon and an Elder.  She also volunteered at the Lincoln County Historical Museum, and participated in the NET documentary “Canteen Spirit.”

Doris is survived by her two daughters Linda(Jim) Wennersten of Scottsdale, AZ and Kay(Tom) Furtak of Arvada, CO; 5 grandchildren, Rick (Karin) Furtak of Denver, CO, Lisa (Tim) O’Regan of Gilbert, AZ, Erin (Dave)Furtak, of Golden, CO, Andrea Wennersten of Denver, CO and Mark Furtak of Golden, CO; 4 great grandchildren; and many friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Bill; and her brother Chuck.

Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of North Platte, The Good Fellow Shoe Fund, the Lincoln County Historical Museum or a charity of your choice.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday October 13, 2014 at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte with Reverend Polly Deppen-Williams officiating.  Burial will be Tuesday October 14, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery.  The casket will be closed and those wishing to do so may sign the register book Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m.with family receiving friends from 4:00 until 6:00 on Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Dale Raymond Krizek, 82, of North Platte, went to be with the Lord on October 8, 2014.

He was born May 17, 1932 to Joseph and Ella (Heilman) Krizek in Dresden, Kansas.  He was reborn in Christ on September 29, 2014.  After growing up in Kansas he served in the Army and was stationed in Germany from 1952-1953 as a sharpshooter.  He married Ardell (Howell) in 1956 moving to North Platte in 1961.  He drove a truck for Metz Baking with subsequent employment with Hipp Wholesale Distributing for 26 years.  While employed at Hipp Wholesale, being a farm boy, Dale worked for Bob and Marion Thomsen on the family dairy. Following formal retirement he worked for Cedar Bowl.  He enjoyed his home and yard. You could find him outside most days, rain or shine.  His legacy can be found with his four children, Richard (Clenda) of North Platte, Nancy (Jerry) Karlin of Greeley, Colorado, Michael (Kris) of Johnstown, Colorado, and Steve of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; his eight grandchildren, Nathan (Drew) and Jordan both of Kearney, Matthew of Minneapolis, Julia and Blake both of Greeley, Chandler, Kaylee, and Tanner all of Johnstown, and one great grandchild, Tenleigh of Greeley. He is survived by his wife Ardell, three sisters (Margaret, Sylvia, and Amy), and of course his children, grandchildren, great grandchild, and dear friend James Cooper.  Dale was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his sister (Elnora).

Services will include a celebration of life service Friday October 17 at 10 a.m. at Carpenter’s Memorial Chapel. Memorial contributions can be made through Carpenter’s Memorial Chapel. Dale will be laid to rest with military honors at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Kathryn “Kathy” Ann Dymond, age 65 of Hershey passed away Wednesday October 8, 2014.

Kathy was born on December 13, 1948 in Dalton, NE to Frank and Vera Mae (Hutchison) Peonio.  She grew up in Broadwater, NE and graduated in 1966 from Bridgeport High School.  She went on to UNL where she received her teaching degree.  After graduation her first teaching job was in Prague, NE and from there she moved to Hershey where she taught 1^st grade. While in Hershey she met James Dymond, and they were married on February 19, 1982 in Bridgeport.  The couple lived in Hershey where Kathy continued to teach 1^st grade until her retirement in 2007.  She was a member of the Garden Club, Quilt Guild and several bridge clubs.  She was an avid Nebraska Husker fan and loved watching football and baseball.  She was always helping those around her, she loved to teach, being especially proud of teaching kids to read.

Kathy is survived by her husband Jim of Hershey; children Megan Dymond of Kearney and Brett (Jeanne) Dymond of Omaha; grandchildren Annabelle and Vincent Dymond of Omaha; siblings Randy (Debbie) Peonio of Windsor, CO, Robert “Bob” (Tammy) Peonio of Kalama, WA, John (Terri) Peonio of Loveland, CO and Sharon (Doug) Pierce of Kalama, WA; as wells as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her stepfather Joe Davicco; and brother Tony Peonio.

Memorials are suggested to the family who plan to purchase a memorial bench for the Baseball Diamond in Hershey.

Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Friday October 10, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday October 11, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Reverend Michael Pompara as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at the Riverside Cemetery near Hershey.  Visitation will be Friday from noon until service time at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Stella Elizabeth Russell, “Libbie” as she was known to her family and friends, age 66, of North Platte, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at her home.  She was born on June 26, 1948 in Guernsey, WY to Charles M. and Pearl C. (Conner) Jones.  She spent her school years in Guernsey and graduated High School in 1966.  Libbie married Henry E. Russell June 4, 1967 in Fresno, CA.  They lived at Ft. Eustis, VA and outside Ft. Rucker, AL until Henry was discharged from the military in 1971.  From then on she lived with her family in several towns in Wyoming and Nebraska.  Henry and Libbie were married for 47 years.

Libbie spent her life caring for others, her family and friends were what were most important to her.  During high school she worked as a waitress to help support her family.  She then spent most of her married life working as a cook to help support her own.  Libbie loved her family with her whole heart.  She spent her years doing whatever she could to make every birthday and holiday perfect for everyone.  Her children and grandchildren always had their favorite treats to eat from sugar cookies to pumpkin pie.  She was passionate about making her house a home and enjoyed decorating for the holidays.

Her free time was spent on the back of a motorcycle with Henry.  Over the years the couple had been to Sturgis Motorcycle Rally twelve times and enjoyed many rides, on their own or with family and friends.  For a time, she even rode on her own!  It was her favorite activity.

Survivors include her husband, Henry of North Platte; three children, Craig (Lindis), Mark (Cindi), Nicole (Christina); 7 grandchildren, Desiree and Dustin, Kaitlyn, Adeline and Drue, and Ashton and Harper; sister, Peggy Jones of Longmont, CO; brother, Edward (Cleo) Jones of Guernsey, WY; along with several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; grandparents; brother and sister-in-laws: and three nephews.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  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.

Joan ‘Jo’ Gaites, age 72, of Tryon, passed away Tuesday, October 7, 2014 at her home.  She was born on February 8, 1942 in Gandy to Arthur B. and Nedra Breneman-Johnson.  She went to High School in Gandy until it closed in 1958.  She later graduated from Stapleton High School in 1960.  She attended and graduated from the North Platte Beauty Academy, keeping her license current to date.  Jo ran ‘Jo’s Beauty Shop’ in Gandy for many years.  She also ran beauty shops in Stapleton and Arnold.  She drove a bus for Stapleton Public Schools for over 15 years.  Jo was mayor of Gandy for a term, owned the Wagon Wheel Bar in Stapleton for six years, and then became a rural contract mail carrier for 20 years before retiring in 2012.

Jo loved the ranch life and living in the Sandhills, she loved her family, especially her kids and grandkids.  She had a big heart, willing to do anything for anyone and will be remembered as having a big bark, but a small bite!  Jo took care of everyone around her and you always knew where you stood with her.

Survivors include her loyal mate of 42 years, Carl Rundback of Tryon; sons, Scott (Bea) Gaites of Stapleton, Kenneth (JoAnn) Rundback of Stapleton, Wayne (Dona) Rundback, Bill Rundback, and Frank Rundback all of North Platte; siblings, Jim (Jackie) Johnson of Cody, NE, Jerry (Donna) Johnson of Gandy, NE, and Jean Kramer of Stapleton, NE; grandchildren, Tammie and Jon Gaites ,  Bryce (Syd) Rundback all of Stapleton, Jennifer (Clint) Vanderwey of Crookston, NE, Kelly (Justin) Loeffler of Cheyenne, WY, Cody Rundback of North Platte, NE, Robyn Rundback of Mullen, NE, and Josey and Chase Rundback of Gordon, NE; 5 great-grandchildren; and numerous other family members and many friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; 2 sisters, Arlene Hill, and Janice Johnson; granddaughter, Tyann Gaites; and a great-grandchild, James Vanderwey.

Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2014 at the Ringgold Free Methodist Church with the Reverend James Paine officiating.  Inurnment will be at the McCain Cemetery at a later date.  Those wishing to sign the register book may do so Wednesday and Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Arden Dale Alexander, 68, of Sutherland, NE, formerly of Liberal, KS, died Thursday, October 2, 2014, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.

Arden was born June 15, 1946, to Arden Clifford and Ada Marie Geyer Alexander in McCook, NE. He grew up in Kansas and the Culbertson, NE area and was confirmed in the Methodist Church. Arden served in the U.S. Army in Germany then moved to McCook following his discharge.

After trying various jobs he followed in his father’s footsteps and discovered his love for trucking. Arden drove as an independent driver and for different trucking companies with his handle being JB, short for “Jelly Bean”. He traveled over 5 million miles throughout the continental United States, visiting every state but Maine. He recently retired from driving due to health reasons.

Arden had lived in Liberal, KS for over 25 years before returning to Nebraska shortly before his death.

Arden enjoyed restoring old automobiles and displaying his muscle cars in various car shows and parades. He also enjoyed many types of racing. Arden was never without a dog, a vehicle to work on, a cup of coffee, a smile or a funny story to tell.

Arden, who was known as ‘Uncle Bub’ by his family, is survived by his son, Nicholas (Dareen) Alexander Thielbar, of Camas, WA; a sister, Charlene ‘Char’ Rotert, of Sutherland; half-brother, Ron (Alma) Hutton, of Burlington, CO; granddaughter, McKenna; nieces and nephews, Jeri Johnson, Shelley Cisar and Derek Rotert; great-nieces and nephews, Shea and Lauren Cisar, Jaime Johnson and Brayden Johnson; great great-niece and nephew, Aubrey Cisar-Simmons and Shane Cisar; and other family members.

Survivors also include his dog, JoJo; special friends, Linda Shaffer, of McCook and Deb Fairchild, of North Platte; his friend, Jerry Cisar, of Wenatchee, WA; trucker friends, Abe, Frank, Willie, Little Willie, Pete, Ed, Wayne, D.W., Carl, Dale and many more to numerous to mention.

Arden was preceded in death by his parents, Arden and Ada; a grandson, Erek Alexander; and a great-nephew, Jordan Chon Cisar.

A private family graveside service with military honors was held in Memorial Park Cemetery in McCook. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Edward Joseph ‘Joe’ Lawyer, 91, of North Platte, NE, formerly of Sutherland, NE, died Monday, October 6, 2014, at Linden Court.

Joe was born in Sutherland on October 1, 1923, to William Henry and Leela Jane Hunter Lawyer, the youngest of 10 children. He graduated from Sutherland High School in 1941 and worked at the Post Office.

Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943. He began his training at Ft. Logan, CO and from there he was sent to the Branch Immaterial Training Center (BIRTC) in Little Rock, AR. Six weeks later, Joe was in an Army Specialized Training Program at the University of Kentucky in Lexington before joining with Company C 1252^nd Engineer Combat Battalion in Texas. Joe’s unit was sent to New Jersey before shipping out to England for three months. He was in France, Luxembourg, Belgian and Germany, building bridges across Rhine River Crossing. While serving in the European Theater, Joe was in The Battle of the Bulge and received a Purple Heart. He was discharged in 1945 with the rank of Sergeant.

Following his discharge, Joe returned to Sutherland where he was appointed Postmaster at the U.S. Postal Service. He retired from there on January 12, 1979, after 37 ½ years of service.

In June 1957, Joe married Phyllis Jeannette Edwall at North Platte and they made their home in Sutherland. Following their retirements, Phyllis and Joe enjoyed traveling. They moved to North Platte in 2000.

Joe was a member of Sutherland Masonic Lodge #299 AF&AM where he was a Master Mason and Past Master. He also served as Past Worthy Patron of Eastern Star Platte Valley Lodge #305 and was Past President of the Sutherland Chamber of Commerce. Joe was also a member of the Otto V. Johnson Post #208 American Legion and a Life Partner of Telephone Pioneers of America. Phyllis and Joe were members of the First United Methodist Church in North Platte.

He is survived by his wife, Phyllis, of North Platte; many nieces, nephews, and other family; and his friends.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, William and Leela; five brothers, Walter, Leonard, Claude, Roy and David Lawyer; and four sisters, Jessie Swanson, Nellie Franken, Mabel Shepherd and Mae Wever.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Friday, October 10, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Inurnment with military honors and Masonic Rites will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the Goodfellows Shoe Fund, First United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice.

 

Charles Harvey Valentine, 71, (known to friends and family as Harvey) passed from this life September 13, 2014, at the Great Plains Health.
Harvey was born January 29, 1943 to Cecil Harvey and Wilma Allison Gessford Valentine in Ogallala, Nebraska, and grew up in Arthur, where he attended grade school, then graduated from Arthur County High School. He attended one year of college in Kearney, before being drafted into the army. Unfortunately, Harvey injured his ankle during a jump while training as a paratrooper. He was then sent to Washington, D.C. and felt honored to be stationed there at the time of President Kennedy’s funeral.
After returning from the service, he attended school at the Vocational Technical College, and then went to work as a carpenter for the Union Pacific Railroad. He was asked to teach building construction at the Voc-Tech and enjoyed his time there, and especially that spent with his students.
After leaving the Voc-Tech, Harvey took a job in maintenance at the hospital where he met x-ray tech, Irma Brey. They married September 11, 1981 at Heritage Square in Golden, Colorado. Their marriage gave Harvey the title, Step-father, to the then twelve year old Thomas Brey. This father/son relationship was a blessing and source of pride throughout the rest of Harvey’s life.
Another source of pride for Harvey was his time spent working maintenance for the Nebraska State Patrol. The retirement party they gave in his honor was an event he never forgot.
Harvey liked to play pool, shoot guns, and watch old westerns with his Colt 45 strapped to his hip. He was cowboy born in the wrong century. After his wife, Irma, passed away October 16, 2005, he became even closer to his step-son, Tom, who was by then married with a family of his own. Harvey delighted in his two grandsons and little granddaughter.
Survivors include his step-son, Thomas and wife, Lori Brey; grandsons, Tallon and Dalton Brey, and granddaughter, Brooke Brey all of Rapid City, South Dakota; sisters, Shirley and her husband, Doug Garner of Trenton, Nebraska; Leona, and her husband, Wayne Godfrey of North Platte, Nebraska, Marjorie and her husband, Gary White of Lincoln, Nebraska; brothers, Walter and wife, Linda Valentine of Omaha, Nebraska; Olin and wife, Denise Valentine of Denver, Colorado, sisters-in-law, Sheilah Valentine of Arthur, Nebraska, and Gertrude Samitz of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, many nieces and nephews, and special friends, Harriett Dillinger and Steve Brewer of North Platte, Nebraska.
Harvey was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, and his sister, Sharlene Valentine, and his brother, John Valentine.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Wayne Godfrey presiding. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell at a later date. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday through Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.