Darin Deran Foran, 40, of Colorado, formerly of North Platte, NE, died Wednesday, October 1, 2014, at Grand Lake, CO.

Darin was born April 3, 1974, to Robert LeRoy and Carolyn Sue Rockwell Foran in Omaha, NE. The family lived in Arnold, NE where Darin was baptized at St. Agnes Catholic Church. They moved to North Platte when Darin was 4 years old. He attended Hall School, was confirmed at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and graduated from North Platte High School in 1992.

He continued his education at Mid-Plains Community College and worked for KX-104 and Cellular One. Darin later attended the University of Central Oklahoma, graduating from there in 2000 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He went on to work in funeral homes in Oklahoma City, Albuquerque, NM and in Colorado at Delta and Hot Sulphur Springs. Darin then managed gift shops for the Rocky Mountain Park Service and was currently managing a restaurant/store in Grand Lake, CO and was an inventory manager for Hallmark Cards.

When he was younger, Darin was a member of the Children of the American Revolution and helped with play productions, starting at the Neville Center and continuing throughout his life. He was a Fellowcraft Mason, had his pilot’s license and enjoyed working with computers.

Darin is survived by his parents, Robert and Carolyn Foran, a sister, Bobbi Sue (Rick) Gustason, and grandmother, ViEva Foran, all of North Platte; nieces and nephews, Hope, Chance and Blake Gustason; his aunts, Josey Bierma, of Fort Collins, CO and Vonna Jeane (Josef) Jackson, of Grand Island, NE; uncles, Charles (Wilda) Foran and Harvey (Barb) Foran, of Arnold, NE, Jim (Sharron) Foran, of Jefferson City, MO and Buford (Ilene) Rockwell, of North Platte; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Lyle Foran; grandparents, Orville and Lola Rockwell; and a cousin, Clint Foran.

A Rosary Service will be at 1:30 p.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, October 8, 2014, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Jim Golka as celebrant. Burial will follow in the Arnold Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Children’s Home. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

William Richard ‘Bill’ Thrash, Sr., 89, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, October 3, 2014, at Great Plains Health.

Bill was born March 27, 1925, to William Gobel and Effie Irene Hall Thrash at Proctor, MN where he grew up. In June 1942, following completion of the 11th grade, Bill went to California to work in the Mare Naval Shipyards. He moved to North Platte later that year to join his family who had recently moved.

Bill was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1943 and served until December 1945, earning a Bronze Star. Following his discharge, he returned to North Platte and went to work for Cohagen Freight Company, Nielsen-Petersen Freight Company then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad as a fireman-oiler and later a machinist.

On January 20, 1947, Bill married Delores Darlene Telitz in North Platte and they were married 54 years before her passing in 2001. They moved to Arizona in 1954 where Bill worked for Vyne Brothers Electric in Prescott and other towns. They returned to North Platte two years later and Bill went to work for Cement Products until 1970 when he and Delores moved back to Prescott where they owned a drive-in restaurant. In 1974 they returned to North Platte where they made their home and Bill went back to work with Cement Products in the office, retiring in 1992.

In 1998 the NPPS Board of Education along with Nebraska Governor Ben Nelson, awarded Bill his high school diploma through Operation Recognition. This program grants high school diplomas to honorably discharged veterans who left high school before graduation to serve our country during wartime.

On September 19, 2002, Bill married Doris L. Pittman in North Platte. He had been a member of Grace Community Bible Church and a member of the P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion and F.O. Eagles #2839. Bill enjoyed camping, fishing, golfing and traveling.

He is survived by his wife, Doris, of North Platte; sons, Bill, Jr. (Connie) Thrash, of North Platte and Robert Lee Thrash (special friend, Cherry), of Amarillo, TX; stepchildren, Steve (Donna) Bomark, of North Platte, Mark (Joni) Bomark and Margo Fresquez, all of Cheyenne, WY and Lynne (Larry) Jeffers, of Hayes Center, NE; four grandchildren, Darin Thrash (Michelle Thompson), Tracy (Darrin Werries), Denny (Trish) Thrash and Troy (Melissa) Thrash; ten great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; many step grandchildren and great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim (Dot) Thrash, of Spokane, WA; several nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife Delores, Bill was preceded in death by their son, James; his parents, William and Effie; and two sisters, Ruth Hazelton and Dorothy McDiffitt.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, October 8, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Mike Wing officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association.

Julie Ann Martin-Williams, age 51, of Maxwell passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at the home of her mother Norma Martin. She was born June 29, 1963 to Robert and Norma (Suits) Martin at North Platte.
In 1981, Julie graduated from Maxwell High School where she excelled in many sports and later attended Mid Plains Community College in North Platte (with a volleyball scholarship) and University of Nebraska at Kearney, studying in business education and receiving an Associates of Art Degree.
Julie began her 23 year career with the United States Postal Service in 1989 and was a city carrier in Cozad NE, before become Postmaster in Farnam NE until her retirement in 2012.
She was a member of the North Platte Cancer Survivor painting group. She loved raising and training horses, participating in many sports and horse events, and supporting and watching her boys in all aspects of their lives.
Julie is survived by her son Derek and Morgan (Kobs) Williams of Eustis, NE; Darin Williams of Lincoln, NE; her mother Norma Martin of Maxwell, NE; two brothers Mark Martin of Maxwell, NE; Dan and Kathy (Allen) Martin of Arlington, TX; four nephews , Ben, Colten, Mason, and Caden; two nieces, Lindsay and Jordan. She was preceded in death by her father Robert D Martin on March 18, 2010.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in her memory. Julie’s casket will not be open per her request. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday, October 5, 2014 at First Baptist Church in Maxwell. Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery south of Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.

Clarence Earl Fear, age 66 of Sutherland, passed away Monday September 29, 2014.
Clarence was born on May 9, 1948 in Sutherland, NE to Neal E. and Lola E. (Knoles) Fear. He completed K-5 south of Sutherland at the Plainview Country School. The family then moved to a farm north of Sutherland in 1960 where he finished his education at Sutherland Public school, graduating in 1966. After graduation, he worked for Kulhman Herefords, traveling with the cattle to livestock shows. This is where his love of Hereford cattle and exhibiting livestock began. In 1969 he began his farming and ranching career with his brother, Dean Fear north of Sutherland. On February 14, 1970 he married Virginia Lee VanVleet. They moved to the farm north of Sutherland and three children were born to this union. Clarence moved to Oregon in 1993 where he worked in agriculture until he moved back to Sutherland in 2001. He worked on the family farm north of town and enjoyed being closer to his family. He enjoyed farming and ranching and would spend many hours in the field. He was a strong supporter of 4-H and livestock judging and made sure his children and grandchildren were involved in those programs. He was very proud of his family’s accomplishments while showing livestock.
Clarence is survived by his children, Marlo (Martin) Roberts and Candace (Andy) Scott all of Sutherland and Marty Fear of St. Francis, KS; grandchildren, April Scott, Karlie Scott, Blake Scott, Morgan Simpson, Mason Roberts and Mataya Roberts; two brothers, Dean and Tim (Billie) of Sutherland; nephew Tyler and niece Bailee Fear of Sutherland, nephew Jason Speck, niece Johna (Matt) Jablonski and their children Taylor, Jordan, and Tristen all of Imperial.
He was preceded in death by his parents Neal and Lola Fear; and sister Eunice Speck.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday October 3, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Dale Fischer officiating. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday October 2, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Arleen Evelyn Gifford, age 91 of North Platte, passed away Friday, September 26, 2014.
Arleen was born on November 23, 1922 in Gothenburg, NE to Martin and Anna “Molly” (Friesenburg) Sommer. She grew up in that area and graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1939. She married John Gifford on February 8, 1948 and the couple moved to North Platte where they raised their family. She was a member of the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority in North Platte and belonged to the First Lutheran Church. She was an avid doll collector. She loved life, animals, and everybody she met. She focused her life on her family and especially enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Arleen is survived by her children, Karla (Steve) O’Rourke, Jay Gifford, and Brian (Kathy) Gifford all of North Platte; grandchildren Scott (Melissa) O’Rourke of Kearney, Stacey (Rob) King of Lee Summitt, MO, Kari (Ryan) Grigg of North Platte, Lisa (fiancé Austin Priest) Gifford of North Platte, Zach Lindstedt of North Platte, Tim Timmerman of Salina, KS, Derek (Samantha) Gifford of North Platte, Mike Kackmeister of Grand Island, David Kackmeister of Omaha, Adam Kackmeister of North Platte and Eric Kackmeister of North Platte; 16 great grandchildren; sister Alverda Cook of Gothenburg; nieces Sharon Hewgley of North Platte, Sandy Werner of Gothenburg, and Debbie Clark of Gothenburg; as well as numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband John in 2010; and infant sister LaVonne Sommer.
Memorials are suggested to the St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday October 1, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Frank Fitch officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday and Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Merle LaVerne Durner, age 87 of Wellfleet, passed away Thursday September 25, 2014.

Merle was born on April 5, 1927 on the homeplace near Wellfleet to John and Dorothy (Garner) Durner.  He was the oldest of three children; his twin sisters Jean and Joan were born in 1929.  Merle lived all of his life on the homeplace.  He attended the Bell Prairie School, riding his horse to and from school.   He attended high school in Curtis at the Ag School before going to work for the Orville Kuhlman family for several years.  He traveled by train as far as Mississippi showing champion livestock.  On July 27, 1952 he was united in marriage to Evelyn Kinney at the Lutheran Church in Wellfleet, and to this union two children were born, Roger and Nancy.  They raised their family on the homeplace.  Merle was an active supporter of 4-H, serving as a leader for 50 years.  He was a co-founder of the Medicine Valley Trail Riders 4-H Club.  In the summer time on weekends, you could find him announcing 4-H horseshows.  He was president of the Wellfleet Community Club for 6 years.  He called many square dances and enjoyed auctioneering and going to auctions.  During the 1988 NebraskaLand Days Celebration he was awarded the Trail Boss Award.  After working for Kuhlman’s, he ranched with his father at Wellfleet where he enjoyed raising Longhorns.  Together they used horses to help construct Highway 83.  While working on the family ranch, he also worked construction for Simon’s Construction and Western Engineering.

Merle is survived by his wife Evelyn of Wellfleet; children Roger (Dee) Durner of Wellfleet, and Nancy (Ron) Richardson of North Platte; grandchildren Amy (Jerry )Faulk of Rushville, Jason (Suzanne) Richardson of North Platte, Leslie (Mark) Brown of Merriman, Brooke (Cody) Lee of Grant, Austin (Myriah) Durner of Cozad, and Casey (Shawnee) Durner of Woodlake, NE, Tessa Contreras of Crook, CO, and Tye (Hannah) Bain of Spring Valley, TX; great grandchildren Brock, Blake, and Blair Henry,  Daytona Ham, Montana, Monte LaVerne, and Milee Durner, Rowan Lee and Saige Durner; Joel and Jace Contreras, Hadlie and Oaklee Bain; sisters Ramona Jean Elson of Curtis and Verona Joan West of North Platte; sisters-in-law Mary Lou Smolik of Salt Lake City, Roberta Coleman of Imperial and Isabell Kinney of North Platte, Kenneth and Beverly Kinney of Waco, NE; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws Bill and Hattie Kinney; and brothers-in-law Warren Kinney, Glen Coleman, Jack Smolik, George Elson, and Jake West.

Memorials are suggested to the Lincoln County 4-H Horse Program, Wellfleet Community Club or the Wellfleet/Maywood Fire and Rescue Units.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday September 29, 2014 at the Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Greg Boller and Reverend Frank Fitch officiating.  Burial will follow at the Wellfleet Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Anne “Tee Tee” Marie Andrews, age 68 of North Platte, passed away Thursday September 25, 2014.

Tee Tee was born on November 12, 1945 in Chicago, IL to James W. and Louise D. (Kosmicki) Race.  She and her family moved to California when she was young.  After high school she attended Business College and worked as a manager of several switch board offices.  She met Arnold Andrews while living in California and the couple married on October 30, 1995.  After Arnold retired in 2002 from working security at Los Angeles harbor, the couple moved to North Platte to be near family.  She enjoyed her children, grandchildren and watching old TV. sitcoms.  She had a sparkling personality and will be missed by all.

Tee Tee is survived by her husband Arnold of North Platte; daughters Lynda (Benny) Stokes of New Mexico, Sara (Kody) Murphy of North Platte, Tammy (Carl) Claflan of Idaho; sons James (Michele) Strickland Jr. of North Platte and Bradley Little of Michigan; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren; brother William (Marty) Race of North Platte; as well as nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and grandmother Busha Kosmicki.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and there will be a memorial service at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Monday and Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Harold Wallace Kay February 12, 1927–September 23, 2014. Born in McCook, Nebraska. Graduate of McCook High School. Married Patricia Lou Larson on June 21, 1947, at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Lincoln, Nebraska. They celebrated 61 years of marriage. Educated at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. (B.S., 1949, J.D. 1952). Served in the United States Navy during World War II. Eagle Scout, Troop 147, McCook.

Admitted to the Nebraska bar in 1952. Practiced law in Omaha (1952-1953) and North Platte for 53 years (1954-2007). Moved to North Platte in 1954 to practice with the Maupin & Dent law firm. In 1981 he and his son established Kay & Kay, Attorneys at Law. His trial work was in Nebraska county and district courts as well as in federal court. He argued cases in the Nebraska Court of Appeals, the Nebraska Supreme Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. His practice included representation of Nebraska school districts, insurance companies, Union Pacific Railroad Company, and many other corporations and individuals. Notable landmark cases include Nebraska Press Association vs. Stuart and Cleo R. Herrera, Special Administrator of the Estate of Jo Ann Yellowbird, Deceased, vs. Clifford Valentine, et al.

Inducted as a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers (1979); President (1999-2001), Lifetime board member, and Fellow of the Nebraska State Bar Foundation; President, Defense Counsel of Nebraska (1970); President, North Platte Chamber of Commerce (1968); President, North Platte Board of Education (1961); and President, Lincoln County Bar Association (1956).

Was active in the establishment of North Platte Junior College, Mid-Plains Vocational Technical School, and Nebraskaland Days. Trustee of the University of Nebraska Foundation. Seventy year member of the American Legion. Served as Judge Advocate for the American Legion, Department of Nebraska, and P.R. Halligan Post 163. Member of Voiture 1068 of Forty and Eight. Served as Senior Warden, Junior Warden, and member of the Vestry at Episcopal Church of Our Savior. Also served as Church Advocate for the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska. Member of Executive Board, Tri-Trails Council, Boy Scouts of America. Honorary Life Member-PTA.

Survived by son, Stephen (Jean) of North Platte, and daughters, Susan Jasnoch (Roger) of Kearney, and Sara Kay Walbridge (James) of Lincoln; grandchildren: Melissa Miller (Patrick) of Oceanside, California, Stephen Kay II of North Platte, Robert Kay of Los Angeles, California, Scott Jasnoch of Kearney, and Matthew Wallace Ludwig of Lincoln; great grandchild Eleanor Miller; and grand dogs, Bailey and Booker. Additional survivors are sister, Carolyn Roberts of Highland Park, Illinois; brother-in-law John Larson (Sharol) of Midlothian, Virginia; sister-in-law, Naomi Larson of Phoenix, Arizona; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceded in death by wife, Patricia Lou; parents, Elmer and Audrey (Wallace); sister, Shirley A. Williams; infant son, Kevin Robert; and special family dog, Silky. The family wishes to thank the staff and his friends at The Landing in Lincoln for making his last four years of life so enjoyable. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., on Tuesday, September 30, 2014, at Episcopal Church of Our Savior in North Platte with the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey S. F. Nelson officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Burial with military honors will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery south of Maxwell at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 30, 2014. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday and from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, with the family receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to Episcopal Church of Our Savior, the Nebraska State Bar Foundation, and The Landing Scholarship Program. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.

My beloved husband Randall “Randy” Dean Perry – father, son, brother, friend, child of God – has left his body, and his spirit has journeyed on to dwell with his heavenly Father. Randy was at the University Medical Center in Omaha when he left us late Monday evening, September 22, 2014, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
He was born August 3, 1949 in Beatrice, NE to Robert and Doris (Carver) Perry. He grew up in Central and Eastern Nebraska, graduating from Hasting High School on May 28, 1968, and from Community College in 1970. He moved to North Platte where he met Debra Dickenson and they were married on July 16, 1972. Randy and Debbie had two children, Brandon and Sallie.
Randy was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad in 1977, where he worked until his retirement on April 1, 2013. He loved being with his family, camping, fishing and deer hunting. He attended Harvest Christian Fellowship Church where he was an active member. He was also a member of the North Platte Woodcarver’s Club and created beautiful works of art and furniture. Each year he participated in the carving show and Rail Fest.
Randy is survived by his wife Debbie; two children Brandon and Sallie, both of North Platte; four grandsons Aryan Perry and Kain, Trysten and Skyler Keiths; his mother Doris Perry of Mitchell, NE; three sisters Cindy Perry of Siliguri, India, Pam (Rod) Ward of Mitchell, NE and Judy (David) Bailey of Tulsa, OK; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Robert Perry; and his niece Gloria (Peck) Ward.
A memorial has been established, designation to be established at a later date by his family, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday September 27, 2014 at Harvest Christian Fellowship Church with Pastor Jeremy Rinke officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Friday September 26, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.