James L. “Spud” Johansen, age 65, passed away September 22nd, 2014 at Great Plains Health. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, August 29th, 2014. He was born March 12, 1949 in Grand Island, NE to Harvey and Ruth (Andersen) Johansen.
Spud grew up in Grand Island and graduated from Grand Island Senior in 1967. He hired out with the Union Pacific railroad as a brakeman in July of 1969. He moved to North Platte in 1972. He married Betty Jares on August 31, 1974. Spud was an avid golfer/sports fan and loved travelling to see his grandchildren. He also loved reading the paper and doing Sudoku. He was a member of the UTU, Eagles, and Moose lodge. Spud was also heavily involved with the Local Union #286 and was for many years a board of trustees and retired as president. After 43 years with the Union Pacific Railroad, he retired May 1st, 2013.
He is survived by his wife Betty of 40 years, two sons, Josh Johansen of Portland, Oregon, Jay (Amanda) Johansen of Savannah, GA, his mother Ruth of Grand Island, two brothers, Ron Johansen of Grand Island, Bob (Melody) of Denver, Colorado, one sister Jan(Steve) Stoltenberg of Omaha, and grandchildren Tyler, Maiya, Gabby, Owen and soon to be Evan James, sisters-in-law Mary (Norb)Mattke of Louisville, KY, Doris(Bill) Armagost of Lexington, NE and mother-in-law Millie Jares, Louisville, KY as well as numerous nieces and nephews, other family and many friends.
He is preceded in death by his father, Harvey, sister-in-law Pam Johansen and father-in-law Edward Jares.
A celebration of Spud’s life will be at 1:00 PM Thursday, September 25, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Per Spud’s request casual attire. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so Wednesday from 9 to 5. In Lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Vernon Austin McNeel, 84, of Lincoln, NE, formerly of Hershey, NE, passed away Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Bryan East in Lincoln.

Vernon was born November 7, 1929, to William Agustus and Ada Bigham McNeel at North Platte, NE and grew up north of Hershey on the Birdwood Creek. Vernon attended school at District 36 and later the Nebraska School of Agriculture at Curtis, NE.

In 1951 Vernon enlisted in the U.S. Army and served until 1954. Following his discharge he returned to Hershey where he helped his dad farm and helped build Highway 30 from Ogallala to near Hershey. Vernon later worked in a variety of jobs which included driving a grain truck, working for the oil rigs in Kimball, NE, hiring on with the Union Pacific Railroad with the Maintenance of Way for a short time and driving coast to coast for Crown Prince. He later worked for Consolidated Freight Way, retiring from there in October 1994.

Vernon married Peggy JoAnn Bolton on November 7, 1954, at Sutherland, NE where they made their home until moving to Lincoln in 1980.

Vernon was a 60 year member of Otto V. Johnson Post #208 American Legion and a member of the Teamsters Union.

Survivors include his wife, Peggy, of Lincoln; two daughters, Ada (Terry) Hopken, of Ogallala and Kay McNeel, of Scottsdale, AZ; four grandchildren, LeDonna Spongberg, Gena Roth, Michelle Hopken and JoAnna (Dr. Richard) Markiewicz; eight great-grandchildren, Blake, Gianna, Mikilos, Sienna, Savannah, Collin Jay, Alexander and Rowan Mae; his brother, Russell (Mildred) McNeel, of Yuma, AZ; a brother-in-law, Frank (Joan) Bonta, of North Platte; two nieces, four nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Ada.

Graveside memorial service with military honors will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with JA Welsh officiating. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Wounded Warrior Fund. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Lillian ‘Sandy’ Pratt, 72, of North Platte, NE, passed away Thursday, September 18, 2014, at Premier Estates in North Platte.

Sandy was born February 5, 1942, to Lester William and Lillian Veryle Thorne Jones at North Platte where she grew up. Sandy graduated from North Platte High School in 1960. She then went to work at St. Mary’s Hospital and Memorial Hospital until 1965 before working at Merrick’s Ranch House for a short time.

On June 12, 1960, Sandy married William Ernest Pratt in North Platte where they made their home. They enjoyed camping, she enjoyed doing ceramics and needlepoint. Sandy also loved softball! She coached girls softball, sold concessions at the games, helped line up the umpires and helped establish the softball fields where they are today.

Sandy was a member of Bethel Evangelical Free Church and TOPS. She was a life member of the PTA and a Girl Scouts leader. She enjoyed helping others by volunteering as a ‘Pink Lady’ at the hospital and assisting with Special Olympics.

Survivors include her husband, Ernie, and children, Tracy Morehead, Michael (Merideth) Pratt and Steve (Vikki) Pratt, all of North Platte; eight grandchildren, Joell Navarette Pratt, Dezrae and Brittany Herrick and Zack, Brianna, Brendan, Shane and Jordan Pratt; a great-granddaughter, Lexie Swanick; a sister, Teresa (Richard) Pratt, of North Platte; her three dogs, Thor, Lady and Zorro, and bird, ET; a niece, Stacy Mae (Bill) Burford; two great-nieces, Tessa and Hailey Burford; and other family.

Sandy was preceded in death by her son, William Ernest, Jr.; a son-in-law, Wayne Morehead; her parents, Lester and Lillian; a stepbrother, Charles Jones; and a nephew, Billy Pratt.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, September 23, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Inurnment will be at a later date in the Morning View Cemetery in Wallace, NE. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. The family has established a memorial.

William T. ‘Bill’ Ristov, age 76, of North Platte, NE, died at his home on Tuesday, September 9, 2014.

Bill was born March 10, 1938, to Tasho and Kita Yancheva Ristov in Gevgelija, Macedonia, Yugoslavia. In his teen years, Bill immigrated alone as a refuge from Macedonia to the United States, settling in Lexington, NE. Here Shibble and Virginia Maloley kindly invited him to live with them and their children, 10 year old George, 7 year old Mary Ann and Sara who was 2 years old, while they taught him to speak English. They were like family to Bill. Mary Ann recalls sitting in a large red chair with her child’s story book trying to teach Bill to speak English when she was seven. She would get upset because Bill did not catch on fast enough! Thus began a 60 year lifetime relationship between Bill and the Maloley family who loved him as their own. There were also many other Maloley families in the Lexington area that knew and loved Bill.

In 1959 Bill graduated from Lexington High School and it was in Lexington where he met his future wife, Carol. They married on April 15, 1965. Bill hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad on December 9, 1965, in the Signal Dept. The family moved to North Platte during the summer of 1966 where Bill transferred to the UPRR Car Dept. He retired from there on February 1, 2006, after 40 years of working many long, hard hours to support his family.

Bill was a very outgoing and friendly person. It seems he never knew a stranger. Other than football, his favorite hobby was fishing. One morning the family opened the NP Telegraph and were surprised to see a picture of Bill and his oldest son, William, fishing at the inlet at Lake Maloney.

When his only daughter, Natasha, was born in 1982, Bill began looking forward to walking her down the aisle at her wedding. His one wish came true on September 17, 2011, when Natasha married Dustin Crowe in North Platte.

In the past few years Bill had developed a love for studying the Bible. He attended the meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses where he participated in offering comments from the Bible and had been encouraging others to study the Bible as well. Bill was loved and will be missed by all his dear family and friends in North Platte and Lexington.

Survivors include his wife, Carol, of North Platte; his children, William, of St. Paul, NE, Terence, of Holdrege, NE, Anthony (Melea), of Broken Bow, NE and Natasha (Dustin) Crowe, of North Platte; and six grandchildren who he was very proud of, Arri, Anya, Carter, Makenna, Mason and Parker. He is also survived by his sister, Ratka Karkalasheva, of Skopje, Macedonia, and her daughters, Slobodonka and Gordonna and their families; as well as his many friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his son, Jerome, in 2014; his parents, Tasho and Kita; a sister, Nada Zajkova; his brother, Risto Ristov; and his beloved friends, Shibble and Virginia Maloley, who helped him get a start in this country.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 27, 2014, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at the Kingdom Hall. Memorials are suggested to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Devin W. Burch, age 29, of North Platte, died in an accident near Paxton. He was born on October 12, 1984 in North Platte to Thomas D. and Billie (Smith) Burch.

Devin graduated from McPherson County High School in 2003. Devin was also a member of the band Sinikil. He attended Southeast Community College in Milford where he studied auto mechanics. He returned to North Platte where he worked for Ellett’s for a short time before hiring out on the UPRR as a Carman. On March 8, 2012 he married Natasha Jarvis in Oahu, Hawaii. Devin was an avid gun collector, enjoying kayaking, and fishing. He was a very talented tattoo artist, owning his own shop The Muse, and later worked at Twisted Needle in North Platte. He enjoyed being with his family, especially his children.

Survivors include his wife, Natasha of North Platte; his children, Crue Jarvis, Ridyr Jarvis, and Olyvia Burch; parents, Tom and Billie Burch of Tryon; brothers, Matt (Hannah) Burch, and Chris (Chantel) Burch, all of Tryon; grandparents, LaVell Johnson of Tryon, Dean Burch of Houston, Missouri, and Cindy Johnson of North Platte; grandmother-in-law, Lynette Beckmann of North Platte; brother-in-laws, Cody (Jaymee Robertson) Jarvis of Lincoln, and Dustin (Tynell) Jarvis of North Platte; mother-in-law, Tammy (Mike) Hollibaugh of Goodland, KS; and many other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Don Beckmann, Hans Johnson, and Fred and Esther Smith; and father-in-law, Chris Jarvis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to his children’s education fund and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.

Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday September 27, 2014 at the Harbor Lights Gatherings (formerly Anchor Inn) at 711 North Lake Road, Lake Maloney, North Platte. Inurnment of the cremains will be at Miller Cemetery near Tryon. Those wanting to sign the register book may do so today through Friday from 9-5 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements

Adella “Dot” Rena Meredith, age 91 of Grand Island, went to rest in heaven on September 16, 2014.
Adella was born on March 14, 1923 in Winfred, SD, the daughter of Dewain and Grace (Demaray) Wood. She graduated in 1940 in North Platte, NE. She served in the Navy during WWII. In 1945 she married George Laser and had a son, Steven. She was widowed in 1946. She then married Ralph (Boyd) Meredith and had 2 sons, Tom and Skinner. They were the light of her life. All of her grandchildren were very special to her. She was a lifetime member of the VFW.
Adella is survived by her sons Steven (Mary) Laser of Broomfield, CO and Tom Meredith of North Platte, NE; many grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren; and her brothers Russell (Pat) Wood of Indianola, NE, Dick (Carolyn) Wood of Golden, CO, and Bill Wood of Milwaukee, WI.
Preceding Adella to heaven were her parents; her husband George Laser; her son Skinner Meredith; stepmother Mable Baker; and stepfather Roy Baker.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday September 22, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, NE with full military honors. Visitation will be from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday September 21, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Loren Wayne Carland, Sr., age 75 of North Platte, passed away at his home, surrounded by family, on Monday September 15, 2014.
Loren was born on October 2, 1938 in Gandy, NE to Walter and Lydia (Tappan) Carland. He grew up in the Gandy area and married Lucille Perkins on October 19, 1956. To this union 5 children were born, Charlene, Loren Jr., Lawrence, Peggy and Kristy. He loved fishing and being surrounded by his family and friends.
Loren is survived by his wife Lucille of North Platte; children Charlene Anderson, Lawrence (Lynda Schrader) Carland, Peggy (Bart Weber) Goodwin and Kristy (Joe) Hughes all of North Platte; siblings Clara Negley, Janet Razes and Marilyn Teall all of North Platte; numerous grandchildren including Jackie Hughes, Anakin Hughes, Mark O’Dean, Dannie Carland, Destiny (Ivan) Dominguez, Leova Fernandez, Miguel Fernandez, Felipe Carland, Steven Carland, Josh Carland, Allen Johnston, Spud Johnston, Tiffany Estrada; special nephews Frank (Sandy) Carland of North Platte and Troy (Karen) Carland of Canada; special family members Toby (Carolyn) Ziegler and Richard Bearch all of North Platte; and good friends Ike Fisher and Theresa Fouss both of North Platte.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Loren Jr.; grandson Rueben Fernandez Grabbing Bear; infant grandson Jesus; grandson Mijo Munoz; son-in-law Francis Grabbing Bear; daughter-in-law Jackie Carland; brothers Charles and Walter Carland; and sisters Esther Legas and Mary Clifton.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday September 19, 2014 at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Friday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Nancy Marie Foster, 62, of North Platte passed away September 13, 2014 at Bryan East Hospital in Lincoln. She was born March 27, 1952 in Fremont, NE to William and Doris Sorenson Orris. Nancy graduated from Norfolk High School with the class of 1970. She worked at the Wagon Wheel Restaurant. On December 19, 1971 she married Earl Walter “Bud” Foster. The couple lived in various places with Nancy working as a CNA. When living in Valentine, she continued her education in the nursing field receiving her LPN degree in 1988 and her RN degree in 1993. She was the Director of Nursing at various nursing homes in the area. Nancy loved to read, and play solitare on the computer. She loved her family very much, especially her grandchildren, who were her pride and joy.
Survivors include her significant other, David Delucantonio of North Platte; children, William (Angela) Foster of Callaway, Matthew (Tracy) Foster of Ord, Rebecca (Cody Shellabarger) Foster, Robert “Bobby” Foster, and Melissa (Shane) Nichols all of North Platte; siblings, Mary (Callihan) Gallaway of Wisner, NE, Don “Chuck” Orris of Norfolk, and Josh (Barb) Orris of Wyoming; 18 grandchildren’ 1 great-grandchild; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Bud: sister, Linda Rogers; brother, Willis Orris; and two infant children.
Memorials may be made in her name and mailed to P.O. Box 489, North Platte, Nebraska 69103-0489, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Private family services will be held at a later date. A memorial luncheon will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church. Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis Arlene Schultz, 81, of North Platte, formerly of Scottsbluff, NE, passed away Sunday, September 14, 2014, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Phyllis was born July 12, 1933, to Harley Franklin and Lillian Jane Ervine Selby at Hemingford, NE. She grew up in Scottsbluff, NE and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1951.

On October 7, 1951, Phyllis married Richard Dee Schultz in Mitchell, NE and they made their home in Scottsbluff where they raised their daughters, Lisa and Lynne. Phyllis was active in PTA, was a Blue Bird leader for many years and on the area Campfire Council Board. She was an original member of the Church of Christ in Scottsbluff and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Phyllis enjoyed her Wednesday Morning Coffee Group and belonged to several card groups.

In 2011 Phyllis and Richard moved to North Platte to be closer to their daughter, Lisa, and were members of the Church of Christ on Walker Road.

Survivors include her husband of nearly 63 years, Richard, of North Platte; two daughters, Lisa (Stuart) Simpson, of North Platte and Lynne (Alan) McCright, of Canyon, TX; five grandchildren, Joslynne (Jeff) Stauss, of Lincoln, NE, Alisa (Elijah) Anderson, of Abilene, TX, Keaton McCright, of Whitedeer, TX, Taitlyn McCright, of Canyon, TX and Jordynn Simpson, of North Platte; a great-grandson, Hudson Anderson; a brother and sister; three aunts; numerous nieces, nephews and other family.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Harley and Lillian Selby; and in-laws, Anna and Garland Schultz.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 2 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Maury Kramer and Dan Kafka of the Church of Christ. A private family inurnment will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Great Plains Hospice or the donor’s choice. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

Bob M. Miller, age 82, of North Platte, died September 13, 2014 at his home. He was born on September 20, 1931 in Huntley, NE to Walter and Bertha (Sprague) Miller.
Bob graduated from Huntley High School in 1949. On April 20, 1952, he married Arlene Grubbs in Grand Island. Bob then entered the U.S. Army, serving in Korea for 2 years. After his discharge he and Arlene moved to Grand Island where Bob started his career in the electrical wholesale business. His career took them to Scottsbluff, Alliance, and Sterling, CO, before retiring on October 1994. In 1995, the couple moved to North Platte to be centrally located between their children. Bob was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church, the American Legion, enjoyed hunting, fishing, and bowling in his early years, and golf in his retirement years. Bob will be remembered as an avid Husker fan also.
Survivors include his children, Douglas (Joyce) Miller of Charlotte, NC, Mark (Debe) Miller, Theresa (Kevin) Harris all of Alliance, NE; Matthew (Linda) Miller of Panama City Beach, FL; Monica (Mike) Higgins of Alliance, NE, and Pamela (Dale) Schoening of York, NE; 17 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; sisters, Wilma Kinniman of Seattle, WA, and Betty Dietz of Orleans, NE; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Arlene; an infant son, Thomas Alfred; and 2 grandsons, Jason Miller, and Shane Harris. A memorial has been established to the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Building Fund and online condolences can be made at adamsswanson.com.
Rosary will be recited 9:30 a.m. Wednesday September 17, 2014 at the Adams & Swanson Chapel. Memorial Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday September 17, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Chapel with the Rev. Mark Sieker officiating. Inurnment will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.