Manuela V. Cardenas, age 91 of North Platte, passed away Saturday August 9, 2014.
Manuela was born on December 17, 1922 in Sabinal, TX to Lucio and Gertrude Valdez.
She lived most of her life in North Platte. On January 3, 1938 she married Pedro L. Cardenas in Ogallala. She was a long-time member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, she was a huge Nebraska Husker fan and loved to crochet, garden and cook. Above all she loved her children, grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren.
Manuela is survived by her children, Frank Cardenas of North Platte, Tommy (Tawni Stewart) Cardenas of North Platte, Michael (Denise) Cardenas of North Platte, Jose Cardenas of Banning, CA, John (Lena) Cardenas of Pamona, CA, Paul (Millie) Cardenas of Cozad, NE, Antonio Cardenas of Little Rock, AK, Pete Junior (Lena) Cardenas of North Platte, NE, Virgina Lopez of Omaha, NE, Lucy Ackerman of Beatrice, NE, Ofelia Martinez of Lincoln, NE, Rosie (John) Rodriguez of North Platte, NE; and sister Ofelia Valdez of Phoenix, AZ.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Pedro; an infant son Jose and a daughter Mary; and granddaughter Catina.
Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Friday August 15, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday August 16, 2014 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend James Golka officiating. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Russell “Russ” Paul Eggers, age 79 of North Platte, passed away Saturday, August 9, 2014.
Russ was born on July 2, 1935 in North Platte, NE to Grover V. and Laura (Jewell) Eggers. He was a life-long resident of North Platte and married Shirley Paxton on August 22, 1972. He hired on to the UPRR at age 17 and retired as a brakeman after 44 years. He enjoyed many things such as square dancing, playing cards, whistling, old country music, his John Deere tractor, reading murder mysteries, SciFi, and working crossword and Sudoku puzzles. He was an avid fan of all North Platte sports, his favorites were Legion baseball, NPHS football and basketball, and MPCC basketball. He was a jack-of-all-trades and could be found out in his shop working on a variety of projects. As a kid he fixed many a neighborhood kid’s bike! He liked to go to the coffee shop for coffee and cake donuts. Throughout the years he supported his children and grandchildren in their sports, horse 4-H and school projects.
Russ is survived by his wife Shirley of North Platte; children Kenneth Eggers, Susanne (Nathan) Lukas, Kristen (Bo) Uhrmacher; grandchildren Amy Eggers, Cassidy Eggers-Lukas, Carter Lukas, Chloe Lukas, Cohen Lukas, Elliott Uhrmacher, Laura Uhrmacher; and sisters Gladys (Pete) Laune and Ruth (Bob) Radke; and numerous other family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents Laura and Grover; in-laws Victor and Hazel Paxton; stepson Steven; and siblings Harry, Roger, Lola, Betty, Edna and Ruby.
Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Baseball Field or the 4-H Program and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 14, 2014 at the North Platte Berean Church with Pastor John Stone officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Janel Marie Gamble Godfrey

Janel Marie Gamble Godfrey, 34, of Sutherland, NE, died as the result of a car accident on Friday, August 8, 2014, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.

Janel was born October 28, 1979, to Darrell ‘Bud’ and Julie Lenz Gamble in Alliance, NE. She grew up in Sutherland and graduated from Sutherland High School in 1998. Janel married Jason Melvin and two children, Alexis and Hunter, were born.

In 2003 Janel graduated from Joseph’s College of Beauty then worked as a self-employed hairstylist at Studio 54. On June 4, 2010, she married Bradley Allen ‘Brad’ Godfrey in North Platte and they made their home in Sutherland.

Janel was a volunteer for the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program and Relay for Life. She loved music, life and being outdoors. She found beauty in everything. Most of all, Janel loved her kids and her dog, Charlie. She also had a special place in her heart for her niece, Ashlynn.

Survivors include her husband, Brad, children, Hunter and Alexis Melvin, and parents, Julie and Bud Gamble, all of Sutherland; her sister, Kristen Gamble (fiancé, Jerrod Mai), of Harrisburg, NE; grandparents, Tom and Barb Kennedy, Anita Oliveros and Vern Lenz, all of Sutherland; grandparents-in-law, Marvin and Belva Godfrey, and their son, Bryan ‘The Duke’ Godfrey, all of North Platte; a niece, Taylynn, and nephew, Hayden; her sisters-in-law, Tabitha Aloi and Marie Godfrey, of North Platte; many aunts and uncles and other family.

Janel was preceded in death by her niece, Ashlynn Gamble; an aunt, Teresa Brooks; her uncle, Gordon ‘Butch’ Gamble, Jr.; grandpa, Gordon Gamble, Sr.; and great-grandparents, the Lenzes and Campbells.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, August 13, 2014, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating. Family inurnment will be in the Riverview Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Rape and Domestic Abuse Program (RDAP). The memorial book may be signed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore or online at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Danny “Gunny” Fairweather, age 62 of North Platte, passed away in Lincoln on Monday, August 4, 2014.
Danny was born on April 5, 1952 in Douglas, AZ to Jack and Carolyn (Griffin) Fairweather. He grew up and attended school in Cheyenne, WY. He joined the Marine Corps in 1973 and traveled the world. He retired from the Corp in 1992 as a Gunnery Sergeant. After the military he worked as a small engine mechanic in New Mexico. He moved to North Platte in 2008 to be near family. He was a member of the American Vets and enjoyed riding his motorcycle, woodworking, reading, barbequing and camping with friends. Danny will be remembered for having a big heart and his willingness to do anything for anybody.
Danny is survived by his partner Tina Cruz-Miller of Cheyenne, WY; children Rose Marie of Florida, Vanessa (A.J.) Blanton of Cheyenne, WY, Jason (Heidi Good) Fairweather of Chippewa Falls, WI, James Miller and Jeremy Miller both of Idaho; 10 grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; father Jack Fairweather of Montana; and sisters Tina “George” Fairweather of North Platte and Erin Crow of Montana; aunt Kathy Rutar of Laramie, WY; and special friend Terry Grooms of Cheyenne, WY.
He was preceded in death by his mother Carolyn Havens; brothers Dennis and Donald Fairweather; and aunt Connie Thorne.
Memorials are suggested 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. Tuesday August 12, 2014 at the Adams and Swanson Chapel with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m. and Monday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Grace Miller, Tryon Nebraska went to her rest in heaven on August 4, 2014.
Grace Evelyn (Lutes) Miller was born on August 20, 1920, the daughter of Joseph H. and Mary A. (Reynolds) Lutes. Grace was born in Lincoln NE at the home of her grandparents James A. and Catherine (Booher) Reynolds. Grace was the second born of seven children – five daughters and 2 sons.
The Lutes family resided in Logan County, Nebraska on the Lutes Ranch and later in Stapleton. Grace lived many unique childhood adventures with her father’s unusual endeavors. Grace related, she was her Dad’s helper in his honeybee-keeping enterprise, his mink farm, his trapping and his tree-growing endeavors, learning a love for the outdoors that persisted throughout her life.
Grace graduated from Baker Rural High School, Stapleton in 1938, where, like many young ladies, she took a class called “normal training” that prepared her to teach in a country school. She first taught for two terms (1938-1940) in Pleasant Hill Dist. #14 in southeastern McPherson County. Those first pupils and their families became lifelong friends. Grace also worked as a “soda jerk” at Sigman’s Drug Store in Stapleton, launching her love of ice cream!
Even though they had been raised in the “sandhills’ not too many miles apart it was at a “Hillbilly Dance” that a young cowboy in his new black hat and red bandana scarf caught Grace’s eye! That romance progressed steadily and Wayne Miller and Grace were married on Christmas Eve of 1939. Wayne worked for a farmer and cattle feeder in Perkins County, a rancher in Thomas County and the Baskins Diamond Bar Ranch in Logan County until 1944 when they moved to the ranch in northeast McPherson County that was homesteaded in 1914 by Wayne’s parents, Earl and Della (Harvey) Miller. They leased the ranch and bought his father’s livestock and machinery and after several years bought the ranch. Grace shared her husband’s boyhood dream and was a supportive “rancher’s wife” in every adventure. Grace always planted a big garden, did lots of baking and sewing and exhibited at the county fair in a big way. Wayne was often on the road to a weekend rodeo or even hosting a rodeo at the ranch with Grace as his “pardner”. Years later they proudly raised prize winning purebred Hereford cattle and owned and operated Miller Ranch Supply.
Wayne and Grace raised five children (first born 1940 and the baby in 1958). Those kids were raised on beans and buns, but were healthy and active in 4-H as well as helping with ranch work. Grace received the local “Good Neighbor Award” in 1954 after being nominated by her neighbors and friends. Throughout her life, Grace was a dedicated community volunteer in Hall Church (established in 1951) and was an avid supporter of Bethel Bible Camp, she served as 4-H Club and Cooperative Extension Leader, being recognized with the “Friend of McPherson County” 4-H award. She was a charter member of Sandhills Craftique FCE club. As leader of the local Tree Board, and honoring Arbor Day, many school children learned the value of planting a tree. Grace was always interested in being a steward of the land. Her grandchildren relate how she instilled in them a love of God and the nature he created. sharing her breadth of knowledge about gardening and the birds, bugs, trees, grass, weeds and wildflowers that covered her beloved Sandhills,. A self- taught student of the environment, she shared her enthusiasm and knowledge with anyone who expressed a desire to learn. Red Cross Blood Services benefited as she donated blood religiously during her life, along with volunteering at bloodmobiles whenever possible. Grace loved genealogy; she held an unbounded store of affection for her extended family and felt that it was her duty to keep the family bond strong. She loved the Lutes, Reynolds, Miller, and Harvey lineage.
Wayne and Grace celebrated 65 years of marriage before his death October 28, 2005. In 2010 Grace was honored with a 90th birthday party. She smiled continually for a month, it seemed, from the outpouring of affection and loving regard shared with her at the party and in her mail. Loved ones took the opportunity to tell her of her importance in their lives.
Above all else, Grace’s love and loyalty to God was a steadfast part of her life. She led by example, helping her children establish a foundation of faith. She modeled for her family an unwavering connection with her Savior. She was genuine in her walk with God, knowing that she was always cared for and that she could lean on Him. Seldom did she panic about life’s obstacles but instead believed that she should “worry less, pray more”.
Preceding Grace to heaven were husband Wayne, grandson Shawn Schraer, great –grandchildren Jessika Songster and Dante Chavez Rodriguez, her parents and siblings, Marilyn Lutes, Halcyon Miller, Joan Dobbins, Joseph Peter (Pete) Lutes, William F. Lutes, and Barbara Dappen.
Grace is survived by children: Velda (John) Schraer of Atchison, Kansas; Elwin (Margaret) Miller of North Platte; Penny (Dan) Nicholson of Oologah, Oklahoma; Doye (Vickie) Miller and Berva (Dan) Arensdorf, of Tryon. Grace and Wayne’s family was blessed with nineteen grandchildren, fifty great-grandchildren (three more expected soon) and twelve great-great grandchildren. Grace is also survived by sisters-in-law Donna (Lutes) Chapin, Lincoln; Delma (Harvey) Knapp, Ogallala; and brother-in-law Orval Miller, Tryon.
Grace leaves a legacy of love for God and his handiwork. A Bible passage that encourages all of us to tend to our inheritance is Proverbs 6:20-22.
My son, keep your father’s commandment, and forsake not your mother’s teaching. Bind them on your heart always; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will lead you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; and when you awake, they will talk with you.
Memorials are suggested to the Hall Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Memorial services for Grace will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday August 11, 2014 at Hall Church, north of Ringgold, NE with Pastor Jonathan Martino presiding. Committal service will follow at Miller Cemetery near Tryon, NE. Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, with family gathering from 3:00 until 5:00 on Sunday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Victoria (Hernandez) Farrell passed away August 2, 2014 at Greeley, Colorado at the age of 52.  Victoria was born August 11, 1961 at Cozad, Nebraska to Daniel and Virginia Hernandez.  She attended Cozad High School graduating in 1979.  She attended the NE College of Technical Agriculture and graduated with an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Veterinary Technology in 1984.  She used these skills for many years at the Cozad Veterinary Clinic. She was united in marriage to Michael Farrell and to this union Melissa was born in 1993.In 1997 she attended Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte, NE graduating in 1999 with an Associates Degree in Applied Science of Laboratory Technology.  She worked the next 15 years in Haxtun, CO loving her new career.  She touched many lives while doing her Medical Laboratory Technician role both at the Haxtun Hospital and nursing home.  We will miss her smile that could light up a room and her infectious laughter. She was preceded in death by her parents in 2012.Victoria is lovingly survived by her daughter, Melissa Farrell of Greeley, CO;  brothers, Juan (Tammie) of Gering and Daniel of Cozad;  sister,  Ramona (Steve Nantkes) of North Platte.  Several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and friends. A memorial has been established in her memory.  Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com and berrymanfuneralhome.com. Graveside memorial services will be held Saturday, August 9, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. at Cozad Cemetery with Father Don O’Brien officiating.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad.  Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Genevieve Rose ‘Babe’ Keslar, 92, of Franktown, CO, formerly of North Platte, NE, died Sunday, July 20, 2014, at the Brookside Inn in Castle Rock, CO.

Babe was born May 19, 1922, to Paul Jacob and Laura McFall Joosten at Grant, NE. The family spent a short time living in Grant and Hershey, NE before moving 18 miles north of North Platte where Babe grew up.

On June 6, 1948, Babe married Junior Rolland Keslar in the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte which is where they made their home. Babe was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and lived in North Platte until 2010 when she moved to Colorado to live with her niece, Kim Braun and husband, Jeff. Wherever she was, Babe was a Nebraska football fan.

Survivors include her nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and other family.

Babe was preceded in death by her husband, J.R.; her parents, Paul and Laura Joosten; a brother, Raymond Joosten; and a sister, Joyce Kay Adams.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday, August 8, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Deanna Kay (Gottula) Micklevitz, age 58 of Columbus, passed away Wednesday July 30, 2014.
Deanna was born on April 9, 1956 in North Platte, NE to Dean and Maxine (Pickle) Gottula. She graduated from North Platte High School. She worked at TRW in Ogallala, and later at Bockwell in Kearney. She married Dale Micklevitz February 11, 1983 and the couple moved to Albuquerque, NM where she worked at a wind turbine company, Vault Power.. They relocated to Columbus, NE in 1986. She loved playing practical jokes! She enjoyed fishing and gardening, camping and cooking, and playing sports, especially softball. She liked to shoot pool and enjoyed the Eagles State Tournament. She was a wonderful mother, wife, sister, and grandma, and made an impact on all those around her.
Deanna is survived by her children Christopher A. Micklevitz of Las Cruces, NM, Anthony D. (Cassandra) Micklevitz of Osmond, NE and Jennifer M. (Clinton) Bach of Columbus, NE; grandchildren Ivy Brady, Chase Micklevitz, Clayton Bach, Camden Bach, Benjamin Micklevitz, Julianna, Breanna, Caranna and Deanna Kumm; great grandchildren Lexis and Carter Brady; siblings Ronald D. Gottula of Thermopolis, WY, John E. (Misty) Gottula of Shepherd, MT, William A. “Billy” (Beverly) Gottula of North Platte, NE, Rhonda J. Gottula of North Platte, Valerie A. (Rolan) Brouillette of North Platte; and numerous other family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Dale; siblings Rodney Gottula, Sandra Trisdale, Marsha Caudillo; nephew Michael Brouillette; niece Kimberly (Gottula) Kreber; and great niece Skylar Caudillo.
Memorials are suggested in her name, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Wednesday August 6, 2014 at the Adams and Swanson Chapel with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at the Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. 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.

Walter Arthur (Art) Daly was born January 28th, 1940 to Walter G (Jack) and Clara M (Winters) Daly. He rode out to meet his maker on August 1, 2014 at what he called “long shadow time” in the afternoon.
Art went to grade school in rural McPherson Co. and graduated from McPherson Co. High School with the class of 1957. He attended college at Chadron State.
On June 5, 1959 Art married his high school sweetheart, Ilene Power, at Tryon, NE. They lived for 54 plus years on the ranch where he grew up. Art and Ilene were blessed with 3 children-LeAnn, LaRae, & Mike.
Art was a good steward of the land and livestock. In his strong faith he gave God the credit for the wonder and the beauty around him. He strived for preservation of our Western Heritage, Traditions, and Patriotism. He loved ranching and raising cattle and had a definite knack for putting a sound mind on a horse.
Leather tooling was one of his many gifts. He spent countless hours (some with daughters sitting on the back of his folding chair “watching”) making belts, purses, billfolds, tack, and 80 some saddles.
Art loved music and was a self- taught guitar player. He played with several dance bands through out high school and college. He eventually formed a group called “Art Daly and the Buckaroos”. This band played for many dances and helped make wonderful memories for many people. His talents spilled over into rodeo announcing-high school and amateur, as well as professional. He holds PRCA Gold Card #20255. He received many “Announcer of the Year” awards. He was honored to announce the PRCA Circuit Finals in 1993.
Art was a great role model for kids everywhere and always made time for them. He was the World’s Best Husband, Dad and Granddad (according to his family).
Survivors include his wife Ilene of Tryon; 3 children, LeAnn (Kevin) Reichenberg of Grant, LaRae (Kirt) Thompson of Brady, and Mike Daly of Sidney, IA; 7 grandchildren, Krista McClain of Grant, Bo (Holly) Reichenberg of Sutherland, Cain Reichenberg of Sutherland, Stacy (J.T.) Metcalf of Loveland, CO, Sidney Thompson of Lincoln, Sarah Daly of Sidney, IA, and Samuel Daly of Sidney, IA; 6 great grandchildren, Kayla Reichenberg, Taylor Hubl, Ben McClain, Wyatt Reichenberg, Wilber Reichenberg, and Ellie Joy Metcalf; 2 sisters, Lois (Ted) Correll of North Platte, and Linda Paxton of Stapleton; brother and sister in laws, Jim (Maureen) Power of North Platte, and Shirla (Jim) Croghan of Broken Bow; godchildren, Lynn Daly of Windsor, CO, Sheryl (Danny) Chaves of Galeton, CO, Kim (Steve) Graff of Windsor, CO, Lloyd (Dani) Harding of Bridgeport, NE, and Margo (Bruce) Ferguson of Scottsbluff, NE; and numerous other family members and friends.
Art is preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Clara; mother and father-in –law, John and Clara Power, and a brother–in–law, Ron Paxton, and a sister–in–law, Lynn Power.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 5, 2014 at the McPherson County High School with Pastor Ben Keene officiating. Burial will be at the Miller Cemetery near Tryon. Visitation will be prior to services at the school. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Vivian M. (Cooper) Hiatt, 76, of North Platte, passed away July 30, 2014 at Great Plains Health.
Vivian was born on March 20, 1938 to Ray and Bertha A. (Adams) Cooper in Sioux City, Iowa.  At the age of five, she moved to North Platte. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1956.  On June 10, 1955, Vivian married Irving P. Hiatt in North Platte. Vivian was active in her children’s life which included attending many athletic events, holding officer positions in the PTA, and volunteering at the school.  This involvement led her to receive the Friends to Educator’s award.  Vivian was a mother and wife and focused on this until her children were out of school, where she then got a job working at H & R Block from 1986 to 1995.  She then opened her own tax business, Viv’s Tax Service, assisting hundreds with their taxes until her passing. She was also the proprietor of Lots of Fun Ceramics, was on a bowling league and enjoyed playing bunco. Vivian will be missed by her husband of 59 years, Irving; children, Irving Fay (Renae) of North Platte; Vernon (Susan) of Hershey; Gilbert (Cathy); Laura (Lyle) Miller all of North Platte; Judy (Tim) Nowak of Ogallala; grandchildren, Anna Whitaker (Eric Smith); Irving W. (Kristen); Josh (Lindy); Sara (Travis) Noid; Jennifer; Jeremiah (Alexis); Michael (Brittany); Jordan (Tara Fletcher); Maegan; Matt (Megan) Miller; Adam Miller (Krystal Stremel); Melissa Miller (Cody Collins); Wynston and Cooper Nowak; great grandchildren; Angelina; Carter and Haylee; Zander; Brody, Mason and Scarlett; Lily, Ivy and Paisley; McKenna and Max; Ryleigh; brothers, Vernon and James both of North Platte; sisters, Gloria (Willie) Rogers of Erie, CO and Jean Goltry of North Platte; and other extended family,  Emma, Leonard, Ron (Rita), Dennis (Jackie), Cecilia, Carol, Marvin (Sandy) Hiatt, Virginia Mapes, Kathy (Allen) Zimbelman, and  Janet (Bo) Wilkinson. She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Lewis (Dorothy), Ardell and Raymond (Leora); and sister, Laura (Ralph) Blue; brothers and sister-in-law, Virgil, Darrel, Delbert, and Opal Hiatt. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her memory. Funeral services will be 10:00 a.m., Saturday, August 2, 2014 at the Parkview Community Church with the Rev. Jack Atteberry officiating.  Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, August 1, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements. There will be a Celebration of Life reception at the church immediately following the service.