Philip W. Morris, age 77 of North Platte, passed away the evening of June 1, 2014 at home with family present. He was born March 24, 1937 in North Platte to Floyd K. and Ruth M. (Parrish) Morris. He attended schools in North Platte and graduated from NPHS with the class of 1955. That same year he married Joelene A. Michaels and to this union three children were born, Renae, Shellie and Michael.
In 1960 he moved his family to Denver, CO. It was in Colorado he pursued a career in aviation, becoming an accomplished aircraft mechanic. In 1974 they returned to North Platte where he hired on to the Union Pacific Railroad. In 2002 he retired as a conductor, like his father before him.
In life, Philip stayed active and engaged, he used his natural abilities to the fullest and no project or pursuit went unfinished. Where he directed his energies, there went his full attention. He won numerous awards at triathlon competitions, he loved water sports, and he shot pool as long as he was able. At home, his house remodeling projects were done to perfection and in gardening he was meticulous. What he asked for in return was a smile and a positive attitude. His only regret was that he didn’t take the time to travel more.
Philip is survived by his three children, daughters Renae R. (Michael) Wilson, of Branson, MO and Shellie A. Morris of Cedar Rapids, IA and his son Michael R. (Kelly) Morris of Colorado; ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; sister Peggy R. (Aubrey) Jones of Ft. Worth, TX; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Joelene; and brother Russell.
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 10:00 a.m. Saturday June 7, 2014 graveside at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

L. Robert ‘Bud’ Mayfield, 85, of North Platte, NE, passed away June 3, 2014, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Bud was born July 5, 1928, in Lincoln County, NE to Leslie Jasper and Dorothy Chamberlin Orton Mayfield. He attended several Lincoln County grade schools and graduated from North Platte Senior High in 1947.

On March 24, 1956, Bud married Phyllis Dodson at the First United Methodist Church in North Platte and they were together for nearly 58 years when Phyllis passed away in February. When he was in his early 20’s, Bud began working for Sidles Auto Store in North Platte and Lexington. In 1978 they purchased the store and operated it as Mr. Automotive for 20 years. Bud enjoyed his customers and selling parts so much that even after selling Mr. Automotive, he continued to work there until 2012 when he decided it was time to retire.

Bud was actively involved in a number of organizations. He was involved with public education, serving on the Osgood School Board and advisory council at North Platte Senior High. He was an officer and lifetime member of Elks Lodge #985 and was named Elk of the Year in 2002. He was also a member of the First United Methodist Church and had received his 50-year membership pin in November 2009.

Woodworking was one of Bud’s hobbies in life and he shared his talents by teaching woodworking for 15 years as a 4-H leader. He organized the North Platte High School Gun Club with the students qualifying for state level. Bud’s passion in life was playing his saxophone for dances. He played with a number of local musicians and bands including Hadley Barrett and the Westerners, the Riverside Dance Band and for the past several years with the Golden Classics. In 2012, Bud was recognized for his contributions to country music by being inducted into the Nebraska Country Music Hall of Fame.

Bud loved to camp, fish, garden and be with his family and friends. He was known to always have a story or joke to tell, and was accused once of laying awake at night thinking up the stories or jokes.

He is survived by his three children, Rick (Yvonne) Mayfield, of Bassett, NE, Jody (Jeff) Ford, of Elkhorn, NE and Rusty (Bridget) Mayfield, of North Platte; his grandchildren, McKenzie and Bill McCarter and Megan Mayfield, all of Omaha and Mark Mayfield, of North Platte; a great-granddaughter, Charleigh Rose McCarter, of Omaha; his sister, Marjorie ‘Mick’ Hoffmann, of North Platte; sister-in-law, Eileen (Vernon “Sonny”) Shirley, of North Platte; a brother-in-law, Duane (Beverly) Dodson, of Maywood; his very special nieces and nephews and a host of wonderful friends and other relatives.

Bud was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis; their children, Randy Lee and Joni Marie Mayfield; his parents, Dorothy Vencill and Leslie Mayfield; a brother-in-law, Larry Hoffmann; and his parents-in-law, Harold and Dorothea Dodson.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 6, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Alison Frazier officiating. Interment will follow in the Maywood Cemetery. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

The family requests that donations be made in lieu of flowers and plants to the Maywood Cemetery, First United Methodist Church or the North Platte Public Schools Foundation. The family would like to keep his legacy of making beautiful music alive by contributing to the high school band and church music programs. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

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Gretchen Luise Witt, 53, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, May 30, 2014, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Gretchen was born June 2, 1960, to Randall Jaye and Helen Gertrude Lehmann Witt in Omaha, NE. She grew up in North Platte and graduated from E.S.U. 16 in 1983. Gretchen then went to work at the North Platte Opportunity Center in the General Store and Copy Shop. She also worked at First National Bank as a Junior Clerk.

Gretchen was a member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church where she helped with communion, ushering, Sunday School and Bible School. She loved music, books and playing Scrabble and Canasta. Gretchen enjoyed collecting Star Trek memorabilia, articles about Abraham Lincoln, autographs and angels.

She is survived by her mother, Helen Witt, of North Platte; her sister, Christa (Terry) Speed, of Grand Island, NE; a niece, Anna Speed, of Omaha, NE; her aunts, Ruth Lehmann and Linda Lehmann, both of North Platte; cousins, Jennifer (Mike) Swain, of North Platte, Larry Pederson, of Granby, CT and Leno Pederson, of Louisville, KY; and other family and her many friends.

Gretchen was preceded in death by her father, Randall Witt; uncle, Carl Lehmann; aunt, Sue Juker; and her grandparents.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2014, at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Frank Fitch III officiating. Inurnment will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. A memorial has been established for the General Store at the North Platte Opportunity Center. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Leonard Jarzynka, age 83 formerly of North Platte, passed away Thursday May 29, 2014 in Grand Island.
Charles was born on March 25, 1931 in Hazard, NE to Anton “Tony” and Antonia (Badura) Jarzynka. He grew up the in the area and attended school at Hazard. He married Florence Behrens on July 16, 1951 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Grand Island. He was drafted into service in 1952 and served during the Korean War. He was stationed in Austria with the US Forces 70th Engineers Medical Detachment. He was employed for 30 years at Fairmont Foods and transferred to North Platte in November 1959. He also was a truck driver for Gillette Dairy for 13 years. Charlie belonged to the American Legion, VFW and Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed snag fishing and casinos.
Charles is survived by 1 brother Emmett (Dorothy) Jarzynka of Cairo, NE; 2 sisters-in-law; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his wife Florence; 5 sisters, and 4 brothers.
Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday June 2, 2014 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend Richard Piontkowski officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Harold Dean Parish, 85, of Lemoyne, NE, died Thursday, May 29, 2014, at the Ogallala Community Hospital in Ogallala, NE.

Harold was born May 10, 1929, to Jesse Ray and Ada Roberta Bryant Parish in Atlanta, NE. The family moved to Woodruff, KS, living there during the Depression, then moved to North Platte in 1940 when Harold was in the sixth grade. He and his much loved twin, Garold, graduated from North Platte High School in 1947. They were both called “Brother” by all their friends as none could tell them apart.

On June 14, 1951, Harold married Earlene Janet Flint and they were blessed with two daughters, Roberta Jane and Rebecca Lynn. Harold served in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956; this included a year in Korea.

Harold later graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and taught advanced math at Chase County High School. The family eventually moved to Lakewood, CO where Harold first worked for the Geological Survey then began a long career as a chemist for the Food and Drug Administration. He retired from there in 1981. Following his retirement, along with the help of a lot of family, he finished their lake home at Lake McConaughy. Harold loved living at the lake and was an avid fisherman until his COPD began to limit his breathing.

Harold is survived by his wife of nearly 63 years, Earlene, of Lemoyne; a daughter, Bobby Parish (Tammy Sanders), of Brighton, CO; his twin brother, Garold (Katheryn) Parish, of North Platte; two sisters, Mildred Erickson, of Tucson, AZ and Dorothy Bruno, of Rifle, CO; grandchildren, Renae Fales, of Gering, NE, Kathy Major, of Windsor, CO, Jesse Major (Shara Baars), of Brighton, CO; and his great-grandchildren, Lexi and Aiden, of Brighton, CO.

He will also be missed by his many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law, Judy Bricker, Jean Dowhower and Lindy Pettit; and his brothers-in-law, Frank (Mary) Flint, of Arcanum, OH and Adrian ‘Kris’ Kryzcki (Frances Johnson), of North Platte.

Harold was preceded in death by his daughter, Rebecca Szakacs; and his parents, Jesse and Ada Parish.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be 11 a.m. (CT) Tuesday, June 3, 2014, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with Pastor Dunwoody officiating. The memorial book may be signed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore or online at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Lemoyne Senior Center. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Roland Ray Kirts, age 79, of Sutherland passed away May 28, 2014 at the Sutherland Care Center. Roland was born September 12, 1934 in Bronson, Nebraska to Leonard and Alta (Shindle) Kirts.

He graduated from Sutherland High School and attended and graduated Milford Technical College. Roland entered the United States Army serving in Germany. He was a self employed carpenter for many years and enjoyed hunting, fishing and shooting.

Survivors include sister, Pat Johnson of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Patricia Kirts of Burton, TX; numerous nieces and nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Sandy Kirts, and Alta Bench; brother, Lyle Kirts; and a nephew, Devere Bench.

Memorials may be made to the Nebraska Game and Parks Department and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 2, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Vicar JA Welsh officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside. Visitation will be noon until 6:00 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Howard W. “Mike” George, age 74, of North Platte passed away May 27, 2014 at his home. He was born January 24, 1940 in Pittsburgh, PA to Howard W. and Sarah G. Ryan George Sr. Howard joined the military in January 1957 and was discharged in January 1965. He went to Alaska from January 1965 until October 1980 and worked as a bush pilot and guide. In September 1967 he joined the FFA retiring in 1990. Howard moved to North Platte in October 1980 where he worked for the FFA.
He was a member of the Eagles, Moose and VFW. Howard loved playing with his metal detector, hunting treasures and enjoyed playing video games.
Survivors include grandchildren, Joseph C. Gihon of Denver, CO and Kelly A. Missing of North Platte; great-grandson, Joseph T. Gihon of Kearney; and special companion, Barbara Harrop of North Platte.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Leontine Thiebert George.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.asdamsswanson.com.
Graveside services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2014 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside with Pastor Gary Smith officiating. Visitation will be 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Todd Eugene Scott, 48 of North Platte, passed away May 25th, 2014 at his home after a courageous three year battle with cancer. He was born Sept. 18, 1965 to Virgil and Linda (Aloi) Scott in North Platte. He graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1984. Todd was united in marriage to Dana Greeley on May 22nd, 1987. Todd owned and operated T & D Liquors in North Platte from 1993 to 2007. After selling his business, Todd completed and received his home inspection certification, and then went on to earn an Associates Degree in Science for electrical , and for heating/ air-conditioning and ventilation from Mid Plains Community College. After graduating from Mid Plains Todd worked for the college until hired at Great Plains Regional Medical Center where he worked until his recent illness. Todd was an avid hunter and fisherman. Todd’s favorite times were camping, fishing and spending time with friends and family. Todd was a loving son, brother, husband, father grandfather and friend. Todd had a silly sense of humor and a contagious smile; he truly had a heart and will larger than life. Todd is survived by his wife Dana; his son Corey Scott; his daughter Cortney Scott (Greg Matthews) Grandson Grayden Eugene Matthews; and daughter Summer Scott; his father Virgil Scott; mother Linda Scott(Aloi); brother-in law Shane (Shelly) Greeley; all of North Platte; father and mother-in-law David and Norma Greeley (Shepherd) of Hershey; brothers Travis (Kim) Scott of Lee Summit, MO and T.J. Scott (Kimberly Morris) of Omaha; nieces and nephews Tysen, Matt, Aubrey, Ashley, Brittany, Jessica, Kaitlyn, and Dalton; and many other relatives. He is preceded in death by his grandparents Don and Eleanor (Turner) Speck, Everett and Alice (Cochran) Blevins and Vilis George Scott. Online Condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established at Nebraskaland National Bank in the name of the Todd Eugene Scott Memorial. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 30, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Robin Storer officiating. Burial will be at Plainview Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

G. Thurman Foote, 91 of Maywood, NE passed away peacefully on April 26, 2014 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
He was born November 30, 1922 in Farnam, NE to Grover T. and Eleanor A. Austin Foote Sr. He and his brother George attended rural elementary schools in the Farnam area, and high school in Gothenburg, graduating from Farnam High School.
From 1930’s to 1940’s he farmed with his father south of Moorefield. It was at this time that he met the love of his life, Delma Ruth Walker. They were united in marriage July 26, 1947 and moved to a farm in northeast Hayes County. There they raised two daughters, Peggy and Sue. Upon retirement from farming in 1986 they bought a home in Maywood and resided there until his passing.
He kept active by working in his yard, finding odd jobs and driving around town to visit with neighbors or lend a hand when needed.
He has left to celebrate his life, his daughter Alyce S. (Jack) Callaway of Ainsworth; grandson, Travis Callaway; son-in-law, Dennis Rosenblad; many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Thurman was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 64 years, Delma Ruth; his eldest daughter, Peggy; and a brother.
Memorials may be made to the Callahan Cancer Center and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 31, 2014 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Curtis, NE with the Reverend Derrick Brown officiating. Inurnment will be at the Maywood Cemetery. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 29, 2014 and Friday, May 30, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte which is in charge of arrangements.