Marguerite Adams Westfahl, 94, passed away Feb. 6, 2014 at North Platte Care Center. Marguerite Dorothy Adams Westfahl was born to George W and Dorothea (Pederson) Adams on June 14, 1919 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. At East High School in Green Bay, she received many state, regional, and national honors for instrumental music. Marguerite then attended Central State Teachers College, now known as the University of Wisconsin, Steven’s Point, where she became a member of honorary music fraternity Alpha Kappa Rho. She met Ervin Westfahl while at Steven’s Point. They were married July 21, 1939 at Grace Lutheran Church in Green Bay, Wisconsin. They lived in several cities until moving to Ogallala in 1960 and then to McCook in 1966. Through the years she directed several bands and choral groups including the Town & Country Singer choral group in Arlington Heights, Ill, the community band in Ogallala, NE & the community choir and orchestra in McCook, NE. For 25 years she was a Girl Scout leader and trainer. She was active in the Lutheran church as choir director, and as district president of American Lutheran Church Women. For seven years she was on the Board of Regents of Dana College in Blair, NE. as well as the Board of Trustees of Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE. Marguerite and Ervin enjoyed traveling and spent their retirement years visiting other countries until settling in North Platte. Marguerite was preceded in death by her husband, Ervin, sister Majel Donnelly, and brother Jonathan Adams. She is survived by brother, George Adams of Waupaca, Wisc; four children, Barbara (Larry) Oltmanns, Scott (Connie) Westfahl, Steven (Sue) Westfahl, Kristi Westfahl: 13 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Memorial services will be held 10:30 AM on Friday, Feb 14th at Messiah Lutheran Church in North Platte. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Clarence N. Latimer of North Platte passed away at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte with his family by his side on February 7, 2014, shortly before his 94th birthday. He was born February 24, 1920, in Maywood, Nebraska, to Fred and Pearl (Loghry) Latimer. Clarence grew up and graduated from Maywood High School. He started farming on the family farm and helped his Mom take care of his Dad. He served in the U.S. Marines from 1944-1946, being near China much of the time. In 1952 he married Evelyn Cihlar. To this union was born a son Harlan. From 1956 – 1971 he raised cattle and did custom trucking in the North Platte area. In 1971, he and Evelyn moved to Verdigree and operated a dairy farm. Later he moved back to the North Platte area. In 1992, Clarence married Devona Fletcher, and they made their home at Devona’s ranch at Moorefield. In 1995 they moved to their home in North Platte. He always enjoyed working, playing cards, dancing, visiting with people, and was known for his witty responses. Survivors include his wife Devona Fletcher Latimer, son Harlan and Diane Latimer, Yankton, SD, and granddaughter Nichole Latimer of New York. Also included are sisters Elizabeth Lawler of Paxton, and Doris Peters of North Platte, and special cousin Connie Dye and family. He was preceded in death by his parents, his first wife, Evelyn, sisters Leona Reilly and Dorthy Cox, brothers-in-law Jack Reilly, Don Lawler, Ernie Cox , Pete Peters and great granddaughter Karinne Larshus. Survivors from his second family include Janis (Rod) Martens of Curtis; Vickie (Eldon) Johnson of Minden; and Larry (Beth) Fletcher of Kearney. Grandchildren include Krista Medo, Potsdam, NY; Valerie (Tom) Johnson of Monument,KS; Kara (Curt) Larshus of Oakley, KS; Jessica (Jesse) Saner of Sutherland, NE; Wade Johnson of Dwight, NE; Craig (Kim) Johnson of Gothenburg, NE; Megan (Justin) Crow, Lincoln, NE; Leslie (Brent) Safranek of Merna, NE; Lindsay (Jason) Hallam of Omaha, NE; and 23 great grandchildren. Memorials are suggest to Maranatha Bible Camp. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2014 at the Berean Church. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Sunday with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

John Thomas Brown, 54, of Sutherland, NE, died Friday, February 7, 2014, at his home with his family by his side. Without complaining, John fought a courageous battle against his illness.

John was born March 27, 1959, to Thomas Wayne and Ruth Lorraine Carlson Brown at Sutherland and was baptized and confirmed at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey, NE. He grew up on the family farm northwest of Hershey and developed an interest in agriculture at a young age. He began playing with toy tractors and machinery in the sandpile then progressed to driving the JD 730 tractor around the yard before he was tall enough to sit on the seat.

John attended Hershey Public School and graduated in 1977. Following graduation he farmed with his dad and brother then went into a partnership with his brothers in 1981, farming their parents’ land in the Hershey valley and south of Sutherland.

On February 16, 1985, John married Tamera “Tammy” Lynn White in North Platte and to this union, Chelsea, Erin and Jordan, were born. They made their home in Sutherland in the house that originally belonged to John’s grandmother, Mary Brown.

John was an outstanding farmer who was especially good in the handling and operation of machinery. He was also a great teacher of agriculture to his son, Jordan, showing him how to farm so he can carry on the legacy. John’s life centered around his wife, kids, farm and his dogs. He was a great husband, dad, son, brother and friend. He loved his family and his dogs and enjoyed country cruises and taking family vacations every year. John had a witty sense of humor and was a religious man; he thanked God when it would rain, nurturing the crops.

John leaves behind his loving wife, Tammy, of Sutherland; daughters, Chelsea Marie Brown, of Sutherland and Erin Christine Brown, of Lincoln, NE; a son, Jordan Thomas Brown, of Sutherland; his parents, Thomas and Ruth Brown, of Hershey; two brothers, Eric (Jackie) Brown and Scot (Susie) Brown, all of Hershey; a sister, Amy (Steven) Fleecs, of Sutherland; his mother- and father-in-law, Darrel and Margaret White, of Sutherland; sister-in-law, Chris (Bruce) Schmitz, of Sutherland; three brothers-in-law, Mark White and Mitch (Tami) White, of Sutherland and Tony (Amanda) White, of Sarben, NE; his dog, Emma; and many nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Marion and Mary Brown and John and Hilda Carlson; and older infant brother, David Douglas Brown.

Memorial service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 12, 2014, at Maria Lutheran Church in Hershey with Pastor Frank Fitch officiating. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Cremation will follow the viewing. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or Community Connections. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

LaMar R. Nesiba, age 78 of North Platte passed away, February 5, 2014 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. He was born August 31, 1935 at Farwell, Ne to Louis J. and Hilda (Rasmussen) Nesiba. Lem graduated from St. Paul High School in 1953 and later married Jo Ann Riggs on April 21, 1957. He served as a construction engineer for the State of Nebraska Department of Roads in St. Paul, Alliance, and transferring to North Platte in 1958. He retired September 12, 1987. Lem loved fishing, hunting, and play pool. He was a member of the Eagle’s Club in North Platte. Survivors include his wife, Jo Ann Nesiba of North Platte; two sons, Ronald L. Nesiba of Lincoln and Marvin L. (Peg Smith) Nesiba of North Platte; two brothers, DeWayne Nesiba of Nebraska City and Lyle (Renee) Nesiba of Chapman; seven grandchildren, Melissa, Amber, Kayla, Garrett, Adam, Elizabeth and Tyler; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother Irvin and an infant sister. Memorials are suggested to The North Platte Children’s Museum. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 10:00 AM, Tuesday, February 11, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at the North Platte Cemetery. A memorial has been established in his memory. Visitation will be Monday from 1:00 to 8:00 PM, Monday February 10, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel which is in charge of arrangements.

Dan S. Daily, age 71 of Anselmo, formerly of North Platte, passed away February 2, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Cozad. He was born December 4, 1942 at Sargent, NE to Steve and Irene (Cooley) Daily. Dan attended elementary schools in Milburn and Anselmo before graduating from Merna High School in 1961. He served faithfully in the United States Marine Corp during Vietnam. He was united in marriage to Connie Reynolds to which two children were born, Brad and Julie. They moved to California where he was a welder at Tiegel Manufacturing for ten years. He moved to North Platte and worked as a machinist for the UPRR until his retirement in 2001 due to illness. He married Sandy Jones in 2007 and made their home on their farm near Anselmo. Dan was a member of the Anselmo Methodist Church, lifetime member of VFW, and past member of American Legion and Elk Lodge. He loved the outdoors and his tractors. He was a true patriot. He is survived by his wife, Sandy of Anselmo; and her daughter, Jennifer Jones of Washington DC; his son, Brad Daily of Omaha; his daughter, Julie (Rob) Whitson of Cozad; their children, Lexi, Butchie and Noah; his brother, Walt (Kathy) Daily of Bullhead City, AZ, their children, Beth and Randall; his brother, Charles (Peg) Daily of Vacaville, CA, their children, Sher and Shane, and his brother, Joe (Lucretia) Daily of North Platte, their children, Julian, Chris and Jeff; and over 150 numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Jerry Daily. Memorials are suggested to Parkinson’s Research or the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Services will be held Friday, February 7, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. at Harvest Christian Fellowship in North Platte. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery, with military honors graveside. Visitation will be Thursday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte with family receiving friends from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.

Imogene “Imy” M. (Miller) Bailey, 86, of North Platte, passed away Jan. 29, 2014 at Brookestone Meadows Rehabilitation and Care Center in Elkhorn, NE after a brief illness. She was born May 20, 1927 to Herman and Frieda (Christensen) Miller in Elba, NE. The family later moved to Gothenburg, NE, where she graduated from high school in 1945. On May 29, 1949, she was united in marriage to Robert D. Bailey at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington, NE. She was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Faith, and a long-time member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. She had the gift of hospitality and was active in the Women’s Guild and Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. Imy worked in the loan department of Mutual Building and Loan and Commercial Federal. She was dedicated and meticulous in everything she did. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Imy is survived by her husband, Robert of 64 years, of North Platte; a son, Dr. Steven (Diane) Bailey of Omaha; two granddaughters, Dr. Jennifer (Todd) Lundberg and Dr. Jocelyn Bailey; a brother, Jerry (Rosemary) Miller; a sister, Maxine (Dale) Cain; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Douglas Bailey; three sisters, Betty Lou Clark, Eldene Pollatt and Fern Lemaster. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association, American Cancer Society or The Lutheran Hour. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorial services will be 10:30 am Wednesday, February 5, 2014 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Platte. Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Those wishing to sign a memorial book may do so from 9:00 am to 5 pm Tuesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Tony Serrano, age 76, of North Platte passed away February 1, 2014 at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln, NE. Tony was born May 7, 1937 in New Braunfels, Texas to Gregorio and Leonarda DeLaCruz Serrano. As a young child Tony’s family moved to Roscoe, Sutherland and then to North Platte. He worked at Central Pack and the McCook Packing Plant. Tony married Marie Murray.
Survivors include siblings, Phyllis Serrano, Joe “Manuel” (Norma Davis) Serrano and John (Mary Jane) Serrano all of North Platte; special friend, Sara Oberg of North Platte; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Preceding him in death were his parents; wife, Marie; and siblings, Josephine Serrano, Joe Serrano, Vincent Serrano, Willie Layos, Antonia Cochran, Nicky Arellano, Maria Serrano and George Serrano.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, February 7, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Dean Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Peckham Cemetery near Gothenburg. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Phyllis I. Dodson Mayfield, 76, of North Platte, NE, passed away at her home on Monday, February 3, 2014, after a short battle with cancer.

Phyllis was born February 9, 1937, to Harold Alvin and Dorothea Mae Loghry Dodson at Maywood, NE where she grew up. She attended grade school in Rural School District #73 in southern Lincoln County. Phyllis graduated from high school at the University of Nebraska School of Agriculture in Curtis, NE in 1954 then attended the Grand Island Business College in Grand Island, NE. Phyllis moved to North Platte in the spring of 1955 and worked in the office of Sixth Street Food Store for several years.

On March 24, 1956, Phyllis married Robert “Bud” Mayfield in North Platte. They made their home in North Platte except for two years in Lexington, NE where Bud opened and managed the Sidles Auto Store and Phyllis worked in the office of the new Sixth Street Food Store. They returned to North Platte in 1960 and built their home at 3021 South Oak where they lived, raised their family and retired. Bud and Phyllis bought the Mr. Automotive Parts Store in 1978 and operated it for over 20 years before selling it; Phyllis continued to work there part-time as bookkeeper (loving every minute of it) and always looked forward to going to work.

Phyllis was baptized in the Lexington Methodist Church in 1959 then transferred to the First United Methodist Church in North Platte in 1960 and received her 50 year membership pin from there in November 2009. When their children were younger, Phyllis was an active member of the Osgood Mother’s Club, Homemakers Extension Club and was a 4-H Leader. She was also a member of the Benevolent Patriotic Order of Does since 1993, a five year Musician Officer and was nominated by the Elks as Elk Doe of the Year.

Phyllis loved music, clogging, dancing, camping and working. She loved being outdoors tending to her flowers and garden and canning foods. Phyllis especially loved being with her family and friends. She loved early mornings and living life to its fullest. Phyllis had a lot of love in her heart and hugs were most important to her–the grandkids, nieces and nephews always knew there was a hug coming when together.

Phyllis leaves behind her loving husband of 57 years, Bud, of North Platte; her daughter, Jody (Jeff) Ford, of Elkhorn, NE; two sons Rick (Yvonne) Mayfield, of Bassett, NE and Rusty (Bridget) Mayfield, of North Platte; four grandchildren, McKenzie Jo and Bill McCarter and Megan and Mark Mayfield; a great-granddaughter, Charleigh Rose McCarter; her sister, Eileen (Vernon “Sonny”) Shirley, of North Platte; a brother, Duane (Beverly) Dodson, of Maywood; sister-in-law, Mick Hoffmann, of North Platte; numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved very much; and other family and her friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Dorothea Dodson; her mother-in-law, Dorothy Vencill; her brother-in-law, Larry Hoffmann; a daughter, Joni Marie; and a son, Randy Lee.

Funeral service will be 9:30 a.m. Thursday, February 6, 2014, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will follow in the Maywood Cemetery. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Maywood Cemetery, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Callahan Cancer Center, First United Methodist Church or the donor’s choice. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Helen Louise Carlson, age 93, of North Platte, passed away on January 31, 2014 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE. She was a devoted mother, loving grandmother, and dedicated teacher. Helen was born on November 10, 1920 in Fremont, NE. to parents Anna Christine (Kronberg) and Vern Alvin Hanthorne. Her family moved many times and finely settled in Omaha, NE. After graduating from high school in Kennard, NE, Helen attended Dana College in Blair, NE for one year and began teaching at country schools in Washington County in 1942. She later enrolled at the University of Nebraska in Omaha and eventually graduated from Dana College with a bachelor’s degree in education. Several years later she graduated with a master’s degree in counseling and guidance from University of Nebraska at Kearney, NE. Altogether Helen taught in country schools and in North Platte for 38 years, twenty-five of those being in North Platte Public Schools, third grade.
She was active in many organizations in North Platte. Helen volunteered for the American Red Cross, Buffalo Bill Museum, and visited nursing homes with her church group. She was a member of First Lutheran Church for 49 years. She was a lifetime PTA member, and passed presidents of Retired Teachers, AAUW, and LCW. She was a talented artist and enjoyed membership in Platter Painters where she won numerous art awards and held a one-man art show at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. One of her paintings was chosen to hang in the Governor’s mansion for a month.
In 1949, Helen was united in marriage to Stanley Fred Carlson. To this union one child was born, Carolyn.
She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn (Stu) Simmons of Brady, NE; three grandchildren, Tiffany (Billy) Anderson of Gilbert, AZ, Samantha (Anjan) Simmons-Pahadi of ST. Charles, IL, and Wendy (Scott) Bartels of Gothenburg, NE; nine great grandchildren; one great- great grandchild; two sisters, Barbara Voss, Washington, MO and Gladys Martin of Honolulu, HI, plus numerous nieces and
nephews.
Helen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband; two sisters in-law; and a brother, Lloyd Hanthorne, age three; two sisters, Hazel Poirrier and Maxine Camden.
A memorial has been established at the North Platte Public Schools Foundation to be used for scholarship monies for future elementary teachers. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

There will be a celebration of Helen’s life 10:00 a.m. Friday, February 7, 2014 at the United Methodist in Gothenburg, NE with the Rev. Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Register book signing will be Thursday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Rose Marie (Janousek) Faimon, age 88 of North Platte passed away Thursday January 30, 2014.
Rose was born in rural Atwood, KS to Joseph and Rosie (Kacirek, Vrbas) Janousek. She grew up on a farm in rural Kansas. She graduated from Notre Dame High School in Omaha, NE in 1944 and attended nurse’s training, working in the hospital in Stratton and North Platte as a nurse’s aide. Rose married Rudy Faimon at St. John’s Nepomucene Church, near Atwood, KS on August 12, 1946. They moved to Lincoln, NE for a short time before moving back to the farm she loved near Stratton. They were blessed with four children. They moved to North Platte in 1971. Together they enjoyed socializing with their many friends and relatives.
Rose loved dancing, playing cards, cooking and caring for her family. She was involved at her church and served as President of the Altar Society, taught religion classes to youth, participated in Bible sharing, and was a member of the Daughters of Isabella. She was a member of the German Dance Club, Winter Dance Club, and the Does.
She was a woman of boundless energy, with a strong work ethic who loved children and could make play out of work. She had a vivid imagination and was a colorful story teller. Rose was a humble woman with a tender servant’s heart ready to serve wherever needed. She was persevering, strong and a good friend to many. Her deep faith was the foundation of her life. Guided by her faith, she offered compassionate kindness with a great sense of humor. Her legacy of faith and love live on in her family.
Rose is survived by her sister Beatrice Kanak of Atwood, KS; her sisters-in-law Viola Janousek of Atwood, KS, Rosie Pianalto and Sr. Agatha Faimon both of Hutchinson, KS; brother-in-law Raymond Stehno of Stratton, NE; her four children Jim (Mary) Faimon of Stratton, NE, Rita (Don) Otis of Omaha, NE, Leonard (Mona) Faimon of Colorado Springs, CO, Donna (Jeff) Fromm of St. Joseph, MN; 15 grandchildren; 31 great grandchildren with one on the way; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; Rudy her husband of 61 years; siblings Victor (Margie) Vrbas, Bernard (Evelyn) Vrbas, Vaci (Martha) Vrbas, Blaise (Alice) Vrbas, Adeline Stehno, Sylvia (Joseph “Red”) Kletchka and Jerome Janousek; in-laws Rich and Mona Faimon, Charlie Pianalto and Joe Kanak; two grandchildren David and Julia Fromm; and nephew Joe Pianalto.
The family thanks Dr. Schwartzkopf and Lyndann Sokolowski, PA, and Centennial Park Retirement Village who provided ongoing compassionate care. Special thanks to Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Memorials may be sent to the North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Christian Wake Services will be 4:00 p.m. Sunday February 2, 2014 at Adams and Swanson Funeral home with Deacon Jeff Fromm presiding. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Monday February 3, 2014 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with Reverend Neal Hock as Celebrant. Interment will be 11:30 a.m. Tuesday February 4, 2014 at St. John’s Nepomucene Cemetery near Atwood, KS with Reverend Nick Parker and Deacon Jeff Fromm presiding. Visitation will be Saturday noon to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon until 3:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.