Carol J. Olson, age 72, of North Platte, passed away on Sunday December 22, 2013 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
Carol was born on October 11, 1941 in Sutherland to Elfert and Myrtle (Wing) Meyer. She worked at several places, mostly as a waitress and bar server. On June 24, 1969 she married Neal Olson in Omaha. The couple lived in California where she worked in real estate. Neal passed away in 1988 and Carol returned to North Platte to be with her family. She enjoyed bowling, NASCAR, rodeos, Husker and San Diego Charger football, crossword puzzles and especially watching Jeopardy.
Survivors include five sisters, Phyllis Arlynn (Phil) Webster, Lela (Pete) Pyzer, Lorna McCarter, Linda Cooper, and Sherry (Wes) Martin all of North Platte; one brother, Richard Meyer of Alliance; and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; step-father Bufard Gates; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Walt Woodward; three brothers, Freddy Meyer, Donnie Meyer and an infant brother Lynn Meyer.
A memorial has been established to the Goodfellow Shoe Fund and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen and a Memorial Graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with the Reverend Ron Lauber officiating. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m. and on Monday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. John B. Campbell (Jack), age 80, of North Platte, passed away December 29, 2013 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. He was born March 30, 1933 in Fairmont, NE to John Bernard and Cecelia White Campbell and raised on a small tenant farming operation near Wallace, Nebraska. At 12 years old Jack was enrolled at Saint Patrick’s Academy in Sidney, Nebraska where he enjoyed participating in sports and received varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and track. Jack enjoyed being educated by the devoted sisters and priests. After high school graduation, Jack joined the Union Pacific Railroad in Wyoming at age 17 and was the youngest brakeman in the U.P. System. Jack greatly enjoyed his railroad years, his many Wyoming adventures, and lifelong friends he made. Drafted for military service during the Korean War, Jack was fortunate to be assigned to a transport division, touring much of Europe, and qualifying as a military expert marksman. He also gained many more lifelong friends. Upon returning stateside and resuming his work with Union Pacific, he met his future bride Jane Bernadette Hughes of Battle Creek, Nebraska who was working as a grade school teacher in Rawlins, Wyoming. They were married June 12, 1956 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Battle Creek, Nebraska. Together they had four children, John, Mike, Jeannie, and Cathy.
Jack completed his undergraduate, as well as master’s degree at the University of Wyoming. The family then transferred to Manhattan, Kansas where Jack took a graduate fellowship at Kansas State University to pursue his Doctoral studies in entomology. Jack did his PhD work in the Kansas Flint hills studying rangeland grasshopper lifecycle and control for pasture improvement. After earning his PhD, Jack began his career in Lincoln, Nebraska with the US Department of Agriculture in a research laboratory. When a research and extension position opened in 1969 at the University of Nebraska North Platte Experiment station Jack and family moved to North Platte. He spent many years with the University of Nebraska and truly loved his work, his colleagues, and the farmers and ranchers he served throughout the State.
Jack accumulated many professional honors and awards over the years including the Distinguished Service to Agriculture award presented in Washington DC by Secretary of Agriculture John Block. He was also inducted into the University of Nebraska Agricultural Hall of Fame. Highlights of Jack’s professional career include his research and pioneering of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) pest control systems for feedlot and range cattle. Jack demonstrated the impact of stable fly populations on cattle performance and the spread of pink eye infections by face fly.
Jack’s research led to invitations to present papers and conduct seminars around the world. He greatly enjoyed his professional trips to Africa, South America, and Europe spreading the knowledge gained over 5 decades of work. Jack retired from full time work but was invited to stay on in a part time capacity until he was 72.Jack was named Professor Emeritus, and joked about many of his graduate students retiring before he did.
Jack was devoted to North Platte Saint Patrick’s High School. He served on the school board for many years including the Chairmanship. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Knights of Columbus. All his children graduated from St Pats. One highlight was being asked to deliver the 1984 commencement address. Even after his own children were long gone, Jack rarely missed a home St Pat’s sporting event and enjoyed greeting everyone at the gates for ticket sales.
Jack was a sports enthusiast and enjoyed following the Huskers, Wildcats, Cowboys, and Royals. He also enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and hunting.
Jack was a road warrior for his family. He was constantly on the road for trips to Kansas City, Omaha, and San Diego to visit his children, grandchildren for special events and holidays. He also enjoyed heritage trips with Jane to Ireland and Scotland, trips to the Netherland to visit their beloved exchange student Analees Mulder, and a trip to New Zealand for son John’s wedding. Closer to home, Jack and Jane loved the company of his brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws in the Hughes family and the companionship of his brother Jerry.
Besides family, Jack built true community with his neighbors. Each place he lived, lifelong friends resulted, giving him enjoyment beyond words.
His spiritual life was centered on Holy Spirit Catholic Church and its many activities.
Jack’s favorite quote was, “grieve not for me for I have seen the wonders the Lord has wrought”.
He was preceded in death by father and mother, John and Cecilia Campbell.
Survivors include; wife Jane of North Platte; brother Gerald of North Platte; sons, John (Robyn Tait) of New Zealand and Mike (Debbie) of Kansas City; daughters, Jeannie (Tim Kluempers) of Kansas City and Cathy (Dean) Miyake of California; twelve grandchildren, Kaitlin, Jacob, and Cecelia Campbell, Annie Freeman (Seth), Molly, Rosie, and Mary Grace Campbell, Janie, Catherine, Brock and Lacianna Kluempers and Raina Miyake; and two great-grandchildren Jackson and Luke Freeman.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to Holy Spirit Catholic Church, Women’s Resource Center, and NP Catholic School Endowment Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend James Novakowski as celebrant. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Angel Rito Mora, 79, of North Platte, NE, passed on to be with the Lord Thursday, December 26, 2013, in Omaha, NE, with all of his children by his side.

Angel was born October 2, 1934, to Emil and Mary Oliveraz Mora in Iliff, CO. His family relocated to Nebraska where he grew up near North Platte. He started working from a very young age at North Platte Packing, APCO and Shrake’s Body Shop. While at Shrake’s he earned a degree in Auto Body Repair.

Angel was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1958 where he was a certified sharpshooter, and was honorably discharged in 1962. He returned to North Platte and hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1973 and retired from there in September 1999.

On May 31, 1974, Angel married the love of his life, Norma Irene Boyer, in North Platte where they lived and raised their family. His life revolved around his family. They were the most important part of his life, and he prided himself on his children and grandchildren. His face would light up when he spoke and bragged about them. He was the most selfless, gentle, caring and admirable man to his children and any others he had taken in.

His other passion in life was his cars. Angel was a “wheeler and dealer” of cars. He loved buying, selling, fixing up, hot rodding and burning tires. Angel also had a great sense of humor. He was an absolute delight to be around; always joking, smiling and laughing. He had a nickname for everyone. Angel was loved, admired and respected by many. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Angel is survived by his immediate family which includes Angela Mora, Amberli (Shawn) Melton, Ashli (Joshua) Lipinski and Kriztopher (Amanda) Mora; his grandchildren, Brena and Caleb; three sisters, Mary (Ray) James, Thelma (Lavern) Ehlers and Margaret Mora, all of North Platte; several close friends including Leo Bowen, of Sidney, NE; and several nieces, nephews, other family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents, Emil and Mary Mora; and six brothers, Dean, Frank, Joe, Lawrence, Martin and Simon Mora.

Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday and a Christian Wake Service will be 7 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Mass of Christian Burial will be 2 p.m. Friday, January 3, 2014, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. The family has established a memorial. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Charles H. Wright, age 88, formerly of North Platte and Maxwell, passed away December 21, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Estacada, Or. He was born February 14, 1925 in Lenora, Kansas to William and Mabel (Woodard) Wright. He grew up in North Platte and joined the Army in 1943. He served in China, Berma, and India before his honorable discharge in 1946. He married Margaret Nelson on January 14, 1946 in Oberlin, Kansas. After the service he worked briefly at Cement Products and then learned the auto body business at Shrake’s Body Shop. In 1974, he and his wife became owners of Wright’s Body Shop in Maxwell. He and Margaret worked there until they retired. He was a member of the First Christian Church for 56 years. He was a member of the American Legion, VFW, Eagles and the Moose.
Family was the center of his life and he leaves to honor and celebrate his life, his daughter, Sandra Schuler of Estacada, Oregon; his son, Jack (Cheryll) of Conway, Arkansas; eight grandchildren, Cyndi, Mike, Amy, Tracy, Tami, Troy, Tim and Todd; 19 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; his brothers-in-law, Harry Nelson, Richard (Marilyn) Nelson, Tom (Margie) Nelson; a sister-in-law, Joan (Don) Ditson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
His beloved wife, Margaret; sister, Evelyn Ehlers; son-in-law, Gordon Schuler; grandson, Terry; and sister-in-law, Viola Nelson preceded him in death.
He was much loved and will be greatly missed.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 6, 2014 at the First Christian Church in North Platte. Burial with honors will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Lucile M. Drennen, 93, of North Platte, passed away Dec. 27, 2013 at Linden Ct. She was born March 18, 1920 to Henry and Adeline (Grigsby) Hawthorne at Trumbull, NE. On May 22, 1947, she was united in marriage to Arthur F. Drennen at Benkelman, NE. She was employed at Buffalo Bill Ranch. Lucile is survived by her son, Fred Drennen of North Platte; and two sisters, Joyce Felker of Washington and Dixie Watson of California. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Art in 1991; and two sisters, Sylvia Cousland and Agnes Sweeney. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 2, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements. Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at a later date.

Jack Budler, age 85, of North Platte passed away December 28, 2013 at home with family by his side. Jack was born December 23, 1928 in Hampton Nebraska to Bernard and Marguerite Budler and he graduated from Hampton High School in 1946. Jack entered the United States Army in 1950 serving overseas for 3 years. After his honorable discharge, Jack enrolled at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where he graduated from the College of Engineering and Architecture in 1959. While in college, Jack met the love of his life Mary Ann Bartekand they were married August 11, 1956. Jack and Mary Ann were blessed with four children: Gene, Michelle, Tom and Clete. Jack worked for the University of Nebraska until 1972 when he seized an opportunity to establish his own architecture business in North Platte which he owned and operated for over 30 years. Upon retirement, Jack enjoyed fishing and became very involved with the North Platte Woodcarvers. During retirement Jack and Mary Ann enjoyed visiting their children and grandchildren in Iowa, Kentucky, Florida, Idaho, Nebraska and Puerto Rico.
Jack is survived by his wife of 57 years, Mary Ann, daughter Michelle (Joe) Slaton of Nortonville, Kentucky; three sons, Gene (Leesa) Budler of Boca Raton, Florida, Tom (Cindy) Budler of Norwalk, Iowa and Clete (Brenda) Budler of Chadron, Nebraska; seven grandchildren; Jonathan and Javier Slaton; Josh and Alexis Budler; Stefani, Shelby and Tyson Budler; 2 great grandchildren, Mikayla and JakSlaton; 6 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents and daughter-in–law Susie (Tom).
Memorials may be made to North Platte Woodcarvers and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Catholic rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Adams Swanson Funeral Home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 3, 2014 at North Platte Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church with Father Neal Hock celebrant, with luncheon to follow. Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.
Interment will take place 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 4, 2014 at Lincoln Memorial Park in Lincoln, Nebraska with military honors, Father Mike Morin officiating.

Tori Ann Koubek, age 35 of North Platte, passed away unexpectedly at her home on December 24, 2013.
Tori was born on May 6, 1978 in North Platte, NE to Keith and Kari (Smith) Nichelson. She graduated from North Platte High School in 1996 then attended college at Mid Plains and McCook Community College where she studied to be a paramedic and firefighter. Tori served as a Volunteer Firefighter on the North Platte Department until 2005. She met Shanon Koubek in July of 1995 and they were married on February 26, 2000 in Arnold. The couple made their home in North Platte where they were blessed with four wonderful children, Grace, Natalie, Lliam and Olivia. Tori continued serving her community operating a home day care for many years. In 2001 Tori and Shanon began caring for foster children and helped many kids over the years. In 2008 they moved to the country where Tori was able to indulge her love of animals. She was an avid hunter and fisherwoman, loved anything outdoors and was fearless around animals. Tori was extremely self-sufficient and could do her own plumbing and car maintenance; she even made her own soaps out of the milk from her goats. She enjoyed growing things: animals, plants, bees, kids … anything that would grow. Tori was an excellent, wonderful and loving wife, mother, daughter, grand-daughter, sibling, aunt and friend. Tori loved her children more than anything else.
Tori is survived by her husband Shanon; 4 children Grace, Natalie, Lliam, and Olivia all of North Platte; her parents Keith and Kari Nichelson of North Platte; brother Nathan (fiancé Tammy Wilkenson) Nichelson and sister Staci (Samuel Wederski) Nichelson both of North Platte; grandparents Neal and Peggy Smith and Robert Nichelson of North Platte; and numerous other family members including brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother Ida Nichelson; and parents-in-law John and Mary Jane Koubek.
A memorial has been established in her name at First National Bank and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday December 31, 2013 at Bethel Evangelical Free Church with Reverend Dan Reimer officiating. Visitation will be Sunday noon to 6:00 and Monday 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Donald “Don” L. Keller, 60, of North Platte, passed away December 24, 2013 at his home. He was born June 18, 1953 to Albert Fordener and Jean Keller at Bismarck, N.D. He was raised and adopted by his grandparents, Leo and Fern Keller and graduated from North High School in Wichita, KS. Don resided in Wichita, KS, Hutchinson, KS, Longmont, CO and then North Platte, NE. He was employed as a parts manager at Remus Chevrolet in North Platte. On July 14, 2006, Don was united in marriage to Peg Wood at Longmont, CO. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge #124 and Median Shrine in Wichita and the Moose Lodge and Eagles Club in North Platte. Don is survived by his wife, Peg of North Platte; step-son, Jason (Nikki) Bremenkamp of Thornton, CO; step-daughter, Julie (Chris) Antonson; granddaughter, Shadow Antonson all of North Platte; his mother, Jean Babcock of Hayesville, KS; brothers, Curtis (Karen) Holmes of Haysville, KS, Franklin (Carolyn) Holmes, Jr. of Wichita, KS, and Karl (Brandi) Montgomery of Sedgwick, KS; sisters, Kathi (Chuck) Hale-Petrosky of Wichita, KS and Karla (Nick) Sharp of Derby, KS; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Fern. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, December 30, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Fr. Neal Hock officiating. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 27, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Dale R. Leach, 66, of Arnold, went to be with his Savior on Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at his home in Arnold, NE.
Dale was born in Arnold, NE on August 4, 1947 to Bob and Margaret Leach. He grew up on the family farm west of Arnold. On September 26, 1970 he married Carol Peterson and took over the farm where they lived until 2008. To this union four children were born: Carl, Kyle, Kayla and Cole Leach. Dale and Carol moved into Arnold in the fall of 2008.
Dale was an avid sports fan who loved Husker football and Royals baseball. He loved to go for drives in the country and was always checking on projects that Carl, Kyle, and Cole were busy working on.
Dale is survived by his sons, Carl (Monique) Leach of Dunning, Kyle Leach of Arnold, Cole (Jenny) Leach of Mason City, and his daughter Kayla Leach of Scottsbluff, NE. He has eight grandchildren, Brook, Emily, Colton, Audrey, Laura, Beau, Ruby, and Eli. He is also survived by his brothers David, Dennis, Don and one sister Deanna and many nieces and nephews.
Dale was preceded in death by his wife Carol, his parents Bob and Margaret and his brother Dean.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Funeral services for Dale will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2013 at 10:30 at The First Baptist Church in Arnold, NE. Burial services will be held after the service at the Arnold Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial in North Platte is in charge of the funeral arrangements.