Steven R. Splitt, 58, of North Platte, passed away August 15, 2013 at his home. He was born Oct. 20, 1954 to William and Dorothy (Horner) Splitt at Nebraska City, NE. Steve grew up in Nebraska City and graduated in 1973. He started his employment with N.P.P.D. in Beatrice and transferred to Sutherland Gerald Gentleman, where he was currently the operations supervisor with 37 years of service. On Jan. 10, 1992, he was united in marriage to Judy Lashley. Steve loved Husker football and the N.Y. Yankees. His passion was on Splitt Creek Ranch, where he and Judy raised miniature Hereford’s. He was instrumental in the Youth Miniature Hereford Association with scholarships and other programs. He is survived by his wife, Judy of North Platte; children, Amie Splitt of Lincoln, Audrey (Jay) Ediger of North Platte, Kily (Shaun) Brott of North Platte and Briton (Kelli) Gorley of Lincoln; seven grandchildren; a brother, Dwight (Marni) Splitt of Hastings; a sister, Sharon (Ron) Buman of Florida; and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his parents. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to the Miniature Hereford Youth Foundation. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel in North Platte. Inurnment will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at Lewiston Cemetery near Murray, NE. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Dolores Maureen Ullrich, 83, of North Platte, NE, passed away Friday, August 16, 2013, at her home.

Dolores was born July 30, 1930, to Walter and Jessica Louise Callaway Mitchell at Hershey, NE where she grew up and attended school up to the age of 11 when they moved to Alliance, NE. Dolores graduated from Alliance High School then attended Chadron State College for a semester.

On March 2, 1949, Dolores married Arthur LaVern Ullrich in Alliance where they made their home and raised their family. After Arthur retired they lived in Colorado, South Dakota, Texas and in several towns in western Nebraska before moving back to North Platte in 2006. Dolores enjoyed her flower garden and had a passion for roses.

She is survived by her husband, Arthur, Sr., of North Platte; four sons, John (Sue) Ullrich, of Gillette, WY, Artie (Karen) Ullrich, of Omaha, NE, Steve (Aida) Ullrich, of North Platte and Alan (Erica) Ullrich, of Hemmingford, NE; two daughters, Roxanne Ullrich, of Chadron, NE, and Hayley Bacon (fiancé, Stuart Shubert), of North Platte; 36 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; 13 great great-grandchildren; and other family.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Jessica Mitchell; and a brother, Donald Mitchell.

Cremation was chosen and a private family service will be held. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Dr. Albert Henry Raetz, 87, of North Platte, NE, died Thursday, August 15, 2013, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Albert was born November 10, 1925, to Ferdinand John and Vera Belle Stanley Raetz at North Platte where he grew up. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1943 and joined the U.S. Navy six months later. Following his discharge in 1946 he returned home and worked as a Signal Man for the Union Pacific Railroad. A short time later he attended the Los Angeles School of Optometry, graduating in 1952. Dr. Raetz returned to North Platte where he started his optometry practice. He retired from there in 1987.

On June 3, 1951, Albert married Helen Jean Nelson at Columbus, NE and they made their home in North Platte where they raised their family. He enjoyed golfing at Iron Eagle and playing bridge. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church and the Flatrock Duplicate Bridge Club and had earned his Life Master Duplicate Bridge Certificate.

Albert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen, of North Platte; sons, Albert “Bradley” Raetz (Katherine Casey), of West Palm Beach, FL, and Stanley (Elizabeth) Raetz, of Lincoln, NE; two grandchildren, Sam and Rex Raetz, of Lincoln; two brothers, Gibbs Raetz, of California and Richard (Ruth) Raetz, of Chevy Chase, MD; and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant sister.

Cremation was chosen. Private family inurnment with military honors will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 19, 2013, at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Polly K. Deppen-Williams officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or before service time at the church. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

William John Smith, age 70, of North Platte, NE, passed away on August 15, 2013 with his loving family by his side. He was born January 24, 1943 at Cedar Rapids, Iowa to Phillip and Geraldine (Mitchell) Smith. Bill grew up in Independence, IA and graduated from St. John’s High School in Independence. He started to learn the trade of a meat cutter and later served in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. After his discharge he returned to Iowa and worked at Fareway Stores, Inc. in various communities. Bill moved to North Platte where he owned and operated Smitty’s Fine Meats in 1986. Blessed with a witty humor, he enjoyed people and the many special friendships over the years. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, lifetime member of the VFW, Knights of Columbus, and the Moose Lodge. Survivors include his wife Judy of North Platte, daughters; Lynn (Sherif Abdel-Moemen) Smith of Elmsford, NY and Cary Smith of Denver, CO, brother; Phillip J. Smith of Waterloo, IA, grandchildren, Mariam, Minna, and Jenna Abdel-Moemen, and Elizabeth and Cassie Stambaugh. He was preceded in death by his parents, mother and father-in-law; Clifford and Louise Wills, and his son Christopher Smith. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Tuesday, August 20, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte with the Reverend Neal Hock as celebrant. Rosary will be 7:00 pm Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors. Visitation will be from 3 to 7pm Sunday and 8:30 am to 8pm Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. At Bill’s request, he wanted everyone to wear colorful attire to his service. Online condolences maybe shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory.

Eloise Ann Schwab, 77, of North Platte, NE, passed away Tuesday, August 13, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.

Eloise was born December 8, 1935, at Grover, CO to John Dean and Katherine Sauer Schwab. She lived on the Sauer Homestead until she was 15 years old, then she and her mother moved to Greeley, CO where she graduated from College High School in 1953. Eloise attended University of Northern Colorado graduating in 1957 with her Bachelors Degree in Business Education and her Masters Degree in 1961.

She taught at Swink High School in Swink, CO for three years and at Bayard High School in Bayard, NE for five years. Eloise then moved to North Platte in 1967 and established the Secretarial Science Program at Mid Plains Community College where she taught for 32 years and served as the Secretarial Department Head and Business Division Coordinator. Following her retirement, she enjoyed gardening and was an avid reader.

Eloise was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Nebraska Education Association and a charter member of the local association and a member of B.P.W. (Business and Professional Women).

Survivors include her cousins, Janice and Mike Dixon, of Brush, CO, and their daughter, Claire Dixon and husband, Kevin Bowles, of Denver, CO, Lloyd and Sharon Cashman, of Cheyenne, WY, Bob Doughman, of Kersey, CO and Howard and Irene Doughman, of Brighton, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John Schwab and Katherine Schwab.

Cremation was chosen and by her wishes, there will be no service. Inurnment will be with her mother in the Eaton Cemetery in Eaton, CO. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Darlene L. Larson, 61, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died August 13, 2013 at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital in Gothenburg, NE following a battle with cancer.

She was born November 20, 1951 in Drayton, ND, daughter of Clyde and Elizabeth Lorenzen.

Darlene married Douglas Larson June 18, 1970 at St. Thomas, ND; to this union four daughters were born: Dawn, Debra, Dianna, and Dayna. Darlene worked as a CNA at Slacks Nursing Home and Hilltop Estates. She loved spending time with grandkids and going to games and activities.

Survivors include: her loving husband Doug of Gothenburg; three daughters – Debra Geiger of Cozad, NE, Diana (Corey) Beachel of Gothenburg, NE, Dayna Larson of North Platte, NE; son-in-law – Jeromy (Jenna) Matthies of Gothenburg, NE; 15 grandchildren; six sisters – Ruth (Ray) Wenlund of Crystal, MN, Vangie Hess of Hallock, MN, Doris Corneillie of Grafton, ND, Judy (Terry) Mattson of St Thomas, ND, Jane (Herman) Barta of St Thomas, ND, Mary (Buzz) Burns of St Thomas, ND; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Darlene was preceded in death by daughter, Dawn Matthies; parents; three sisters – Shirley Feltman, Delphine Osterdyk, and Rose Narveson; five brothers, Stephen, William, Duane, Jerry, and Donald Lorenzen.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, August 16, 2013 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, August 17, 2013 at 10:00 am with Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Family.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Ruby P. Nutter, 80, of North Platte, passed away August 12, 2013 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in North Platte. Inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, NE. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation has been chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Kenneth Walter Huebner, 92, long time businessman and civic leader of North Platte, passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Denver, CO. He was born December 26, 1920 to Charles F. and Gertrude R. (Hinck) Huebner at Hershey, NE. After attending elementary school at Huebner School District 26 at Hershey, he graduated from Hershey High School in 1939. He then attended St. John’s Lutheran College in Winfield, KS, majoring in business. Following college he was employed at McDonald State Bank. He served in WWII in the US Army Air Corp in England, France and Germany. He was united in marriage to Aletha Laura Knapp on February 16, 1947, and was a devoted husband. They made their home in North Platte. To this union, four children were born. After the war Ken was employed at Flicker Packing Company, and then he and his brother, Ted, started their own business in 1951, Huebner Supply Company. He retired in 1990 but continued to work during the spring seasons. Ken served on the city council and was a two term Mayor in the 1960’s. He took an active, leadership role in many organizations, including the Hospital Board, Chamber of Commerce, Board of Public Works, Development Corporation, United Way, Salvation Army, Rotary and others. He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church of Hershey, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church and a founding member the Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Survivors include his four sons, James K. (Sue) of North Platte, Thomas J. (Mollie) of Port Isabel, TX, Charles D. (Kathy) and Paul F. (Connie) both of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Sara (Andy) Johnson, Rebecca (Neil) Magnuson, Hannah Huebner, Adam Huebner, David (Amanda) Huebner, Samuel (Michelle Mostaed) Huebner, and Jesse Huebner; four great grandchildren, Abigail and Kenneth Johnson, and Titus and Silas Magnuson; siblings, Theodore C. Huebner of North Platte and Margaret (Gene) Myers of Bountiful, UT; sisters-in-law, Miriam, Lois and Helen Huebner, Virginia Knapp, Charlene (Bob) Hamilton and Karen (Mark) Boerger; many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Aletha on December 31, 2006; and brothers, Eugene, Alfred and Robert. Memorials are suggested to Mission Central, located in Mapleton, IA or to the donor’s choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with the Reverend Robert Deardoff officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with military honors graveside. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Letha Blanche DeTour, 93, of Lincoln, NE, formerly of Wellfleet, NE, died Sunday, August 11, 2013, at Lancaster Manor in Lincoln.

Letha was born March 1, 1920, to Frank and Maud Collins Kounovsky at Verdel, NE where she grew up. When Letha was eight years old the family moved to North Platte where she graduated from North Platte High School in 1938. Letha then taught country school north of North Platte for a year.

On August 16, 1939, Letha married Harold Edward DeTour at Julesburg, CO. They settled on the home place near Wellfleet where they raised their sons. She was a charter member of Rebekah Lodge 411 (United Rebekah Lodge).

Letha is survived by her son, Douglas DeTour, of Lincoln; two grandchildren, Christopher DeTour and DaLayne (Craig) Danielowicz; five great-grandchildren, Alexis, Zachary and Emily DeTour, Hunter and Hayden Danielowicz; sisters-in-law, Eleanor Shill, of North Platte and Eloise Look of Wellfleet; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harold DeTour; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard “Dick” and Sue DeTour; her parents, Frank and Maud Kounovsky; and two sisters, Eula Mae ‘Peg’ Born and Frances Mischke.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, August 16, 2013, in the Wellfleet Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore or at the graveside. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Marion J. Sellers, age 86, of Wellfleet, passed away August 12, 2013 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. She was born December 21, 1926 in Lewellen to Irvin and Stefina (Policky) Biehl. Marion lived near North Platte all her early life, graduating from North Platte High School in 1944 with a teaching certificate. She moved to Wellfleet to teach school in 1945 at the age of 18. On March 23, 1946 she married Harrison W. Sellers. To this union 5 children were born, Charlene, Douglas, Donald, Norma and Marlene. Marion was baptized on Easter Sunday 1956 and joined the Wellfleet Methodist Church in 1963. She was active in the church and United Methodist Women. Her life revolved around her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren’s activities.
Survivors include her children, Charlene (Dean) Fichtner of Maywood, Douglas (Debra) Sellers of Wellfleet, and Norma (Dwight) Pinkerton of North Platte; daughter-in-law, Margaret Ann (Marty) Pullen of North Platte; grandchildren, Dawn (Andy) Miller of Wellfleet, Kim (Eric) Ryan, Dana (Les) Reinke and Brandon Sellers all of North Platte, Abby (Chris) Clark of Lincoln, Tina (Chad) Stewart of Maywood, Ryan (Krista) Sellers of North Platte, Darren (Amy) Sellers of Wellfleet, Dallas Fichner of Lincoln and Riley (Katie) Pinkerton of North Platte; great-grandchildren, Jhett, Rauri, Tyler, Tucker, Braden, Jaylee, Kaylee, Molly, Claire and Britni; sister, Dolores Huffman of Tryon; sisters-in-law, Esther, Devona, and Shirley Sellers; brother-in-law, Orval Coykendall; aunt, Helen Policky; several nieces, nephews and cousins; and a host of friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Harrison; son, Donald Marion; daughter, Marlene Jo; father and mother-in-law, Leo and Pearl Sellers; sisters-in-law, Donna Coykendall, Vera Sellers and Lois Hall; and brothers-in-law, Clayton Huffman, Vernon Sellers, Lawrence Sellers, Erceil Sellers, Stanley Sellers and Loren Hall.
Memorials are suggested to the Wellfleet United Methodist Church, the American Heart Association or to the American Cancer Society. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, August 15, 2013 at the Wellfleet Methodist Church with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating, with burial to follow in the Wellfleet Cemetery. Visitation will be noon until 9:00 p.m. today and from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday with the family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.