Dean Fredrick Jones, 77, of Lake Havasu City, AZ, formerly of Hermiston, OR and Brady, NE died June 3, 2013 in Los Vegas, NV.

He was born October 14, 1935 in Hyannis, NE son of Ervin and Florence (Trunnell) Jones.

As a young man, he went to work for Union Pacific Rail Road in the communications department as a lineman and radio man, eventually becoming the manager communication of the Northwest district and one of two construction managers for UPRR. His job took him to many locations and new homes thru the years. He retired early in 1989 and went on the consult for UPRR and had his own business in A/C and handyman in Arizona. He continued to better himself with schooling and had many interests. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, kayaking, and traveling. He owned and flew his own airplane. Some other interests include race car, auto mechanics, upholstery, beekeeping, welding, cooking, gardening, reading. He always visited family and friends and made sure they had what was needed. He generously gave of his time and himself. He was loved and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two daughters – Barbara (James) Wilson of Milton-Freewater, OR; Donna (Raul) Jones-Ochoa of North Platte, NE; son – Michael (Marge) Jones of Pendelton, OR; two grandsons – Casey (Jessica) Jones of Portland, OR; Ryan Ochoa of North Platte, NE; two granddaughters – Kathern (Elliott) Kreshner of Denver, CO; Amber Ochoa of Lincoln, NE; two great-granddaughters – Lillian Jones, Cordila Jones; sister – Edith Trowbridge of Montpelier, OH; four nieces – Mitchy, Kelly, Margie, Angie; along with extended family and friends.

Dean was preceded in death by father, Ervin Jones, mother, Florence Jones, brother, Robert Jones, grandparents.

Book signing will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, June 27, 2013 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Memorial services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, June 28, 2013 at 11:00 am.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the American Heart Association.

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

Pasquale “Pat” Devino, age 90, of North Platte, passed away June 21, 2013 at his home. He was born in Brooklyn, NY to Giovanni and Catherine Martino DeVino on April 24, 1923 and attended schools there.
He entered the military on January 22, 1943, eventually being stationed in Kearney, NE. He was in Ordnance attached with the Army Air Corp. and attained the rank of Sgt. On January 26, 1946 he married Florance Ione Pugh and they moved back to Brooklyn. There, they had two sons, Pat John and Bruce Thomas. In 1955 they moved back to Nebraska, settling in North Platte; there, a daughter, Sharon Kay was born in 1958.
On October 24, 1966 he married Lavina Jasnoch who was instrumental in raising the three children. That same year Pat went to work for the U.S. Postal Service, retiring in 1985.
He was active at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he twice, by himself, painted the interior of the rectory, and then helped paint the interior of the Church. He was also a Eucharistic Minister and Lector. He was a lifetime member of P.T.A.; and spent nearly 30 years as an interviewer with St. Patrick’s/Holy Spirit Food Pantry.
Special thanks to Great Plains Hospice, Lynn McCammon, Mike McWain, Lynette Niles, Cathy Razes, Janet Razes, and Tara Baker-Rogers.
Survivors include a son, Bruce (Laura Stasinos) DeVino of Bloomington, Indiana; daughter, Sharon (Mike McWain) DeVino of North Platte; and a grandson, Brian DeVino of Florence, Colorado;
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Florance on January 6, 1961; wife, Lavina on May 23, 1999; son, Pat John on October 22, 1992; siblings, Mary Tirico, Jenny Guttadauro, Rose Bucciero, Angie Niciforo, Jim DeVino and Bruno DeVino.
Memorials may be made to the St. Patrick’s Food Pantry or to the North Platte Catholic Schools and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday, June 27, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend James Golka as celebrant. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with full military honors graveside. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. today through Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Karl Ray Kemp, 75, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2013, at the North Platte Care Center.

Karl was born July 11, 1937, on the ranch north of Tryon in McPherson County, NE to James Ray and Irene Mae Neal Kemp. He grew up in McPherson County and graduated from Tryon High School in 1955 then went to Chadron State College for two years. Karl graduated from Arizona State University in 1964. He taught math and physics in Apache Junction, AZ for five years then worked in a mine in Superior, AZ before returning to Nebraska and McPherson County in 1974. Karl later drove a mail truck in Nebraska for 28 years.

In August 1958 Karl married Kay Elaine Gallimore at Hill City, SD. He later married Beverly June Morris on October 29, 1965, in Mesa, AZ. Karl married Lilli Ann Morris in North Platte on May 22, 2004. She passed away in January 2008.

Survivors include his children, Theresa (Dewayne) Levacy, of Portalis, NM, Danny Kemp, of San Francisco, CA, Teddy Kemp, of Glendale, AZ, Diana (Richard) Hopper, of Eddy, TX, Karla (Darrin) Hawthorne, of McGregor, TX, Keven (Louisa) Kemp, of McGregor, TX, Lana Kemp, of Lincoln, NE, Denise (Luther) Morris, of Tupelo, MS, and Sherry (Robin) White, of Rootstown, OH; and his stepchildren Dale (Lynnea) Miller, of Lingle, WY, Jonathan (Lisa) Anthony and Nathaniel Anthony, all of North Platte.

He is also survived by many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jerry Kemp and James “Richard” (Carolyn) Kemp, all of Tryon; many nieces, nephews and other family and friends.

Karl was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Irene Kemp; nephew, Lamar James Kemp; his wife, Lilli Ann; and stepdaughter, Gloria Crapson.

A funeral service will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 28, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Pastor Jeremy Rinke of the Harvest Christian Fellowship officiating. Cremation will follow the service and, by Karl’s wishes, his cremains will be scattered. Visitation will be Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. 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 with Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore in charge of arrangements.

Elnora V. Brown, 78, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died June 23, 2013 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

She was born March 1, 1935 in Melbeta, NE, daughter of George L and Kathryn (Kihlthau) Kaufman.

Elnora grew up in Scottsbluff County and graduated from Minatare High School. Elnora married Harry Brown on January 1, 1956 at the First United Methodist Church in Lodgepole, NE. To this union four children were born: Byron, Marcella, Glen and Peggy. They lived in Lodgepole, NE and then moved to Gothenburg in 1970. Elnora was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary, Gothenburg Gardenaires, and the United Methodist Church Women. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, baking, crafting, and volunteering. She loved spending time with her kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Surviving are husband, Harry Curtis Brown of Gothenburg, NE, two sons – Byron (Marilyn) Brown of Curtis, NE, Glen (Shelly) Brown of Amherst, NE; two daughters – Marcella (Jerry) Ballah of Scottsdale, AZ, Peggy (Michael) Hudson of Mansfield, TX; eight grandchildren, eight great grandchildren; four sisters – Loretta (Don) Roth, Janice (Melvin) Laeger, Joyce (Dick) Brown, Sandy (Wayne) Howard; three brothers – Milton (Sharon) Kaufman, Steven Kaufman, George (Pat) Kaufman Jr; along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Elnora was preceded in death by her parents; infant brother, Byron Kaufman; and sister-in-law, Carol Kaufman.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, June 25, 2013 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm. with the family present from 6-8.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, June 26, 2013 at 10:30 am with Dr. Jeff Thurman officiating.

Interment will follow at 1:30 pm in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

LaRue A. Wood, formerly of North Platte, Nebraska, departed this world Thursday, June 20, 2013.

LaRue Arline Baxter was born October 2, 1926, to Raymond Thomas and Irene Summerfield Jackson Baxter on a farm between Dannebrog and St. Paul, Nebraska. She was the first of their four children. The family moved in 1934 to a farm west of Grand Island, Nebraska where LaRue attended country school often sharing the horseback ride with her brother, LaVerne. LaRue and LaVerne worked alongside their parents in all farm chores, milking the cows, feeding the chickens, etc. When LaRue was twelve, the family was joined by younger brothers, Thomas, and later, James. James died of respiratory problems in infancy.

LaRue loved school, was an excellent student and graduated at the top of her country school class. One of the highlights for her growing up was when she and friend, Martha Loescher Heimbuch, went to the State Fair together. She formed many other lasting friendships during her school years and attended Grand Island High School where she met Wendell Willard Wood. They graduated high school in 1944 during World War II. As was the case with many young men at this time, Wendell and several of his friends enlisted in the services.

Upon Wendell’s discharge and return to Grand Island he and LaRue were wed September 22, 1946. Their daughter, Leann LaRue, was born in 1948 and son, LeRoy Wendell, was born in 1949. The young family moved to North Platte, Nebraska in 1952 when Wendell was made Sales Manager with Northwestern Public Service Gas Company. With the purchase of W.W. Wood Wholesale Building Supplies in 1964, LaRue worked in Accounts Payable.

LaRue and Wendell loved North Platte. They felt it was their opportunity to advance professionally, become part of the community, raise their children, and make lasting friendships. They were members of the First Baptist Church and were active in the building of the new church structure at McDonald and A Streets. LaRue belonged to a Church Circle and was a children’s’ Sunday School teacher.

LaRue loved playing bridge and was a member of two afternoon bridge clubs and one dinner bridge group of couples. Wendell was a good sport and played bridge “by the seat of his pants” because he knew she enjoyed it so much. LaRue was a Cub Scout Den Mother; a Horizon Club leader; member of P.E.O. Chapter EB as President and on various committees; and served on the North Platte Library Board.

LaRue and Wendell loved to entertain and had friends of all ages and from many walks of life. They went to Cornhusker football games at home, some away, and to a few bowl games through the years. They traveled to Manager’s and Board meetings with Northwestern Public Service Gas Company. They were avid golfers and in later years split their time between North Platte and Green Valley, Arizona. They drove to visit family and friends and attended many family reunions across the United States. LaRue was known for remembering birthdays and anniversaries with a card and a note. She was also known for her homemade bread roles, which she shaped into trees at Christmas time and delivered to friends and persons confined to home that she became acquainted with, often accompanied by Leann, and later granddaughters, Shela and Stacia.

LaRue was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, LaVerne and James.

She is survived by her brother, Tom (Liz) Baxter, of Grand Island; daughter, Leann Wood Lupomech (Michael Lupomech), of Lakewood, CO; and son, LeRoy (Stephanie) Wood, of Grand Island, NE. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Shela (Phil) Tatro, of Pine, CO, Stacia Ray (Gary) Adamson, of Woodland Park, CO, William Wood and Ron Wood, both of Grand Island; and great-grandchildren, Amelia Tatro, Tobin and Corbin Adamson. LaRue was blessed with many nieces and nephews and their families as well as her many friends.

Memorials are requested to Nebraska P.E.O. Cottey College Scholarship Fund c/o Mary Kay Tuma, Assistant, 3106 Brentwood Blvd., Grand Island, NE 68801 or The First Baptist Church of North Platte.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, June 24, 2013, at the First Baptist Church with Pastor Dave Logsdon officiating. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday from 1 to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Arthur “Art” James Jones, 67, of North Platte, NE, died Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Arbor Manor in Fremont, NE.

Art was born November 24, 1945, to Merle Albert and Gertrude May Brewer Jones at North Platte where he grew up. He graduated from North Platte High School in 1964 then went to electronics school in Omaha, NE for two years. Art served in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969, serving in Korea.

Art returned to North Platte after his discharge and worked for Scott Electronics for several years, managed Mr. 8 Track and helped out at the North Platte Bakery which had been owned by his parents since 1950. Art later bought the bakery from his parents in 1976 and continued to operate it until it closed in 2003. Art then went to work for Walmart working first in the bakery and later in the jewelry department before he retired.

Art was a member of the First Baptist Church and a life member of the D.A.V.

Survivors include his brother, Roger (Marvilyn) Jones, of Fort Ville, IN; a cousin, Ray (Anita) Hengen, of North Platte; other family and friends including James Cochran, Jr., of Denver, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Gertrude Jones.

Cremation was chosen. A graveside memorial service with military honors will be 1 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013, in the North Platte Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.

Paul N. Simonson, 72, of North Platte, and formerly of Mullen, died June 18, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
He was born July 17, 1940, to Robert and Marian (Shimmin) Simonson at Hooker County. Paul graduated from Mullen High School in 1958 and he was in the Sandhills for many years before moving to North Platte.
He owned and operated S&S Painting and Decorating with his mother. Paul enjoyed traveling, literature, outdoors, Husker football, gourmet cooking and fine wines. Paul’s greatest joy in life was his sons and the wonderful times they had together. Paul was a very kind and loving person, sometimes generous to a fault. He was well known for his dry wit and tales of the Sandhills.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Trent Simonson; a brother, Gary; and a nephew, Lance Clark.
He is survived by his son, Travis (Summer) Simonson; his granddaughter, Tess, of Wickenburg, Ariz.; a daughter-in-law, Kori Simonson; his grandson, Tate; three sisters, Maryann Athnos of Jacksonville, Fla., Nancy (Eric) Welch, of Booneville, Ark., and Milette (Steve) Ramm of North Platte; a nephew, Brandon (Terri Burchell) Kelliher; a special family friend, Cheryl Petry; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Online condolences may be shared at carpenter
memorial.com.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, June 22, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., today, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.

William “Willie” Heasell Wheeler, age 40, formerly of North Platte, NE passed away in Denver as the result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident on June 3, 2013, surrounded by family and friends.
He was born July 6, 1972 in Sutherland, NE, the son of Edith “Squeak” (Williams) Wheeler and George Wheeler Sr. He was raised in North Platte and attended North Platte Public Schools. In 1995 he moved to Denver, CO and worked at Jiffy Lube in Littleton CO with many special friends. In 1996 he had his only child, a daughter Shania Wheeler who was his pride and joy. In 2013 he met his soul mate, fiancée Jennifer Rhodes and was planning a November 1st wedding.
His hobbies were fishing for the “big one”, hunting, working on cars and spending time with friends. He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, nephew and cousin. He was a very caring man, and would do anything for his family and friends. He had a big heart and will be missed by many.
He is survived by his daughter Shania Wheeler of Smithville, TX; mother Edith “Squeak” Wheeler of North Platte, NE; father George Sr. (Dana) Wheeler of Holdrege, NE; sister Denise (Charlie) Major of North Platte, NE; brother George Jr. “Shorty” (Misti) Wheeler, Rodney (Cindy) Wheeler both of North Platte, Ricky Wheeler of Lincoln, NE; nieces Gabby Major and Natasha Delso; nephews Charlie II and Dalton Major; George “Cameron”, Andrew, Matthew, and Nathan Wheeler all of North Platte; and many special aunts, uncles, cousins, great nephews and niece.
He was preceded in death by his fiancé of Colorado, Jennifer Rhodes; both grandparents; Aunt Millie “Hop” Hovey of North Platte; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday June 22, 2013 at First Assembly of God Church at 808 West Philip Ave. in North Platte with the Reverend Gary Goodwin officiating. Those wishing to sign his register book may do so today, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of local arrangements.

Dorothy I. Johnston, 86, of Hastings, formerly of North Platte, passed away June 14, 2013 at Hastings. She was born May 16, 1927 to Richard and Sedona (Kelso) Jensen at Elk Point, South Dakota. Dorothy was united in marriage Aug. 10, 1945 to Ronald C. Johnston at Oberlin, KS. They were married for almost 65 years before Ron’s passing in April of 2010. She is survived by her daughter, Ronda (Tom) Rosenua of Hastings; her son, Kenneth B. Johnston of Hastings; grandchildren, Dawn Horn, Kent and Gina Lindenmath, Kenny Jr. Johnston, and Cynthia and Reanna Johnston; great grandchildren, Domonique “Nique” Fisher, Shakira and Christopher, Jr. Horn, James Swanson and Austyn Lindenmath; her brother, Elwood “Red” (Millie) Jensen of Ogallala; Lori Edwards; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald; siblings, Anna Steck, Alfred Jensen, Mary O’Dell, Ines Bedford; sons, Raymond and Russell “Rusty” Johnston; infant children, Ronald Dean, Dorothy Ellen, Verna Ilene, Gary Lynn, Elaine Diane and Dale Leon; grandchildren, Kyle Johnston, and Eric and Dianna Lindenmath. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A Celebration of Life will be Tuesday, June 18, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Hazel Madonna Maranville, 90, of North Platte passed away June 16, 2013 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. Hazel was born February 23, 1923 in Malvern, IA to Ona Mae and George Dekalb Davis. On January 21, 1944 she married Paul G. Maranville. He preceded her in death on July 18, 1991.
Hazel was a homemaker, loved her family, crafting, sewing, gardening and having family gatherings.
She is survived by her four children, Shirley (Ray) Styles, Anita (Ray) Hengen, Ona (Don) Glaubitz and Paul (Kellie) Maranville; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. The family will be receiving friends from 10:00 a.m. until noon Friday, June 21, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Cremation will follow and there will be no service. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.