Dale Luther Sexton, 48, dedicated son, father and grandfather, passed away June 10, 2013, at North Platte, after battling cancer.
He was born Feb. 21, 1965, to Clyde Dale and Patricia Lavelle (Phipps) Sexton in Alliance. Dale grew up on a ranch in Mullen, where he enjoyed a love of the outdoors, fishing, camping and hunting. He graduated from Mullen High School in 1983, returning to celebrate his 30th class reunion on June 8, 2013. He received his associate degree in agriculture from Curtis in 1985.
On Nov. 11, 1989, he married Patsy Lynn Wright and had two children, Cami Janelle Sexton, born Jan. 9, 1991, and Dylan Reid Sexton, born March 21, 1992.
After working for local ranches in the Mullen area for several years, they moved to Scottsbluff. He worked for several companies including Lamar, which then transferred him to Casper, Wyo. After working there for several years, he received his crane operator license, working for RIG Transportation, where he was treated like family until his last day. He then proceeded to drive trucks and move oil rigs all across the Midwest.
Dale’s 2-year-old grandson, Beckham Hunter Sheldon, was his pride and joy and brought a smile to his face every time he was with him or heard his name. He enjoyed taking him fishing, to the zoo and pointing out animals in books while Beckham sat on his lap and smiled.
Survivors include his daughter, Cami (fiancé, Marshall Sheldon) Sexton; his son Dylan; his grandson, Beckham; his father, Clyde (step-mother, Carol) Sexton; his sisters, Carol (Kevin) Alishouse and Susan (Eddie) Steel; his step-siblings, John (Patty) Meek, Andrea (Alan) Annand, David (Kim) Meek, Audrey (Hans) Hansen; his nephews and nieces, James (Reyné) Alishouse, Jesse Alishouse (Stephanie Nicholson), Jacob (Sara) Alishouse, Brandi Tillman, Charlie (Lori) Steel, Patricia (Justin) Burry; and great-nieces and nephews, Marian Alishouse, Addilynn Alishouse, Jayden and Carlee Tillman and Bradley Steel.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Patricia Sexton; and great-nephew, Kade Alishouse.
Memorials may be sent to 3311 Frontier St., Cheyenne, Wyo., 82001.
Services will be at 1 p.m. (MDT), Friday, June 14, at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Mullen. Burial will be at the Cedarview Cemetery. Visitation is from 1-8 p.m., Thursday, June 13, at the Mullen Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Dale Alan Micklevitz 64, of Columbus, NE born April 27, 1949 in Elgin, Ill. to Melvin and Barbara (Nickel) Micklevitz, passed away on Tuesday June 4, 2013 at Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque, NM.
Dale graduated from Sandia High School in 1967 and UNM in 1972 with a BS in Industrial Arts. On February 11, 1983 he married Deanna Gottula. He taught at the old Albuquerque High for a couple of years. He served in the New Mexico Air National Guard, and was a member of the American Legion Post 84 and the F.O.E. Aerie 1834. He was employed by the FAA as an Air Traffic Control Specialist for 35 years, retiring in 2006.
Dale enjoyed being with family and woodworking, making jewelry, fishing, golf, and was an avid pool player. He is loved by many and will be missed greatly.
As a final gift, Dale was an organ donor so that others could benefit from his life.
Survivors include his wife, Deanna of Columbus, NE; mother, Barbara Micklevitz of Albuquerque, NM; sons, Christopher Micklevitz of Las Cruces, NM and Anthony Micklevitz of Roswell, NM; daughter, Jennifer (Clinton) Bach of Columbus, NE; granddaughter, Ivy Brady; grandsons, Chase Micklevitz, Clayton Bach, Camden Bach and Benjamin Micklevitz; great-grandchildren, Alexis and Carter; twin brother, David (Ginny) Micklevitz of Roswell, NM; sister, Lori Schrieber of Albuquerque, NM; and the family dog, Ash; and many nieces, nephews, and in-laws.
He was preceded in death by his father, Melvin; grandparents, George and Lorraine Nickel and Albert and Rosa Micklevitz; and father and mother-in-law, Dean and Maxine Gottula.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.

Jody Lynne Bahnsen, age 46, of North Platte passed away June 8, 2013 at her home after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was born June 8, 1967 in North Platte to Delbert and Judy (Parker) Bahnsen. Jody attended North Platte Public Schools and graduated from North Platte High School. She became a Certified Nurse’s Aide and worked at the Pawnee Hotel. Her last job was at the Super 8 Motel before having to quit due to health reasons. She loved to knit and crochet. She also enjoyed being outdoors fishing and camping. Jody loved watching Adam in the demolition derby. She will be remembered as a very loving and caring person.
Survivors include special friend, Adam J. Silos; Adam’s parents, Adam R. and Deborah Silos; daughter, Reanna Knight; son, Michael Ray Knight; parents, Delbert and Judy Bahnsen; brother, Daniel Bahnsen; Adams’s sisters, Santiaga (Cody Cooper) Silos, Verna Silos and Amber Fisher; Adam’s brothers Daniel (Asha) Silos, Jessie (Santana) Silos, Julio Silos, Florencio Silos and Aaron Fisher; nieces, Aleigha, Brooklyne, Breanna, Makiah, Aliyah, Aries, Amaya, and Destiny; nephews Conner, Maeson and PJ; numerous other nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members who she loved very much.
Preceding her in death were her maternal grandparents, Charles and Maxine Parker and her paternal grandparents, Earl and Maxine Brangwin.
Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Viewing will be 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home. Cremation will follow, Memorial Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 13, 2013 at Victory Church of God with the Pastor Dean Bailey officiating. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kim Taylor DeCamp, 57, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died June 7, 2013 of natural causes in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born June 28, 1955 in Gothenburg, NE, son of Kenneth and Marlene (Jobman) DeCamp.

Kim was born and raised in Gothenburg and graduated with the class of 1973. After graduating high school he farmed with his grandfather Hank Jobman. On July 3, 1976 he married Leslie Howard at the home of his grandparents, Hank and Lillian Jobman. This union was blessed with two daughters, Jessica and Quinn. They were later divorced, and Kim was blessed with another daughter, Candace.

Kim was a lifelong resident of Gothenburg, living on a farm north of town. He always had a passion for sports he loved to watching sports on television, and greatly enjoyed attending sport events, especially for his friend Madison Barner, nephew Blake and grandson Matthew. Kim was never happier then when he was in the saddle of one of the paint horses that he loved.

Surviving are his special friend, Debra Owens of Brady, NE; mother, Marlene DeCamp of Cozad, NE; sisters, Kami (John) Brandt of Ogallala, NE; Kressy (Ross) Ristine of Gothenburg, NE; daughters, Jessica (Charlie) Kafka of Omaha, NE; Quinn (Jacob) Murphy of Chicago, IL, Candace Slack of Gothenburg, NE; five grandchildren (soon to be six) and a host of extended family and friends.

Kim was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth DeCamp, paternal grandparents Fred and Vinnie DeCamp, and maternal grandparents Hank and Lillian Jobman.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, June 11, 2013 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Memorial Service will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, June 13, 2013 at 11:00 am with Pastor Tom Wilson, and Pastor Larry Viter officiating.

Inurnment will follow in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Behavioral Health Services of North Platte. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Arthur Dewey Gragg, age 80 of Tryon, passed away June 6, 2013 at GPRMC.
Art was born on October 18, 1932 in Alliance, NE to Dewey and Myrtle (Connell) Gragg. He lived in Hooker County and at a young age moved to Arthur County east of Swan Lake. At the age of 5 his family moved to Birdwood Creek north of Hershey. At age 14, the family moved to McPherson County where he attended school at District 95 north of Hershey, and Districts 10 & 4 in McPherson County, and McPherson County High School. Art married Barbara Pettit on October 18, 1956 and to this union 5 children were born. The couple was married for 56 years. Art worked various jobs in his life from haying to working at Chamber’s Truck, Railroad, and North Platte Livestock, until moving back home to help his father on the ranch. He received the Conservation Award for his efforts of conserving the land while ranching. Art was an active member of the United Methodist Church where he served on various committees. He also served on the District 4 & 21 school boards. He was a member of the American Quarter Horse Association.
Art is survived by his wife Barbara; sons Jim (Judy) Gragg of Tryon, Jerry Gragg of Sanger, TX, and Todd (Jana) Gragg of North Platte; daughters Peggy (Dale Dee) Arensdorf of Tryon, Nancy (Mike) Krull of Tryon; grandsons J.D. (Sara) Gragg of Olatha, KS, Wacey (Chevis) Krull of Ansley, Logan Krull of North Platte, Josh (Emily) Suzle of Lincoln, Bandy Arensdorf of North Platte, Levi (Melissa) Arensdorf of North Platte, Dale Riley of Indianola, Duell Arensdorf of Tryon, Josh (Autum) Gragg of North Platte, Kyle (Linda) Gragg of North Platte, Peyton Barner, Carsyn and Hudsyn Gragg of North Platte; granddaughters Emily (Joe) Cochran of Valley Springs, SD, Kayla (Garrett) Orndoff of Trenton, MO, Gentry Barner of North Platte; great grandchildren Barrett Gragg of Olatha, KS, Sean & Grayson Krull of Ansley, Alandria, Cadence, and Brigham Cochran of Valley Springs, SD, Cash Arensdorf of Bingham, Bladen and Braxton Arensdorf of North Platte, Allison Gragg of North Platte, Aurora, Olivia, Sam and Eli Suzle of Lincoln.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dewey and Myrtle; sister Vera; in-laws Les and Elizabeth Smith and Cliff Pettit; sister-in-law Dot Pettit; and brother and sister-in-law Darrel and Judy Pettit.
Memorials may be made to the donor’s choice in Art’s name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Monday June 10, 2013 at the United Methodist Church in Tryon with Pastor Shanon Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Miller Cemetery. The casket will be closed. Those wishing to do so may sign the memorial book Saturday and Sunday, June 8th & 9th at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Bruce L. Kennedy, 78, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died June 4, 2013 in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born July 27, 1934 in Page, NE, son of J.M. “Ket” Kennedy and Catherine (Loy) Kennedy.

Bruce grew up in Page and Ainsworth, NE and graduated from Ainsworth High School. He served his country in the US Army from 1953 to 1956. He later attended UNL. He married Joanne Carr on December 22, 1957 at Ainsworth. Bruce lived at Gothenburg for the last 38 years and worked for Cargill. He retired from Cargill in 1996 after over 20 years of service. Bruce enjoyed antiques, flower gardening, and especially spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was an active member of the Gothenburg Presbyterian Church, and a former Gosper & Dawson County CASA board member.

Surviving are daughter – Dana (Mike Weckesser) Kennedy of Reston, VA; two sons – Jeffrey M Kennedy of Gothenburg, NE; Jason (Anne) Kennedy of McCook, NE; five grandchildren – Tyler Weckesser of Reston, VA; Andrew Kennedy of Kearney, NE; Kristin Kennedy of Kearney, NE; Mari Kennedy of McCook, NE; Anna Kennedy of McCook, NE; two sisters – Jeane Sorensen of O’Neill, NE; Louise Spear of Ann Arbor, MI; mother-in-law – Miriam Carr of Springview, NE; brother-in-law – Harley (Sharon) Carr of Omaha, NE; sister-in-law Helen Kennedy of TX, special friend – Carol (Rose) Einspahr of Liberty, MO; along with many nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

Bruce was preceded in death by wife, Joanne Kay Kennedy; an infant child; his parents; grandson, Alex Weckesser; brother Duane Kennedy; father-in-law, Armand Carr; and brother-in-law, William Sorensen.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, June 07, 2013 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, June 12, 2013 at 11:00 am with Rev. Matt Coplen officiating.

Private interment will be in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the First Presbyterian Church, 1020 Lake Ave, PO Box 194, Gothenburg, NE 69138 or Gothenburg Memorial Hospital Foundation, 910 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138.. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Mary Elizabeth “Liz” Ridder, age 77 formerly of North Platte, passed away June 5, 2013 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln, NE with all four of her children at her bedside.
Liz was born May 30, 1936 in Callaway, NE to Dr. Albert Theodore and “Minnie” Margaret (Brosius) Ridder. Her family moved to North Platte and she graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in 1954. She then attended and graduated from Creighton University in 1957 as a registered nurse. She worked at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Lincoln, NE as a surgical nurse. She married Dr. Martin E. Young in 1958 and they moved to North Platte in 1963 where she was a devoted mother, raising her family of four children. Liz worked at Great Plains Regional Medical Center as a RN Case Manager in Home Health and Hospice and was a surgical nurse. She was a member of the St. Patrick’s Alter Society, the North Platte Art Study League, volunteer for the St. Patrick’s Bargain Bin and was a 4-H and Girl Scout Leader for her daughters. Liz had a strong faith in our Lord and her faith and prayers were prevalent in her life. She enjoyed the St. Louis Cardinals, Neil Diamond songs, art, sewing, cooking, playing bridge and spending time with her grandchildren and her little dog “Maggie”. She will always be loved, cherished, and greatly missed.
Liz is survived by her children Lisa (Tom Klein) Young of Lincoln, Julie (Randy) Mroczek of North Platte, Dr. Mark Young and Jill Young of Omaha and Dr. Michael (Amy) Young of Omaha; 4 grandchildren Matt, Megan and Katie Mroczek and Amanda Young.
She was preceded in death by Dr. Martin Young; and parents Dr. Albert and “Minnie” Ridder.
Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday June 13, 2013 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, and Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Friday June 14, 2013 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend James Golka officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Wednesday and Thursday, June 12th and 13th, from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Frederick LeRoy Cotton, age 88 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday June 5, 2013 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Fred was born on September 7, 1924 in Cheyenne, WY to Roy and Mayme (Smith) Cotton. He grew up in Cheyenne and graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1942. On April 2, 1944 he married Betty Jane Zarr in Reno, NV. The couple was married for 47 years. Betty passed away January 3, 1991. He joined the Navy December 29, 1941, during WWII, and remained in duty till November 9, 1945. After an honorable discharge from the Navy the couple made their home in Cheyenne, WY. They moved to North Platte in 1969 where he worked as an electrical foreman for the UPRR for 40 years, retiring in 1984. In 1995 he moved to Arizona; and then back to North Platte in 2007. Fred enjoyed many things in life including collecting clocks, his Corgy dog Mitzi, traveling, hiking and hosting camp sites in the Wyoming Mountains. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, the American Legion, Good Sam Club, VFW, IBEW, Eagles and Elks.
Fred is survived by his special sweetheart of 20 years, Connie Hemphill; 3 sons Jerry (Judy), Gary, Keith (Cindy) Cotton and 1 daughter Carol Cotton all of North Platte; grandchildren Kim (Gary) Nelson, Terra (Jason) McKinney, Selene (Joe) Salvatore, Shayne Cotton; 10 great grandchildren, Jordan, Alisha, Rylie, Mikinzie, Colton, Minnie, Owen, Emit, Andrew and Joshua; 1 great great grandson Jaylen; and 1 niece Jenny Scott.
He was preceded in death by his wife Betty; parents Roy and Mayme Cotton; brother Orville Cotton; granddaughters Lisa and Lori; grandson Gary Jr, and great granddaughter Tiara.
Many thanks to the staff at Centennial and to the Hospice program for the great care they took of Fred.
Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be held Tuesday June 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Ned Cooper officiating. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. and Monday 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Jarvis Millikin, 94, longtime Brule businessman, died June 2, 2013, at Indian Hills Healthcare Community.
Jarvis was born on Nov. 10, 1918, in Axtell, the son of Roy and Esther (Anderson) Millikin. He attended elementary school in Middle Vale School south of Brule. After graduation from Brule High School, Jarvis was drafted into the Army in July 1942.
After discharge in November 1945, Jarvis was employed at Morrow Auto Supply. In 1970 he purchased Brule Wrecking from the Hinrichs family. Jarvis changed the name to B & J Auto Salvage and his son Butch joined him in 1975. He remained part of the family business even after retirement.
On Nov. 28, 1942, Jarvis married Marie M. Jung and the couple resided in Brule.
Jarvis was a member of the VFW, Ogallala Elks, Brule Lions Club and the United Church of Christ, Congregational, of Brule. His hobbies included bowling, playing cards and golfing.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his wife, Marie; and two brothers, Leroy and Norris “Bud.”
Survivors include his son, Don “Butch” (Nancy) Millikin, of Brule; one sister, Willa Mae Harvey, of Fort Collins, Colo.; two granddaughters, Angie Goodgame and her son Matthew Goodgame, both of Downers Grove, Ill., and Michelle Millikin, of Brule; also her special friend, Sue Millikin, of Scottsdale, Ariz.
Memorials are suggested to the Brule Congregational Church and the Brule Fire Department. Online condolences may be shared at drauckerfuneralhome.com.
Services will be at 10 a.m. (MDT), Thursday, June 6, at the Brule United Church of Christ, Congregational with the Rev. Phil Ewert officiating. Burial will be at the Brule Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (MDT), today, with family greeting friends from 4-5 p.m., at the Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala, which is in charge of arrangements.

Donna Jeane Crawford, 84, of Papillion, died May 29, 2013, at Seward.
The daughter of Earl and Gladys “Violet” Savard, was born on Oct. 1, 1928, in Duluth, Minn. A granddaughter of some of the original settlers of the North Shore of Minnesota, Donna grew up on the shores of Lake Superior in the town of Grand Marais. Her mother’s family, the Samskars, were noted fishermen on Lake Superior and Isle Royale. Her father’s family was French Canadian and were renowned woodworkers and crafters. Donna graduated from Cook County High School in 1946 and St. Scholastica University in Duluth, Minn., in 1950 with a degree in social work. She moved to Omaha shortly afterward to take a job with a local utility company.
She met Harold Crawford in the summer of 1951 and married the love of her life on April 12, 1952.
Donna’s life was taking care of her family that consisted of daughters, Barbara and Ann. While the girls were growing up, she was a stay-at-home mother who prepared scrumptious meals and kept an immaculate home. She was a voracious reader who instilled that same love of books in her daughters and visited with friends as much as possible. When her daughters were in high school, Donna went to work at Bryan High School in the school cafeteria. She enjoyed her many years there making numerous friends who remained close to her even after she retired.
During their retirement years, Harold and Donna enjoyed traveling as much as possible to Europe and around the United States. They loved each other’s company and learning new things together. They also looked forward to visiting their five grandchildren and attending the extracurricular events the kids participated in. When Harold passed away in 1998, Donna focused her energies on travel with friends, going out for lunch with her girlfriends and driving to Utica and Kearney to see her family.
Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents, Earl and Violet; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wanda and Lavern Rosentrater; and her brother-in-law, Charles Lehman.
She is survived by her daughters, Barb (Doug) Barth, of Utica, Ann Keefer, of Kearney; her sister, Barbara Lehman, of Edmond, Okla.; her grandchildren, Matthew (Amy) Barth, of Kearney, Eric (Rachel) Barth, of Lincoln, Kelsey (Trent) Linabery, of York, Andrew Keefer, of Denver, and Joel Keefer, of Grand Island; two great-grandchildren, Aiden Keefer and Petyon Barth, both of Kearney; her nephew, Steve Lehman and family, of Houston, Texas; her niece, Merri Jo (Gary) Halstead and family, of McCook; her nephew, Tim Rosentrater and family, of Callaway; and a host of friends.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, June 24, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Papillion. Inurnment will be on Tuesday, June 25, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Volzke Funeral Home of Seward is in charge of arrangements.