James William Booth, 81, of Brady, passed away April 15, 2013 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. He was born April 8, 1932 to William Henry and Alice (McKee) Booth at Scottsbluff, Nebraska. James graduated from Scottsbluff High School and served in the United States Air Force from 1952 to 1956. He married Shirley Ann Cole at Morrill, Nebraska on June 1, 1961, and worked as an architect/draftsman. James and Shirley lived in Scottsbluff until 1991, then Central City until 1995, they lived in North Platte in 1995 &1996, before moving to their present home in Brady. James liked airplanes, trains, working in the garden, planting flowers and working on construction projects around the home. James is survived by his wife, Shirley, and four children; David (Cara) Booth, of Littleton, CO; Ronald (Robin) Booth of Highlands Ranch, CO; Sharon (Bill) Andres of Cozad, NE and Susan (Colin) Lopez of Mt. Arlington, NJ; thirteen grandchildren and 1 great-grandson and mother-in-law Mildred Cole. He was preceded by his parents, Alice & William Booth and father-in-law William H. Cole. Visitation will be Sunday, April 21, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Funeral services will be held Monday, April 22, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Community Bible Church with Pastor Mike Wing officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside.

Jerry B. Hickman, 63, of North Platte, passed away Sunday, April 14, 2013 with his family by his side at his home. He was born Nov. 4, 1949 in Sidney, NE to Chester and Evelyn (Johnson) Hickman. Jerry graduated from Sidney High School in 1968, where he participated in track and ran at the NE State Track meets and also played in the band that traveled to the Rose Bowl. He later graduated from Kearney State College in 1972. He was united in marriage to Lynette M. Pittack on June 17, 1972 in Norfolk. Jerry worked for AVCO Financial Company in Hastings, Kearney and Norfolk. In 1977, the family moved to North Platte, where Jerry was associated with First National Bank. For 20 years he was branch manager with U.S. Bank before his retirement in Dec 2010. Jerry was a coach for his children’s AYSO Soccer teams for many years and also was an avid runner in which he completed two marathons and a half marathon. He enjoyed deer hunting, his yard work, and never missed a Husker football game either on TV or at Memorial Stadium. Jerry was an active member at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, NP Jaycees, and Lions Club since 1988, where he served as treasurer. Survivors include his wife, Lynette; his mother-in-law, Norma Pittack both of North Platte; children, Shawn (Leanna) Hickman of Littleton, CO, Heather (Shane) Kirk of Kearney and Justin Hickman of Westminster, CO; sister, Connie (Ron) Skarka of Littleton, CO, brother, Robert (Kim) Hickman of Tigard, OR; grandchildren, Alaina and Mia Hickman, and Ryan Kirk, nephews, David (Shannon) Skarka and their son, Joshua, Erik Hickman and Andrew Hickman; nieces, Jennifer (Matthew) Daniel and their daughter, Greta, Katie (Chris) Herrara. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother-in-law, Jerry Pittack; and father-in-law, LeRoy Pittack. Memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center, Lions Club or Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Services will be 11:00 am Friday April 19, 2013 at Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church with the Rev. Robert Deardoff officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm Thursday with family receiving friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Charles Jerry Petrzelka, Jr., age 59, of North Platte, passed away Friday, April 12, 2013 at his home. He was born August 9, 1953 in Cheyenne Wyoming to Charles J. Sr. and Bonnie L. (Gates) Petrzelka. Jerry, as he was known, graduated from Cheyenne High School in 1971. The family moved to North Platte in 1971 when his father went to work on the railroad. Jerry had numerous jobs, mostly construction and working on railroad ties in the summer. Jerry loved fishing, enjoyed deer hunting and working around the house. He was good at yard work and helping his mother. Jerry will be remembered as easing going and always trying to help people.
Survivors include his mother, Bonnie Petrzelka of North Platte; two sisters, Joni McClure of North Platte and Deb Brown of Kearney; a brother in law, James Felty of North Platte; a niece Kelly McClure of North Platte; three nephews, Keenan and Clayton Brown of Kearney; and Chris McClure of Pierre, South Dakota.
He was preceded in death by his father and a sister, Anna Felty.
A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com
Cremation was chosen and a private memorial service will take place at the North Platte City Cemetery at a later date. Adams & Swanson is in charge of local arrangements.

Joan Elizabeth Elson Walter, 84, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Joan was born March 22, 1929, in Blair, NE to Layland Fred and Mildred Wilhelmena Koopman States. The family moved to North Platte in 1930 where she grew up and graduated from North Platte High School in 1947. Joan then attended Dana College in Blair for two years.

On June 18, 1951, Joan married Clarence Rolland “Rod” Elson in North Platte where they made their home. She taught kindergarten at Jefferson Elementary for two years then operated Story Book Preschool for 10 years. Joan had a life membership in Campfire Girls and was their office manager for 17 years. She was also office manager for States and States Dental for six years.

After Rod passed away in 1979, Joan married Iven R. Walter on March 22, 1985, in North Platte. He preceded her in death in 1986.

Joan was a member of the First United Methodist Church and a life member of U.M.W. and the PTA. She was also a member of the Retired Teacher’s Association, R.S.V.P and was a member of P.E.O. for over 40 years. Faith, family and friends were the most important things to Joan.

She is survived by her daughter, Susan “Sue” (Roger) Eggleston, daughter-in-law, Lauri Elson, brother, Jim (Mary) States and sister-in-law, Jean States, all of North Platte; a stepdaughter, Anne (Jack) Brewer, of New Mexico; four granddaughters, Karena (D.J.) Plautz, Stephanie Eggleston, Beth (Jamie) Tabares and Kate Elson; four great-grandchildren, Alexis Bacon, Gabby and Hayley Plautz and Lucas Tabares; several nieces, nephews and other family; and her special little dog, Daisy, who brought much happiness to Joan.

Also preceding her in death was her son, Rich Elson; a brother, Jerry States; her sister, Jean States; and her parents, Layland and Mildred States.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service and inurnment will be at a later date. The memorial book may be signed from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore or online at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to the United Methodist Women or the North Platte Animal Shelter. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

B. Carol Kuhlmann (74) went to be with our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, April 12th, 2013, at her home in North Platte.
She was born on November 21, 1938, in Curtis, Nebraska, to Cora (Gardner) and Elston McConahay. Carol was a 1957 graduate of North Platte High School. She was baptized and confirmed into the Christian faith June 1, 1958 at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Carol was united in holy matrimony with Ernie Kuhlmann on March 8, 1959. They lived in their marriage vows for 54 years until death parted them. The love they shared will continue until the day they are reunited in heaven.
The Lord blessed their marriage with 4 godly children, 12 godly grandchildren, and 4 godly great grandchildren. Kevin (Connie) Kuhlmann (Anthony & Neallene (Derrick, Brooklyn, Alyssa, Connor) Jennifer & Eric Frey); Tammy (Todd) Bohlender (Tiffany & John Walker, Trevor, Tanner); Lori (Andrew) Utecht (Ethan, Titus, Justus, Amos, Isaac); and Vicki (Jason) Williamson (Brittany & Tess). Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the joy of her life. She loved watching them play ball, sing, and anything they were involved in.
She was close with her extended family, including her in-laws Doug and Rosetta Doucet, Jeanene and Matt Faw, Lawrence Kuhlmann and Char Dunn, and many cousins. She was particularly close to her brothers and sister: especially her sister Sheryl.
She lived her life for our Lord Jesus. She worked as church secretary at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church for 40 years, serving and training many pastors. She also worked with her sister Sheryl who was the school secretary. Before that she worked as a secretary at Baskin and Baskin Law office. She was very active in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, Martha Circle, and sang alto in the church choir. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority Laureate Epsilon BSP for over 50 years. Carol was an avid Bridge player, and she loved “playing Solitaire til dawn with a deck of 51”. She loved her family, music, and ball games.
Carol lived her life putting her trust in Jesus, and letting him take care of her worries, even through the struggles of life, and looking forward to Heaven.
Carol is survived by her loving husband Ernie, who demonstrated his love by caring for her at home especially the last months of her life. She is survived by her brothers, Jerry (Norma) and Neal (Janice), and sister Sheryl, sisters-in-law Joyce McConahay Betty McConahay and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers: Tom, Harold (infant) and Milton McConahay, sister Janice, and brother-in-law Don Mowers.
Praise God from Whom all blessings flow, Praise him all creatures here below, Praise him above ye heavenly host, Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost! Amen.
Services will be 10:30 am Tuesday at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church. Visitation will be 3 to 6pm Sunday and 8:30 am to 8:00 pm Monday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with a prayer service at 7:15pm Monday at the chapel.

Carolyn Jo Havens, 73, of North Platte passed away April 9, 2013 at her home. She was born November 17, 1939 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Derlin and Muriel (Duckworth) Griffin.
Carolyn grew up in Casper, WY and worked in a restaurant with her mother in Casper and Cheyenne. Carolyn moved to North Platte in 1978 where she worked in food sevice and managed the VFW for a short time. She married Preston Havens on November 17, 1979 in North Platte. She loved her children, and enjoyed helping raise the second generation of her family. She enjoyed crafts and painting.
Survivors include her husband Preston of North Platte; children, Angela Havens of Lincoln, Tina Fairweather and Dan Fairweather, both of North Platte; a sister, Kathy Rutar of Laramie, WY; grandchildren, Dave (Sarah) Caudy of North Platte; Zachary (Elie) Mapes of Lincoln, Zane Mapes of Kearney, Samantha (Justin) Zirnig, Levi (Lindsay) Caudy all of North Platte, Marybeth (Trevor) Thielke of Sioux Falls, SD, Crystal (Jordan) Vigil of North Platte, Jessica Anderson of Louisiana and Tanya (Jason) Tuenge of Cheyenne, WY; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents; an infant son, Donald Allen; son, Dennis Fairweather; sister, Connie Thorne; brothers, Derlin Griffin Jr., Dave Griffin and Tom Griffin; stepchildren, Beth Havens and Preston Havens III.
Memorials may be made to Great Plains Hospice and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be Monday April 15, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Bob Teeters officiating at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book today from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Terry William Weeks, 66, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died April 9, 2013 in Omaha, NE.

He was born December 13, 1946 in Gothenburg, NE, son of Robert Lee and Dorothy Mae (Rose) Weeks. By the age of six Terry had lost both of his parents. His aunt Ellen raised him. Ellen was very special to Terry and he was able to care for her as she got older.

Terry grew up in Gothenburg and graduated from Gothenburg High, class of 1965. Terry went to Denver for two years of drafting school at ITT. He married Marsha Werner on March 7, 1969 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Gothenburg. To this union a daughter Ramona was born. Terry worked for Monroe Auto Equipment for 40 years. Terry was a member of the JC’s. He loved Nascar, Husker football, and Sandra Bullock movies.

He is survived by his wife Marsha Weeks; daughter Ramona (Brian) Wellmann; two granddaughters Kerry and Kasey all of Gothenburg, NE; extended family includes: sisters-in-law Monie (Dick) Martin of Redmond, OR; Joyce Sabin of Gothenburg, NE; Norma (Bob) Richards of Cozad, NE; Mary Buesing of Cozad, NE; brother-in-law Larry (Janice) Werner of Cozad, NE; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family & friends.

Terry was preceded in death by his parents Robert Lee and Dorothy Mae Weeks; mother-in-law Doris Werner-Earl; brothers-in-law, Terry Werner and Leo Sabin; aunt & uncle, Ellen & Brown Weeks; special friend, Cora Devine.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, April 12, 2013 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm.

Funeral services will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at 2:30 pm with Pastor Larry Viter officiating.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Volunteer Fire Department 602 Tenth Street Gothenburg, NE 69138 or , ALS Association National Headquarters, 1275 K Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, DC 20005. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Don Clinton Arnold, age 58, passed away peacefully at his home with his wife at his side April 9, 2013 in North Platte.
Don was born in Sutherland, NE on May 7, 1954 to Vance and Marjorie (Bierma) Arnold. Following his graduation from Sutherland High School in 1972 he attended the University of Nebraska and graduated from it’s College of Pharmacy in 1978.
He was united in marriage to Cynthia Price on August 25, 1979 for 24 years. To this union was born two sons, Daniel Alan and David Michael. A son, Graham David was born to Dan and Sarah on July 17, 2011. Graham brought much joy to Don’s life. Don met Mary Larson in 2004 and married her on September 30, 2005. He immediately fell in love with Mary’s family and took them into his heart. The couple spent 7 ½ wonderful years together.
Don was in partnership with family at Arnold Drug Company for 20 years. In 1998, after the closing of the store, he was employed by Westfield Pharmacy and later at U-Save Pharmacy. Don loved being a pharmacist and enjoyed serving his community.
At one time Don was President of the Nebraska Pharmacy Association. He is past President of the Sutherland Chamber of Commerce, Sutherland Hospital Board and was a member of the Sutherland School Board. He served as an elder of the Presbyterian Church, he belonged to the Volunteer Firemen and served as an EMT on the ambulance crew for many years.
Don is survived by his wife Mary; her daughter and grandchildren, Michelle, and Casey and Kaitlin Sterling of North Platte; sons Daniel (Sarah) Arnold and grandson Graham David of Lincoln, NE, David (Tiffany) Arnold of Omaha; his parents Marjorie and Vance Arnold of Sutherland; brothers Kenton (Katy) Arnold of North Platte, Gregory (special friend Sheila Morgan) Arnold of Parker, CO, Jeffrey (Kandyce) Arnold of Fremont, NE; and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Don was preceded in death by his grandparents Leonard and Nora Arnold and Dick and Nellie Bierma; aunts, uncles and cousins.
Don’s family extends their sincere appreciation to Bill Snodgrass who has been a wonderful boss, mentor and friend to Don through the years. Bill’s friendship and integrity enriched Don’s life in many ways. We thank you.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Don’s name and on line condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Cremation was chosen. Services will be held at the United Methodist Church in Sutherland at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday April 13, 2013 with the Pastor Ja Welsh officiating. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Thursday and Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Ione Marie Schrader, age 67 of Sutherland, passed away April 4, 2013.
Ione was born on April 27, 1945 in Tilden, NE to John and Beatrice (Heithoff) Richart. She graduated from Neligh High School in 1963. She raised her family in Sutherland. In 1978 Ione went to work for NPPD. She officially retired from there in 2011. She was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland. She enjoyed baking, canning, gardening and quilting. She also enjoyed riding motorcycles, going fishing and spending time with her family.
Ione is survived by her children Kelly (Dick) Lutz of Sutherland, Greg Schrader of Wyoming and Norman Schrader of Ogallala; sisters Shirley (Dennis) Bartleson, Germaine (Dewayne) Voborny; brother Leroy Richart; grandchildren Mary Lutz, Julie and Travis Schrader, Brandon, Josh, DJ and Lindsay Schrader; several nieces, nephews, and other family members; and her beloved dog Pookie.
Ione was preceeded in death by her parents.
Memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Christian wake services will be held Friday April 12, 2013 at 7:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Sutherland. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday April 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. at Sacred Heart with the Reverend James Novakowski officiating. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements. Inurnment will follow at Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland. The family requests those attending to wear casual attire.

Raymond Lester Swanson, 92, of North Platte, NE, died of natural causes on April 5, 2013, in North Platte.

Raymond was born June 25, 1920, in Genoa, NE to Elmer Frederick and Ethel Anna Marie (Lundgren) Swanson. He was the oldest child and had 13 brothers and sisters. He was industrious and always ready to lend a hand. His work ethic, based on the need to support his family, steered his course throughout his life. As a young man he was an excellent horseman and worked on threshing crews across the Great Plains of Nebraska.

Most people who have known Ray later in life would find it hard to believe that he was a shy, bashful boy. He got his sister, Jean, involved in order to meet and court Phyllis Esau who he married February 26, 1941, in Osceola, NE. Their children are Judie, Jerry, Rod and Rona. Ray served in the US Army during W.W.II in the Pacific.

He and Phyllis lived on a farm with Vernon and Arlene Swansonnear Osceola. After a tornado destroyed the farm, they moved to Lincoln, NE where he delivered Omar Bread and played baseball. Later they lived in GrandIsland, NE where he owned Swanson TV and Appliance. Phyllis succumbed to cancer in 1966.

Ray then married Laura Lee. Ray also became legal guardian of Dona and Deanna Esau. Together Ray and Laura became the first house parents at the Nebraska Children’s Home in Culbertson, NE. Tragically, Laura passed away from cancer in November 1971.

It was then that Ray met Donna (Johnson) Hinton. They were married on January 8, 1972, and shared 41 wonderful years together. Donna’s children – Deloit, Bernita, Everett, Lorraine and Laurence became Ray’s children as well. They have lived in Culbertson, Indianola, McCook and Wauneta, NE where he helped on the Wesley Wheeler ranch (in his retirement from age 62 to 82), and he also served as the preacher at Wauneta and Stratton Churches of Christ. They later moved to North Platte where they have lived the last 10 years and are members of the Church of Christ (Walker Road).

Realizing the challenge to keep the families connected, Ray and Donna organized a reunion every other year at the Nebraska Youth Camp in Kearney. For more than 30 years, the Swansons and Hintons have converged together at that spot in August. Sharing rousing games, laughter and the play of children, grandchildren and then great-grandchildren as they swam, ran and played built precious memories together.

Those who have had the privilege of knowing Ray will recount the broad grin, firm handshake that was his bond, and the integrity that marked his life. To say that Ray was competitive in a game of cards is a vast understatement, but he was also invariably kind and tenderhearted to those who needed a leg up in life.

Ray was a devout follower of Christ and blessed many lives with his generous ways, willingness to serve and the sharing of his faith. While he was not a gifted crooner himself, he loved the hymns of the Church and took joy in participating in worship services and daily Bible study.

A life well lived, all 92 years of it, and now he has entered into rest. He fought the good fight, he has finished his course and will hear the words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

Ray is survived by his wife, Donna (Hinton)Swanson, of North Platte;four siblings, Phyllis Schick, of Columbus,OH , Maxine (Joe) Haun, of Polk, NE,Jimmy (Joan) Swanson, of Hordville,NE and Rosalee (Red)Paulson, of McMinnville, OR; and his children, Judie (Larry) Brewster of Worland, WY, Jerry (Donna) Swanson of Loveland, CO,Rod (Connie) Swanson of Foster City, CA, Rona (Sam) Swanson of Visalia, CA, Deloit (Carol) Hintonof Pleasonton, CA, Bernita (John)Owens of Stockville, NE, Everett (Ann) Hinton of Hastings, NE,Lorraine (Hinton) Herrick of Champion, NE, Laurence (Tamara) of North Platte, Dona (Lahi) Songbandi of Aurora, CO and DeAnna (Jerry)Rains ofDenver, CO.

With Ray’s 4 children, his wife, Donna’s 5 children, the 29 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren, 4 great great-grandchildren and the next great great-grandchild due in June, that will make 100 descendants.

Also preceding him in death were his parents, Elmer and Marie Swanson; nine siblings; and a granddaughter, Rebekah Swanson.

Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, April 11, 2013, at the Church of Christ (Walker Road). Burial will be Friday in Westlawn Memorial Park in Grand Island, NE. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. Memorials are suggested to Nebraska Youth Camp, Mountain States Children’s Home or House of Compassion. Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.