Eleanor Mann Sitorius, 97, a long-time resident of the Gothenburg area, died Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 at Stone Hearth Estates, Gothenburg.

She was born December 9, 1915 in Steamboat Springs to Albert A. and Annie Jane Mann as the next to the youngest in the large family of 10 children. She graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1933 and worked for several years at Potter’s Pharmacy.

On June 30, 1940, she married Romaine J. Sitorius. They lived in Texas and California while Romaine was in the Army and in Omaha, Nebraska after WWII. In 1950 they moved back to Gothenburg and the farm with their three daughters. In 1989, they retired and moved off the farm and into Gothenburg.

Eleanor was a member of the United Methodist Church, attended regularly, and served in many Methodist Women’s Society positions over the years. She was a 4-H Leader as her daughters were growing up and a member of P.E.O. later in life. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed reading.

She is survived by her three daughters, Susan Monk of Denver, GO, Jane (Patrick) Veress of Cambridge, England, and Sally (Wally) Trimble of Gothenburg, NE; three grandchildren, Justin Monk of Denver, CO; Molly (Marc) Logemann of Omaha, NE, Sheridan Trimble of North Platte, NE. She has five great-grandchildren, Jordon Monk,Jadon Monk, Layla Monk all of Denver, CO and Schuyler Logemann and Ryder Logemann of Omaha, NE; along with numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Romaine who died in 1998; her parents and her six brothers and three sisters. Frances (Wesley) Poulson, George(Ruth) Mann, Ralph (Susie) Mann, Horace (Mildred) Mann, Lawrence (Ruby) Mann, Alberta (Chet) Stumpff, Mary (Stan) Tederman, Milton (Vivian), Arthur Mann.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, NE 69138

Memorial Service: Monday, April 8, 2013, 11:30 AM, First United Methodist Church, 1401 Lake Ave, Gothenburg, Nebraska with Dr. Jeff Thurman and Rev. Donna Dudley Officiating..

Private family internment, prior to services, will be in Fort McPherson National Cemetery at Maxwell where she will be buried next to Romaine.

Donald B. “Don” Klase age 85 a Sandhills Rancher of Hyannis, NE passed away March 30, 2013 at his daughter’s home in Gering, NE after a brave battle with cancer surrounded by family and friends.
Don was born on May 1, 1927 in Davenport, WA to Bernard and Winifred (Ogilive) Klase. He spent his early childhood in San Diego, CA and moved to his beloved Sandhills at the age of 14. He graduated High School in Curtis, NE in 1945.
In his younger days he was a skilled hunter. He guided elk hunting trips outside of Cody, WY. He also spent a year working colts in New Mexico. However, he missed his Sandhills and moved home for good returning to the family ranch in 1957. Soon after, he met his wife to be Lily May Sipes on a blind date. They were married on January 23, 1961 in Kansas City, MO, a marriage lasting 52 years. Don and Lily were blessed with four children. His family all remembers him as a wise and wonderful husband and father. Don was a hardworking rancher. There was little that he could not repair or build and he especially enjoyed being a faithful Steward of the Lord.
Don is survived by wife Lily, children; Kent and Karen Dunovan, Scottsbluff, NE, Christy and Bruce Griffith, Longmont CO, Jack and Judy Klase, Boulder, CO, and Amy Klase, Longmont, CO. Grandchildren; Kyle, Megan and Shannon Dunovan, Austin, Lislie, Monica and Victor Griffith, Benjamin and Samuel Klase and Sawyer Foster-Klase; sister Pat Hayward.
He is preceded in death by parents Bernard and Winifred Klase and Aunt Martha Gladden.
Arrangements are made through Mullen Funeral Home.
Memorials are directed to American Cancer Society or the Hyannis United Church of Christ.
Services are Thursday, Aril 4th at 2 PM MDT at United Church of Christ at Hyannis. Burial will be in the Hyannis Cemetery.

Barbara E. “Bobbie” Fulton, age 105 of North Platte, passed away Tuesday March 26, 2013.
Bobbie was born on 10/20/1907 in Hooper, NE to Will and Emelia (Dressen) Rodgers.
On July 7, 1927 she married Bart Fulton and moved to California where they had two daughters. They moved back to Hooper in 1930 where one son and two daughters were born. In 1941 they moved to Omaha, NE. After becoming a widow in 1945 she went to work at Samuel Cleaners and Tailor Shop in South Omaha. Bobbie moved to Ralston, NE in 1956 and then to North Platte in 1970 to be close to her family. She worked at Masters Cleaners and Buffalo Bill Manor for several years. She moved to Linden Estates in 2001 and then to Linden Court in 2010. She was a hospital volunteer for many years, contributing over 2000 hours. She loved to sew and made over 1000 afghans. She made babies’ hats and lap robes for the hospital and vets’ home. She was known as “Grandma Bob” to everyone that knew her. In October of 2003 she received her 75 year Royal Neighbors of American pin, which she was very proud of. On her 100th birthday she received the key to two cities, Hooper and North Platte. She was also an honorary member in the Nebraska Navy.
Bobbie is survived by three daughters, Peggy (Richard) Buras of Ralston, NE, Meady Fulton of Omaha, NE, Mary (Paul) Zarkowski of North Platte; daughter in law Jan Allen of Valley, NE; son in law Don Nelsen of Omaha, NE, a very close and dear friend, Wanda (Ron) Malone of O’Fallon, MO; 14 grandchildren Don “Skip” (Sue) Nelsen of Houston, TX, Cheri Nelsen of Cary Lake, IL, Mark (Tammy) Nelsen of Sidney, NE, Lori Kauai of Omaha, NE, Rick Buras of Ralston, NE, David (Susan) Buras of Gilbert, AZ, Jerry (Johannah) Buras of Omaha, NE, Margaret (Mike) Wakefield of Omaha, NE, Jean (Kim) Riley of North Platte, Janet Kilmer of Valley, NE, Johnny (Richelle) Allen of Elkhorn, NE, Jeff (Louise) Allen of Valley, NE, Paulet (Paul) Gaboury of McCook, NE, Rob (Marilyn) Zarkowski of Benkelman, NE; 26 great grandchildren; and 6 great great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband; son Barty; daughter Barbara Nelsen; grandson Phillip Buras; son in laws Paul Zarkowski and Richard Buras; three sisters and one brother.
A memorial has been established in her name and online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. A memorial book signing, with the family present, will be held Friday March 29 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

Elna Berthe (Petersen) Kibben, 100, of Curtis, died March 24, 2013, at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook.
She was born Feb. 8, 1913 in Norman, daughter of Nels and Dorthea (Jensen) Petersen. Elna grew up in Norman until she was five years old, when her family moved to Curtis. On July 10, 1935, Elna married Oliver Kibben at Curtis, they then moved to the family ranch at New Raymer, Colo.
Elna’s happiest days were raising her three daughters, Carol, Sandy and Janet, on the ranch. The family returned to Curtis in 1963. Elna enjoyed traveling to numerous states and countries. She went to Alaska several times to visit her daughter, Carol. She enjoyed reading books, knitting and crocheting, but most important of all was her family. She felt that raising a good family was the most important job a person could ever have. Elna was involved in PEO, was a 4-H leader, was active with Frontier Co. Extension Club and was a 50-year member of the United Methodist Church.
Elna was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Kibben; her parents, Nels and Dorthea Petersen; her brother, Harry Petersen; her sister, Doris McKinney; and her infant sister, Vera Peterson.
Surviving are her daughters, Carol (David) Unruh, of Moab, Utah, Sandy Stencel, of Curtis, and Janet Kohl, of Berthoud, Colo.; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; four great-great grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Kathleen Marshall; and a host of extended family and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 402 Center Ave., Curtis, NE 69025 or the Curtis Public Library, PO Box 29, Curtis, NE 69025. Online condolences may be shared at blasestrauser.com.
Services will be at 2 p.m., Thursday, March 28, at First United Methodist Church with the Rev. Bonnie Forney officiating. Burial will follow at the Curtis Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 pm., today, at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Curtis, which is in charge of the arrangements.

Tamie Engle, 50, of North Platte, passed away March 24, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.
She was born to Jerry and Barbara (Skidmore) Engle on June 7, 1962, in Wichita, Kan.
She graduated from Wichita Heights High School and worked as a CNA and Activities Director in nursing homes in Kansas and Colorado. She lived in southeast Kansas and Rifle, Colo., before moving to North Platte in 2011.
A very special thank you to her sister, Amy, for all the loving care she gave her during the time of her illness.
She was preceded by her life partner of many years, Don Gould; grandparents, Eldon and Carolyn Skidmore and Ernest and Helen Engle.
She is survived by her son, Jason (Timi) Kerschen, of Cozad; her daughter, Megan (David) Engle Boles, of El Dorado, Kan.; six grandchildren, Bella and Draven Kerschen, Nicole, Ashley, Kaitlyn and Colin Boles; her mother and step-father, Barbara (Jerry) Jobes, of Pittsburg, Kan.; two brothers, Mark (Julie) Engle, of Pittsburg, Kan., and Kelly (Angie) Jobes, of Joplin, Mo.; two sisters, Kathy Newman, of Springfield, Mo., and Amy (Barry) Carl, of North Platte; her father and step-mother, Jerry (Sharon) Engle, of Wichita, Kan.; sister, Angela (Joe) DeShon, of Columbus, Ohio; and brothers, Chris (Tina) Engle, of Leon, Kan., and Todd (Carla) Engle, of Wichita, Kan.; and two special friends, Teri and Theresa; they called themselves “The Three T’s” since grade school years.
Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.
Services will be at 11 a.m., Monday, April 1, at Sheffield Cemetery in Arcadia, Kan. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of local arrangements.

Elsie Mae Derra passed away on Oct. 24, 2012, two days after her 96th birthday, at Peppie’s Hospice House in Tucson, Ariz.
Elsie Mae was a great seamstress who made many people happy with wedding dresses, crochet table cloths, baptism dresses and quilts.
Elsie Mae was preceded in death by her son, Dallas; and her spouse of more than 60 years, Virgil; and two sisters, Veda Marie and Mary Alice.
She is survived by her four daughters, Dilla (Larry) Goedert, of St Charles, Mo., DeLene Derra, of Tucson, Ariz., DeEtta (Jerry) Wancewicz, of Omaha, and Delsie Fuqua, of Carrollton, Texas; 17 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and great great-grandchildren.
There will be a family and friends celebration of life at Easter time in Gothenburg. There will be a mass at 10:30 a.m., followed with breakfast, on Monday, April 1, at Lady of God Council Catholic Church, 1915 Ave. J, Gothenburg.
Elsie Mae will be laid to rest at Floral Lawns Cemetery in North Platte. There will be no graveside service.

Paul Ronald Befort, 59, passed away March 21, 2013, at his home in Truth and Consequences, N.M.
Paul was born on July 17, 1953, to Alice and Ronald Befort in North Platte.
He was united in marriage to Carol Grow on Feb. 25, 1984. Paul was a man of many hats in his lifetime. He was trained in electronics, a North Platte Firefighter/Paramedic, owner of the Platte Valley Fire Equipment and owner operator of Befort Photography with his wife, Carol, in North Platte.
Paul was preceded in death by his father, Ronald Befort; his father-in-law, Charles Grow; and his grandparents.
Paul is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Carol; daughter, Lea (Paul) MacLeod; mother, Alice (Joe) Ratziaff; brother, John (Barbara) Befort; grandson, Shane MacLeod; brothers-in-law, Paul (Linda) Grow, David (Pam) Grow; mother-in-law, Mary Alice Grow; many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Condolences can be sent to Carol Befort at 610 Corona, Truth and Consequences, N.M. 87901.
Cremation was chosen. Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Masonic Lodge, where services are pending.

Sandra Marie Fisher, 56, of North Platte, NE, passed away Monday, March 18, 2013, at her home in North Platte.

Sandy was born March 25, 1956, at Wheatridge, CO to Kenneth Dale and Mildred Marie Weigman Nelson. She grew up in Golden, CO where she received her education. Sandy worked in Colorado before moving to North Platte in 1994 where she worked at Personal Touch and Herbergers for several years.

On July 27, 1996, Sandy married Kent Allan Fisher in Las Vegas, NV and they made their home in North Platte. Sandy loved taking care of her animals, Max, her dog and Sophie and Lilly, her cats.

Sandy is survived by her husband, Kent, of North Platte; her parents, Kenneth and Mildred Nelson, of Golden, CO; a sister, Kim (Mike) Rutherford, of Webbers Falls, OK; two brothers, Bob (Deb) Nelson, of Arvada, CO and Steve Nelson, of Golden, CO; a brother-in-law, C.W. Chapman, of Webbers Falls, OK; several nieces, nephews and other family.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Sue Chapman.

Cremation was chosen. A memorial service will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30, 2013, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Pastor Timothy Adams officiating. Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com or during book signing on Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.

Gordon L. Zeigler, 69, of North Platte, passed away March 20, 2013 at Great Plains Regional Medical Center. He was born August 12, 1943 to Orville D. and Bernece B. (Newbry) Zeigler at Cozad, NE. He attended school in North Platte and served in the United States Navy. On August 9, 1973, he was united in marriage to Phyllis Kuehl. Gordon was employed by the City of North Platte for over 30 years. He was a gun enthusiast and vice president of the Platte River Sportsman’s Club He will be dearly missed by his wife, Phyllis of North Platte; his children, Christina (Randy) Cauffman, Dixie (Russell) Dahlgren, David Zeigler and Dwayne Lee (Brenda Reichman) Zeigler all of North Platte; a brother, Lyle of Pembine, Wisc, two sisters, Marilyn Miller and Virginia (John) Spencer both of North Platte; grandchildren, Joshua, Andrew and Daryl Cauffman, Megan and Makenzie Dahlgren and Erin Zeigler; a great grandson, Cameron Cauffman; other relatives and many friends young and old. He is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, David, Mark and Mike. A memorial has been established. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com Private family services will be held at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Orvin Henry Stevens, 89, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died March 19, 2013 in Gothenburg, NE.

He was born June 7, 1923 near Gothenburg, in Dawson County, NE, son of Peter and Mary (Fickenscher) Stevens.

Orvin was baptized July 8, 1923 and was confirmed on March 17, 1940 at the Christ Lutheran Church, northeast of Gothenburg. Orvin attended Valley School and graduated from Gothenburg High School. He married Lorene Grace Jobman on November 23, 1947, they adopted two children. Lorene preceded him in death after 56 years of marriage.

Ovrin married Shirley Province on December 24, 2005 at Presbyterian Church in Gothenburg.

Orvin was an active lifetime member of the American Lutheran Church. He served on various committees and church council, and was also a Sunday School Superintendent. He was on the 100R school board for 6 years. He was a farmer and rancher until his retirement. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Surviving are wife, Shirley Stevens; daughter, Renee (Frank) Cordova; granddaughters Becky (Jeremy) Bartels and Jennifer Cordova, grandson Franky Cordova; seven great-grandchildren; step daughters Sherry (David) Heun, Nancy (Bruce) Ouderkirk, Linda Province and Patti Vesley; nine step grandchildren and 18 step great grandchildren; brother-in-law Paul Johnson, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Orvin was preceded in death by first wife, Lorene Stevens; parents; son, Harlan Stevens; brothers Albert, Edward and Richard; sisters Rosena Franzen, Marie Ellison, Katherine Vieselmeyer, Tillie Johnson and step granddaughter Kelly Jo Stalder.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, March 21, 2013 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm, with the family present from 5-7.

Funeral Services will be held at American Lutheran Church, Friday, March 22, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor Tom Wilson, Rev. Matt Coplen, and Lonna Grabenstein PMA officiating.

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

Memorials may be given to the American Lutheran Church, 1512 Avenue G, Gothenburg, NE 69138 or Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

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