Mildred (Millie) Elnora Schledewitz of Gothenburg, NE passed peacefully on February 9, 2013 at Milder Manor in Lincoln, NE at the age of 88. She married John Schledewitz on July 20, 1941 and spent her life as a farmer’s wife for 66 years which she loved. She always took pride in the fact that she was such a hard worker. She worked on the farm side-by-side with her husband John beginning in Scottsbluff, NE and finally settling in Maxwell, NE in 1968, where they resided until retiring in 1995 when they moved to Gothenburg, NE. They were sugar beet farmers earning several top awards. While living in Maxwell, Mildred ran a ceramic business in her home and always loved crocheting selling her works at craft shows. She taught Sunday school for several years and worked with the American Lutheran Church quilting circle for many years. For fun she ALWAYS loved bowling which she did for 50 years and is proud of her many trophies. She and John loved polkaing and in 1987, Mildred was queen of the German American Club.

She was preceded in death by her husband John (2007); her parents Jake and Frieda Weinmaster, brothers Hank, Elmer, Carl, Jake and Delbert; and a sister Martha Kuhlman. She was also preceded in death by her great grandson Derek Henry and Joe Klein.

She is survived by 3 children JoAnn (Alan) Rosse of Lincoln, John (Donna) Schledewitz, and Larry (Sue) Schledewitz of Maxwell, NE. Eight grandchildren Mitch (Diane) Gregg, Kelly Henry, Jill (Jim) Falcon, Johnny Schledewitz, Janet Schledewitz, Aaron (Teri) Schledewitz, Amber (Bruce) Schledewitz-Watson and Samantha Schledewitz; and 11 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Also survived by sisters Helen Kuhlman (Kimball, NE); Elsie Mason (Milton Freewater, OR); Barb Steffensen (Gering, NE); Delores Sell (Glennville, AZ); Sheron Dinnel (Scottsbluff, NE); and brother Rex Weinmaster (Hoffman, MN).

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, February 12, 2013 1:00 pm – 10:00 am.

Funeral Services will be held at the American Luther Church, 1512 Avenue G in Gothenburg, NE on Wednesday, February 13 at 10:00 am with Pastor Tom Wilson, Lonna Grabenstein PMA officiating.

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

Memorials are established to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, 1500 S 70th Street, Suite 201, Lincoln, NE 68506 and the Maxwell Scholarship Fund.

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

Gladys E. “Bea” Norman, 71, passed away February 7, 2013. Gladys was born to Ivan and Wilma (Schaal) Smelker February 14, 1941 in a sod home in Bethune, Colorado. Gladys graduated from Stratton Colorado High School in 1959. Gladys met Harry Norman, the love of her life, in Stratton and they were united in marriage for 53 years. They settled in North Platte, Nebraska, and raised four children. Gladys then attended Mid Plains Community College, graduating in 1985 with a degree in Accounting. After her graduation she went to work for Lutheran Family Services for many years. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Wilma Smelker; her mother-in-law, Ora Norman; a brother Gerry Smelker and a great grandson, Nolan Petersen. She is survived by her loving husband, Harry; three daughters, Diana (Todd) Petersen of Denver, Trina (Eric) Mooneyham of Albuquerque and Rhonda (James) Bopp of Lincoln; one son, Steve (Teresa) Norman of North Platte; six granddaughters, Sarah (Sean) Hull, Carey Petersen, Alanna Petersen, Natalie (Matt) Schneider, Mariah Bopp and Anah Bopp; five grandsons, Matthew (Angela) Petersen, Ryan Hill, Noah Hill, Greggory Norman and Grant Norman; three great grandchildren, Alexander and Abbigail Hull and great grandbaby Schneider, two brothers, Doyle (Chris) Smelker, Charles (Marilyn) Smelker; one sister, Delores (Leroy) Rehor; and three sister-in-laws, Lela Smelker, Ardith Sexson, and Marilyn Jones. Gladys was an amazing woman, wife, mother, granny, great granny and friend and will be missed dearly by those who love her. She will be in our hearts forever. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to The American Heart Association or The American Cancer Research. There will be no visitation. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m. Monday, February 11, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy B. Doherty, 85, of North Platte, passed away February 6, 2013, at Linden Court, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by her family. She was born Aug. 22, 1927 in Shidler, OK, to Albert and Louise (Holt) Beisch. In 1946, she graduated from Ogallala High School. After graduation, Dorothy worked as a Telephone Operator for the Northwestern Bell Telephone Company in Ogallala. On September 28, 1947, she married Jack F. Doherty in Ogallala at the Congregational Church. From 1947 to 1956 they owned Doherty’s Sporting and Appliance Store. In 1956, the Doherty family moved to North Platte, where they purchased the business of Valley Distributing Company. The moved to Brady in 1976 and established The Dottie B. Limousine Cattle Ranch. The moved back to North Platte after retiring in 1997. She was an avid bridge player and belonged to several bridge clubs. She enjoyed collecting antiques, trying new recipes and decorating her homes. Survivors include three daughters, Pamela Sellers of North Platte, Margie (Bill) Nowak of Lincoln and Peggy (Virgil) Burke of Canon City, CO; a son, Patrick of North Platte; 22 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and two sisters, June Salvey of Salem, OR and Jean Dillon of Portland, OR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; daughter, Michelle Perez; a great grandson, Marcus Sellers; her parents and a brother, Richard Beisch. Memorials are suggested to the Wounded Warriors Fund. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, February 11, 2013 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Polly K. Deppen officiating. Private family inurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to sign Dorothy’s memorial book may do so from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday and Monday prior to services at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Wayne Cook, 81, of Gothenburg, died Feb. 4, 2013, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg.
Don was born to Wayne Stuart and Olive Alice (Benson) Cook July 10, 1931, at Cozad. He attended and graduated from Cozad High School in 1949. He then attended a trade school in Omaha for one year and went to work as a railroad depot employee June 2, 1950. On March 13, 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force for a four-year stint, spending time in California, Mississippi, Adak in the Aleutian Islands, Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska, and New Mexico. He was honorably discharged at Albuquerque, N.M., March 12, 1956. Don, “Hooter,” as he was known on the railroad, then resumed with the Union Pacific at Gothenburg and retired after 42 years as Telegraph Operator and Freight Agent.
On Sept. 12, 1954, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Gothenburg, he was united in marriage with Alverda L. Sommer and to this union two daughters were born, Debra and Sandra. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, going to coffee with old friends, local sports, and especially Nebraska football, belonging to the Touchdown Club and was a charter member of the Husker Power Club. Don served on various local committees and with Dawson County Selective Service System until 1975. He was a member of the American Legion Post No. 64 at Gothenburg and was a member of the American Lutheran Church.
Don was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Marion Eilers; brother-in-law, Richard Eilers; and nephew, Brian Eilers.
He is survived by his wife, Alverda; two daughters, Debra (David) Clark and Sandra (Lonnie) Warner; a granddaughter, Ashley Clark (Rob) Micek, of Grand Island; three grandsons, Jed Clark, of Aurora, Colo., Adam Warner, of Kearney, and Caleb (Stephanie) Warner and their daughter, Dakota, of Gothenburg. He is also survived by two nephews, David Eilers, of Overton, Mark Eilers of Seward; and a sister-in-law, Arleen Gifford, of North Platte.
Memorials are suggested to the American Lutheran Church, 1512 Avenue G, Gothenburg, NE 69138; Meals on Wheels, 410 20th Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138; or to the donor’s choice. To sign the online guest book, go to blasestrauser.com
Services will be at 2 p.m., Friday, Feb. 8, at the American Lutheran Church with Pastor Tom Wilson and Lonna Grabenstein PMA officiating. Interment will follow at the Gothenburg Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., today, at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg.

Edward H. Halverson, Jr., age 64, currently of Arthur, Nebraska, passed away on Monday, February 4, 2013 at his home.
Rosary and Wake Services followed by the Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9th at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala, Nebraska with Father Bryan Ernest as celebrant. A military tribute will be presented by the Keith County Veteran’s Honor Guard.
Committal services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, February 11th at the Black Hills National Cemetery at Sturgis, SD with military honors.
Ed was born on December 31, 1948 in Vermillion, SD, the son of Ed and Betty (Nelson) Halverson. He was raised along with his two sisters and brother in Wakonda, SD. After graduating high school he served in the US Army from 1968 thru 1970.
Ed married Neta Raker in April of 1969. They had two sons, Cory, who died at infancy, and Justin Halverson. Ed was an awarded Veteran of the Vietnam War receiving the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with DVC, and the Sharpshooter (M-14 and M-16 rifles). Upon returning back to the States in 1970 he was in the Army Reserves based in Fort Riley, KS until 1974. He and Neta returned to Scotland, SD and raided their son Justin. Over the years Ed’s occupations have consisted of construction work, farming, gas transporting, over the road truck driving and currently ranching.
Ed enjoyed riding horseback. Whether it was on a cattle drive or gathering the herd for branding he was always willing to saddle up his horse! He also enjoyed helping Justin Suhn and all fellow Special Olympians with horseback riding, bowling and numerous other events. Rodeos, of course, have always been a huge highlight for Ed. He and his very special friend, Barb Rinehart, have traveled many of miles to watch a rodeo. They made it out to Pendleton, OR this fall for the Pendleton Roundup and Rodeo. That was a great time for Ed. They also shared many trips out to Las Vegas for the NFR and for two weeks each year went to the Cheyenne Frontier Days for the parades and rodeo performances. During Ed’s adventures thru life he has met many people all of whom call him a friend. He has shared many laughs and jokes with all his neighbors and family. He treasured sharing trucking stories with his son, Justin, and all his great trucking friends. He made many memories with his friends and family attending rodeos, wild horse races and ranch rodeo team penning contests. Some friends knew him as Fast Eddie and others called him Hoppy. He really enjoyed branding season as they call it in Arthur County. Every spring the neighbors get together to brand each other’s calves. Ed loved every minute of it. He enjoyed watching all the young kids wrestle the calves and sharing a joke with all his neighbors. Ed’s great sense of humor, endless smile and unforgettable laugh will be forever missed by everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his son Justin Halverson of Hartford, SD; special friend Barb Rinehart of Arthur, NE; brother John (Christina) Halverson of Lennox, SD; sisters Margo (Lyle) Berens of Parker, SD and Lisa Medena of Tea, SD; aunts Patty Halverson of Madison, SD and Mary Halverson of Yankton, SD; Justin Suhn of Arthur; Todd, Wendy, Slate and Zoey Suhn of Hermosa, SD; Randy, Karie, Kail, Shahayla and Tiayla Suhn of Riverton, WY; Beau, Jerrian and Cye Franzen of Sidney, MT. He was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Betty Halverson, infant son Cory Halverson and his grandparents and two uncles.
Memorials may be made to the Tri County Special Olympics or the Scotland Rodeo Club in his memory. The Gubser Funeral Home of Ogallala and the Black Hills Funeral Home of Sturgis, SD are in charge of arrangements.

Steve Burns, 61, passed away at his home on February 5, 2013, surrounded by his family. Steve, the oldest of six children, was born in Grand Island, Nebraska to Harold and Vivian Burns. He attended Grand Island Central Catholic where he met some of his lifelong friends and was a charter member of the Hamburger Squad. Steve worked for the Union Pacific and moved to North Platte in 1978 with his young family. In 2005 he married his best friend and true love, Jackie Murray. Steve retired from the Union Pacific in 2011 to pursue his full time job as a loving grandpa. Steve loved to travel, take photographs, tell stories, golf with his buddies, wrestle with his grand kids, complete projects around the house and garden, and camp in the Snowy Mountains in Wyoming. He was a big guy with an even bigger heart and his spirit and strength were something to admire. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Vivian, and his sister, Nancy Burns. He is survived by his wife Jackie; children Sam Burns, Amy Burns (Opie Ferguson), Tina Johnson (Ryan), and Kelly Garrett; siblings Gary Burns (Sandy), Mary Schultz (Jerry), John Burns (Candi), and Jean Carstensen (Tom); grandchildren Cooper, Owen, Lauren, Tanner, Jackson, and Courtland; 11 nieces and nephews; and, the best friends a guy could ask for. A celebration of Steve’s life will be 7:00 pm Friday at the Quality Inn and Suites. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Saturday, February 9, 2013 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Cremation will follow services at the church. Visitation will be 5 to 8 pm Thursday, 8:30 am to 5 pm Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel and prior to service at the church on Saturday. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com

Audrey Fae Grunden Krone, 82 of Gothenburg died on February 5, 2013 at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE.

Audrey was born July 9, 1930 to Forrest and Blanche Grunden, north of Curtis in Frontier County. She was the third of four children.

Audrey attended District 76 School. She attended and graduated from NSA in Curtis in 1947. Upon graduation, she taught at the Austin Country School, located north of Ingham. She also taught at District 4 for 1 year following her marriage to Ed Krone on July 9, 1948.

Ed and Audrey lived their married days on the Krone place located 7 miles north of Moorefield and were blessed with 5 children: Emilyn Kay, Edward Robert Jr, Cheryn Sue, Donna Jo and Mary Rose.

Audrey was an active partner on the family farm and in the neighborhood. She attended the Church of God in Moorefield, was a 4-H parent of the Tri County 4-H Club in Lincoln County, a member of the Farnam School Board, the Neighborly Belles Extension Club, Frontier County Extension Vice and Chairman, Lincoln County Election Board and employed at the Huss Livestock Sale Barn in Curtis.

Ed and Audrey enjoyed many years on the farm north of Moorefield, hosting many card parties and other neighborly get-togethers at the White House.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Forrest & Blanche Grunden, brother Harold Grunden, husband Ed Krone, granddaughter Elizabeth Stevens and son in law, Kim Stevens.

Survivors include: Daughter Kay of Curtis, son, Ed & Deb of Gothenburg, daughters, Cheryn & Gerald of Maysville Oklahoma, Donna Stevens of Kearney, Mary & Nick Klintworth of Moorefield. Grandchildren: Lori & Chad Kolbo of Gothenburg, Susan & Brock Massin of Lincoln, Travis & Jessica Beck of Portales New Mexico, Dayna & Nathan Sukraw of Wichita, Kansas, Chaunci & Erica Beck of Ponchatoula, Louisiana, McKenzie Stevens of Omaha, Nathan Stevens of Lincoln and John & Ryan Klintworth of Moorefield and 9 great-grandchildren

We remember her vitality in life, her thirst for education. Rest in Peace Mom and Grandma, you’re finally free of the worn and disease ridden body and flying free. We Love You.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, February 07, 2013 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm, with the family present from 2-4.

Funeral services will be held at First United Methodist Church, 402 Center, Curtis, NE, February 8, 2013 at 10:00 am with Rev. Bonnie Forney, Pastor Brian Nicklas officiating.

Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the National Parkinson Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 5018, Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018 or Donor’s Choice. To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com.

Margaret A. Peterson, 72, passed away Feb. 3, 2013, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
She was born Jan. 7, 1941, at Tecumseh, to Rodger and Helen (Campbell) Peterson. She graduated from Elm Creek High School and worked as a nurse at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
She was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Women of the Moose.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
She is survived by her sister, Barbara J. Hatcher, of Stewartville, Minn.; and a brother, Larry E. Peterson, of Ft. Walton Beach, Fla.
Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.
Graveside services will be at 2 p.m., today, at Gothenburg Cemetery.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Scott Dean Smith, 65, died Feb. 2, 2013, in Lincoln.
He was born Dec. 25, 1947, to Joe and Myrtle Smith in North Platte, and was raised by Everett and Louise Wilson.
He attended Platte Valley School and graduated from North Platte High in 1966. He served in the U.S. Army and Reserves from 1967 to 1973. He was also a member of the Nebraska National Guard. He married Carol A. Branting on Jan. 9, 1971, in North Platte, where they lived most of their lives. Scott worked for the Union Pacific Railroad for more than 20 years. He enjoyed spending time with his kids, playing horseshoes, and being ornery. Scott was well known for his love of jokes and humorous stories.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; his parents; his brothers, LeRoy and Dayton, Everett and Louise Wilson, Sonny and Jimmy Wilson; his special aunt, Ethel Hood; his mother-in-law, Frances Branting; and several sisters and brothers-in-law.
Survivors include his daughters, Heidi of Lakewood, Colo., and Tracy, of Lincoln; his brothers, Herman “Ray” Smith and George “Bill” (Elaine) Smith; his sister, Bonnie Jo Leonhardt, all of North Platte; his step-brother, Ron (Cheryl) Rains, of Brighton, Colo.; his father-in-law, Hollis Branting, of North Platte; several sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and to register as an organ and tissue donor. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.
Graveside services will be at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 6, at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery.
Visitation with the family receiving friends will be from 5-8 p.m., today, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Olive Grace Summers, 101, one of eight children, was born Dec. 29, 1911, at Belgrade, to John and Blanche (Ford) McClatchey. She passed away Feb. 4, 2013, at Centennial Park Retirement Village.
As a young girl, she moved with her family to York County and then to Southwest Nebraska where she graduated from Palisade with the class of 1931. In 1941, Olive graduated from Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Hastings. She then entered the USN Nurse Corp. and served for 23 years, retiring in 1964 as a Lt. Commander. During those years, she traveled to several foreign countries. On July 14, 1958, she married John Summers in Japan. Upon retirement they settled in San Diego, California where John passed away in 1962.
Olive spent several years in Nebraska caring for her parents in Grand Island and Friend. Upon their deaths, she returned to her home in California until 1993, when she moved to North Platte to live with her sister, Mabel Axtell. In 2005, they moved to Centennial Park Retirement Village.
Olive was a member of the North Platte First United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the Retired Officers Association, a Paid-Up-For-Life member of the Ford-Banka American Legion Post No. 183 in Friend, and a charter member of the Women of the Service Memorial.
Olive was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; her brothers, Dale, Elburn, F.H. “Bud” and Virgil McClatchey; and her sisters, Altha Ramp, Opal Millsap and Mabel Axtell.
She is survived by several nieces and nephews.
Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.
Graveside services will be at 11:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 8, at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, and 8:30-11 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 8, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.