Robert Lee Bannister, age 94, of North Platte, passed away at the Sutherland Care Center on Wednesday, September 12, 2018.

Robert was born December 28, 1923, to Walter Lee and Grace Emgard (Hayes) Bannister on the family farm north of Central City, NE, where he grew up.

On September 22, 1944, Robert was united in marriage to Carrie Steinke in Omaha, NE.  The couple farmed north of Central City and Robert drove a truck for several years until they moved to Gibbon, NE, where he worked for a grain elevator for seven years.  They had two children, Terry Lee and Gracia Ann, then moved to Hershey in 1967 where Robert was manager of the Hershey Mills for the next 23 years.  He retired from there in 1988.

Robert was a member and past president of the Hershey Lions Club and Hershey Board of Education.  He was also a 15 year member and chief of the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department as well as a member of the Hershey United Methodist Church.  He enjoyed gardening, fishing and “treasure hunting” with his metal detector.

In 1998 Robert and Carrie were named Grand Marshals for the Hershey Fall Festival.  By 2005 they moved to North Platte to be closer to their children and resided at Centennial Park Retirement Village.  They were married for nearly 72 years when Carrie passed away.  Robert loved his family and will be greatly missed.

Robert is survived by his children, Terry (Barbara) Bannister and Gracia (Larry) Kennedy, of North Platte; grandchildren, Todd Armstrong and Marcy Kennedy (Jason), of Omaha, and Micah (Danielle) Kennedy, of Petaluma, CA; five great-grandchildren, Tristan, Lilli,  Kiptyn, Adalynn and Natalie; brother, Ralph (Lillian) Bannister; sister, Margret (Roland) Hopwood; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife, Carrie, Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Grace; and granddaughter, Misty Armstrong.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, September 22, 2018, at the Hershey United Methodist Church with Pastor Mark Baldwin officiating.  Casual dress is requested for the service.  Inurnment will follow in the Riverside Cemetery.

The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday with family greeting friends from 5-6 p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department.

Lois M. Reckard, age 90 of North Platte, passed away Tuesday September 11, 2018 at her home after a short illness.

Lois was born May 6, 1928 on the family farm southwest of North Platte to Clyde and Irene (Curtis) McKain.  She graduated from North Platte High School in 1945.  She continued her education in Omaha by completing beauty school. She then returned to North Platte to open her own shop.  She married Robert Reckard on June 1, 1952 and to this union three children were born: Patrick, Peggy and Robin.  Bob and Lois started their marriage living in the apartment attached to Lois’s beauty shop.  After Pat and Peggy were born, they moved to Sidney, Nebraska for 9 years.  They lost Peggy at age 8 while they were living in Sidney and they later moved back to North Platte.  Bob and Lois enjoyed many trips around the United States and got to enjoy a trip to Europe.  They particularly enjoyed camping throughout their marriage and even spent a few winters in Texas after Bob’s retirement.  Lois & Bob celebrated 50 years of marriage before Bob’s death in 2002.  Lois was a member of the Jolly Dozen, the Miller Mother’s Club, the North Platte Shrine Club Auxiliary, and the Lakeway Homes Club.  She was a life long member of the First United Methodist Church and volunteered many hours.  She was also on the election board for 29 years and their garage served as their precinct’s polling place.  She was an avid reader, and amazing baker, the toughest crosswords couldn’t stump her. Lois loved sports, particularly Major League Baseball and anything Huskers.  She was the mom that not only came to every game, but she was there for every practice too.  She was the patient grandma that delighted in everything about her grandchildren.  She was overjoyed to be a great grandma.

Left to cherish her memory are her children Pat (Melinda) Reckard and Robin Reckard; grandchildren Tiffany (Jeremy) Hill, Kelsey Reckard, Charity (Bubbi) Hansen, Brady Reckard, and Shalee Taylor; great granddaughter Lark Hill; special sister-in-law Gerry McKain; special nieces and nephew Marcia (Gaylen) Rogers, Marlene (Bill) Songster, and Mike McKain.

She was proceded in death by her husband Bob; daughter Peggy; brother Merle McKain; and sister Evelyn McKain.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday September 14, 2018 at First United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery.  Visitation will be from noon until 8:00 p.m. Thursday September 13, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Ernest ‘Ernie’ Lehmkuhler, 81, formerly of North Platte, died at his home in Dodge City, Kansas, on Monday, September 10, 2018, after an extended illness.

Ernie was born July 21, 1937, at Arnold, Nebraska, to Ernest and J. Pauline (Vian) Lehmkuhler.  He grew up on the family farm at Stapleton, Nebraska, and attended Banner School then graduated in 1956 from Baker Rural High School in Stapleton.

In 1957 Ernie was united in marriage to Ardis Shively at the First Presbyterian Church in Stapleton and on Friday, September 7^th of this year, they had celebrated 61 years of marriage.

Ernie joined the Army Reserves in 1956 and received an honorable discharge in ’63. He was employed by the City of North Platte Municipal Light and Water where he worked as a truck driver and later inventory clerk. Ernie retired in 2002 after working 46 years for the City of North Platte.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church in North Platte and Dodge City. He was a member of Platte Valley Lodge #32 AF & AM for 51 years and served as Master in 1979. Ernie also served as Grand Tiler for the State of Nebraska Grand Masonic Lodge in 1986, was a member of Tehama Shrine and the North Platte Shrine Club, and was a volunteer fireman in North Platte for many years.

Ernie’s hobbies included yard work, photography, woodworking and metal design, leaving behind many treasured gifts.  He also enjoyed attending events, camping and traveling the U.S. with family, friends and especially his grandkids.  Ernie was a great person who enjoyed doing things for others.

He is survived by his wife, Ardis, and son, Paul (Elaine) Lehmkuhler, all of Dodge City, Kansas; daughter, Lauretta (L.W. ‘John’, Jr.) Vian, of Moravian Falls, North Carolina; grandchildren, Jennifer (Ryan) Jones and Ryan (Katie) Lehmkuhler, DDS, of Dodge City, Kansas, and Heather (Steve) Maly, Michael (Ashley) Clark and Samuel (Hannah) Clark, all of Lincoln, Nebraska; great-grandchildren, Finley, Jack and Alexis Maly and Reagan Jones; brother, Virgil (Karen) Lehmkuhler; sister, Charlene (Dwayne) Berger; sister-in-law, Barbara Lehmkuhler; and other family.

Ernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest and Pauline; and brother, David.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Friday, September 14, 2018, at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Inurnment with Masonic Rites will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Shrine Hospitals for Children or the First United Methodist Church.

Dale Edwin Kirts, age 84 of North Platte, passed away Saturday September 8, 2018 at Centennial Park Nursing Home.

Dale “Eddie” was born September 9, 1933 in Sutherland, NE to Willard Lewis and Zelma Gertrude (Gress) Kirts.  He grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School.  He entered the US Navy, serving from 1951 until 1955 during the Korean conflict at airfields around the world; he received 2 commendations for his service.  After his discharge he returned to North Platte and met Willa Pease at the local skating rink; they were married December 1, 1956 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Dale went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a CTC Signal Maintainer and retired after 42 years of service.  In his younger days he enjoyed hunting, he loved sports, especially pro football, and took excellent care of his yard.

Dale is survived by his wife Willa; children Kim Dermer of North Platte, Pam Youngs of North Platte, Jeff (Jennifer Bosche) Kirts of Colorado Springs, CO, Steve (Julie Ann) Kirts of Ames, IA, and Pat (Lana) Kirts of Papillion, NE; grandchildren Matthew Dermer, Jeremy Dermer, Chelsey Spady, Jacob Kirts, Tanner Kirts, Hunter Kirts, Sarah Kirts, Kyle Kirts, Connor Kirts, Spencer Kirts, Haley Kirts, and Landon Kirts; 7 great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Willard and Zelma Kirts; daughters Angela, Teresa and Joanne; and sister Donna Hein.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday September 13, 2018 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Reverend Richard Karr officiating.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday September 12, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

ADAMS AND SWANSON FUNERAL HOME 421 W 4TH ST. NORTH PLATTE, NE 69101 OFFICE 308.532.2044 FAX 308.532.2045

Sanford Dean ‘Sandy’ Arnold, 75, of Arizona, formerly of Sutherland, died Sunday, August 19, 2018, in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Sanford was born September 15, 1942, in Sutherland to Leonard and Nora Catherine (Miller) Arnold.  He grew up in Sutherland where he graduated from high school in 1961.  Sandy enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1964 and served three years.

On December 12, 1964, Sandy was united in marriage to his childhood sweetheart, Michele ‘Mike’ Flannigan, in Sutherland. Since he was still serving in the military, the couple lived in Schwabach, Germany for two years and enjoyed traveling throughout Europe during this time.

Following his discharge in January 1967 they returned to Sutherland and eventually moved into the Arnold family home in ’75. Sandy hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked until retiring as an engineer.  He loved working and liked what he did. He was also a member of the Sutherland American Legion Otto V. Johnson Post #208.

Sandy and Mike were blessed with two children, Megan and Dana, and enjoyed over 39 years of marriage when Mike passed away in 2004.  In 2010 Sandy moved to Arizona to be closer to his daughter, Megan.  While in Arizona he was able to spend time and make lasting memories with his grandson, Braxton, which they both loved.  Sandy had a heart of gold and will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his children, Megan (Michael) Wuertz, of Scottsdale, AZ, and Dana (Amber) Arnold, of The Woodlands, TX; grandchildren, Braxton Wuertz and Elleri, Eben and Emslie Arnold; sisters-in-law, Pat Echternkamp, of Seattle, WA, Judy (Larry) Sheppard, of Denver, CO, and Jane Patnaude, of Elk Point, SD; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family.

Along with his wife, Mike, Sandy was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard and Nora; brother and sister-in-law, Vance and Marge Arnold; nephew, Don Arnold; and in-laws, James ‘Big Jim’ and Florence Flannigan.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 1 p.m.  Friday, September 21, 2018, at the Sutherland Presbyterian Church with Vicar JA Welsh officiating.  A private family inurnment with military honors will be in the Riverview Cemetery.  Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Dean Dike, age 79 of North Platte, passed away Saturday September 8, 2018 at the Sutherland Care Center.

Don was born on June 4, 1939 in North Platte to Carl Donald and Hazel (Ross) Dike.  The eldest of eight children, Don grew up on a farm south of Sutherland, lettering in football.  On August 30, 1959 he married his best friend, Beverly Viola Newman-Stellman.  From this marriage came three children, Victoria Dee, Penny Ann, and Dean Ray.  In the early years, Don worked as an electrician for the OPPD out of Omaha and raised his young family in Arlington, NE.  He was a Volunteer Fireman and spent many weekends traveling with his friends and family to other small towns to compete in Water Barrel Competitions against opposing Volunteer Fire Companies.  In 1971 Don and Beverly returned to North Platte to be nearer to family.  They purchased and operated Jeffers Upholstery and CoverCo.  He was instrumental in the resurgence of the annual Dike Family Picnic held in Cody Park.  Don, his father Carl, and his youngest brother Ron and their families cut the trees and paved the path into the Sutherland Reservoir North West beach area for his family to enjoy many years of camping, boating, swimming and skiiing together.

In 1975 Don and Bev and their children gave their hearts to Jesus Christ.  Don and Bev were very evangelistic.  Once God poured His love into Don and Bev’s hearts, their lives were changed forever, and many extended family members also came to know Jesus.  In 1979, after Jeffers Upholstery burnt down, they purchased the Comforter Inn Motel.  This investment fizzled out, and after 28 years of marriage Don and Bev ended their marriage.  Don’s love for the Lord continued.  He became an ordained minister with the Open Bible Church.

He met and married Marjorie Joan “Joanie” Anderson on January 8, 1991.  They travelled to New Mexico to work and share the gospel.  Don and Joanie’s marriage ended.  Don is remembered fondly by his grandchildren as being a hard worker.  “You’re burning daylight!” was often heard.  “Eat your dessert first” was a way of life with Don.  He loved people and was a salesman at heart.  He had a vacuum sales and repair shop in Hastings, NE.  Next Don saw the country as an over the road truck driver.  Lastly, he opened a grain hauling truck company, The Way Express, with a buddy, Peter Van Stell in Cozad, NE.  In the most recent years, as his health began to fail, he returned to North Platte to live near his children and in an answer to prayer, was spoiled by his caregivers including Connie, Faye, and his first wife, and best friend, Beverly.

Don’s loved ones that remain include his children Penny Dike and Dean (Deb) Dike; grandchildren Anthony Dean Dike, Kendra Anne Dike and Raymond Keith Dike; great grandchild Nathanial Wray Friesell; siblings Marion (Donna) Dike, Twila Dike, Judy Dike, Lois McConnell, Mary (Wilber) Medberry, Lyle (Sharon) Dike, Ron (Sue) Dike; 23 nieces and nephews and their spouses and children and grandchildren; and his cousins and their families.

Don is preceded in death by his daughter Vicky; parents Carl and Hazel Dike; brothers Ivan and Dale Dike; brother-in-law Forest McConnell; and sister-in-law Christina Dike.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  A celebration of Don’s life will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday September 13, 2018 at the North Platte Berean Church.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

Marjorie Jean Linder died Friday, September 7, 2018 at GP Health following a brief illness.

Marj was born July 17, 1925, in Guthrie County, Iowa to John Wells McCool and Mildred Forseman McCool. She attended rural schools in Bayard, Iowa and graduated from Bayard Senior High School in 1943. She was her graduating class Valedictorian. Marj taught school in Iowa and was attending summer school when she met and married Dave Nuzum in 1946. She has lived in North Platte since 1969. She married Ralph Linder in 1972.

Marj worked at Mutual Building and Loan, retiring in 1984. She was an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary and held an office for many years. Marj was a devoted member of First United Methodist Church and served as a member of the collection plate counting team for over 20 years. She loved quilting and sewing and was a member of the Flying Needles Quilting Group for the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. She also served many hours as an RSVP volunteer.

Marj is survived by her 4 children: John (Kathleen) Nuzum of Gillette, Wyo.; Janet (Ken) Mescher of Shingle Springs, Calif; Kathy Nuzum Strain of Citrus Heights, Calif; Kent (Denise) Nuzum of Antelope, Calif; and her stepchildren: Cindi Linder Stevens of Gothenburg and Dave Linder of North Platte. She is survived by two brothers and one sister. Her family includes many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great greatgrandchildren. In her final years Marj was also loved and supported by her stepson, Dave Linder and family friend, Jane McCrone.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Dave Nuzum and husband Ralph Linder along with a brother, sisters in law and a step granddaughter.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Cremation was chosen. A graveside service at Fort McPherson is planned for a future date. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

 

Dolores J. Carlson, age 85, of Thornton, CO passed away on Monday May 21, 2018 at Avamere Transitional Care at Malley in Thornton.

Dolores Jean Carlson, the daughter of Forrest and Susie (Wetherby) Belieu, was born November 30, 1932 in Sidney, NE.  As a young girl her family lived in Sidney, North Platte and Alliance. She graduated from Sidney High School in 1951.  On July 24, 1953 she was united in marriage to Jack C. Carlson in Sidney, NE. They made their home in Ogallala where Jack worked for the Union Pacific Railroad.  Jack and Dolores moved to North Platte in 1960, and in 1977 they moved to Casper, WY.  After retiring from insurance sales, Dolores moved to Hobbs, NM to be close to her daughter, and then followed her to Thornton, CO where she lived for the last 10 years.  She was active in the Girl Scouts as leader of her daughter’s troops, then serving as President of the Guiding Star Girl Scout Council for several years. She handed out ice cream samples at Hinky Dinky and the Nebraskan Grocery Store in North Platte and was a Welcome Wagon Hostess, greeting many newcomers to the city.  Dolores was an avid bridge player, achieving Life Master in 2001.

Survivors include two children, Berta Rynearson and husband Don of Thornton, CO and Jon Carlson and wife Sharron of Palmdale, CA; brother Stanley and wife Jeri of Sidney, NE; sister‐in‐law Margaret Belieu of Ocala, FL; 9 grandchildren and 15 great‐grandchildren.

Dolores was preceded in death by her parents, Forrest and Susie Belieu; her husband Jack; her daughter Susie; and her brother Wendell.

Memorials are suggested to the donor’s choice and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 15, 2018 at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  A reception will follow at noon at the Quality Inn.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.