Albert E. McNeel, age 89 of North Platte, passed away November 28, 2012. Albert was born February 8, 1923 to Edwin Lawson Davenport and Hazel Ethel (Workman) McNeel in North Platte.
Albert grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1941. He moved to Texas where he worked on B-24s and B-25s during WWII. He hired on at the UPRR at Humprehy, NE.
On October 16, 1946 Albert married Gladys Wendeborn in Marysville, KS. The couple moved to North Platte where Albert worked at Foster Motors, and later at Cornhusker and Broeder’s Machine Shop. He also worked at Young’s Marine for several years and retired in 1983. Albert loved fishing, especially at Lake McConaughy. He canned trout and shared many jars with family and friends.
Albert is survived by four sons Larry (Janet) McNeel of Lincoln, Wes (Ann) McNeel of Palm Desert, CA, Rodney (Debra) McNeel of North Platte and Alan “Butch” (Lauri) McNeel of North Platte; grandchildren Bryon (Jennifer) McNeel of North Platte, Jeremy (Tamera) McNeel of Norman, OK, Robert (Ron Rulison) McNeel of Long Beach, CA, Lori (Alan) Thompson of Lincoln, NE, Nathan McNeel of Boulder, CO, Kevin (Stevie) McNeel of Juno, AK, Lisa (Buck) Harwager of North Platte, and Michelle (Brent) Gardner of Scottsbluff, NE; 14 great grandchildren; and numerous other family members and friends.
Albert was preceded in death by his parents; wife Gladys on September 14, 1992; son Jeffrey McNeel on November 19, 1972; siblings Mildred Grady Wolfe, Cheryl Vencill, Clifford McNeel, Sampson McNeel, Rupert Lee McNeel, Lois Drost, Bonnie Adams; and daughter-in-law Donna McNeel.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established to the American Diabetes Association or to the family in Albert’s memory. Online condolences may be made at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be Monday December 3, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at the Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from noon to 6:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson which is in charge of arrangements.

Kathryan Thompson, age 87, of Ogallala, passed away Tuesday, November 27, 2012 at the Ogallala Community Hospital.
Memorial services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 1st at the Gubser Funeral Chapel with Pastor Eric Wait of the New Hope Church officiating.
Kathryan was born December 28, 1924 at Interior, South Dakota, the daughter of Homer and Pansy (Swan) Estes. She married James Yarbrough in March of 1943. To this union two children were born, Kay Susanne and Michael John. In January of 1955 Kathryan married Melvin Thompson. To this union three children were born, Tim, Steven and Richard. They moved to Julesburg, Colorado in 1965 and to Ogallala in 1970. After Tommy’s retirement in 1989 they moved to Arizona City, AZ until returning to Ogallala in 1993.
Kathryan’s hobbies included reading, watching Denver Bronco and Nebraska Husker football, playing and watching golf, doing crossword puzzles, going to casinos and playing cards.
Survivors include her husband, Melvin “Tommy” Thompson of Ogallala; daughter, Sue and husband Gary Schrack of Ogallala; sons, Michael and wife Sharon Yarbrough of Omaha, NE, Tim Thompson of Surprise, AZ, Steven Thompson of Windsor, CO, Richard Thompson and Joseph Creasy of Apple Valley, CA; eleven grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; sisters, Florine and husband James Kamerzell of Gordon, NE and Phyllis Vanscoy of Gillette, WY. She was preceded in death by her parents and one brother, James Estes.
Memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association in her memory. Online condolences may be sent at gubserfuneralhome.com. Gubser Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Frank William Bryant, 54, of North Platte, passed away November 27, 2012, after a short battle of brain cancer. He was born in Philadelphia, lived there for many years, moving to Florida, then Colorado. He then moved to Nebraska. Frank was a car consultant for 35 years. His last employment before his battle began four and half months ago, was Bill Summers Ford. He was very devoted to his family and work. Frank was a foster child all his life, so he did not know much of his parents, so when marrying Kimberly, he took on her family, loving them all. He is survived by his wife, of fourteen years, Kimberly Bryant; his daughters, Kylee Bryant, age 16 and Kortney Bryant, age 11 all of North Platte; a son, Frankie Bryant of Florida; a sister, Sharon Marcano of Indianapolis; a mother-in-law, Carolyn (Leland) Orvis; a sister-in-law, Bre (Dave) Higgins; two brothers-in law, Bennett Lienemann and Kendall Lienemann; many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. Frank will be greatly missed by all his family and friends. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his memory. Cremation was chosen. Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, November 30, 2012 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until service time of Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Mabel Eleanor Axtell, 97, one of eight children, was born Jan. 7, 1915 at Belgrade, NE to John and Blanche (Ford) McClatchey and passed away Nov. 27, 2012 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. As a young girl she moved with her family to York County. They later moved to Southwest Nebraska where she graduated from Palisade with the class of 1934. After graduation she moved to North Platte where she spent the rest of her life. She was married to Perry Acton whose son Gary was welcomed as her own and was the center of her family life. Both Perry and Gary were lost in separate accidents. She later married Alvin Axtell of North Platte. Mabel worked in retail sales in several stores in North Platte with one being the manager of the Green Stamp Store. She enjoyed music and played the piano and organ by ear. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church and was a 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star. She is survived by her sister, Olive Summers of North Platte. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Alvin; brothers, Dale, Elburn, F.H. “Bud” and Virgil McClatchey; sisters, Altha Ramp and Opal Millsap. Online condolence may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Graveside services will be 12:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday and 9:00 a.m. until service time on Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.

Fern Marie (Russell) Wills, 83, of Curtis, died peacefully Nov. 12, 2012, at Hilltop Estates after a long illness.
The daughter of Benjamin Sr. and Ellen (Jenson) Russell, Fern was born Nov. 22, 1928, north of Curtis. She graduated from NSA high school in Curtis, earning a teaching certification. She was offered a teaching position in Ekalaka, Mo., shortly after graduation, where she taught with her good friend Verna Lee Kettleman. Upon completion of her contract in Ekalaka, she returned home and taught for the Stockville School District for several years. Fern married Leslie “Deac” Wills on Nov. 26, 1952, in a double wedding with their best friends, Hilda and Lloyd “Gus” Wolgamott. Their marriage was blessed with four children, Monte Marie, Sandra Lynn, Russell Corwin and Gary Merle.
After her children were all in school, Fern worked at several jobs, including selling Playhouse Toys, proofreading and subscription sales at the Highline Enterprise, and cooking and driving school bus at Medicine Valley High School. Fern especially enjoyed her time with her bus kids, both on route and activity trips.
Fern was a long-time member of the United Methodist Church in Curtis and was active in Methodist Women, Vacation Bible School and Congregational Care. Fern’s strong faith and willingness to serve was instilled in her children at an early age.
Fern was preceded in death by her husband, Deac; her parents, Ben and Ellen Russell; and her brothers and sisters, Robert Russell, Nita Anderson, Ben Russell Jr. and June McGinnis.
She is survived by her children, Monte (Val) Kotrous, of Houston, Texas, Sandy Wills, Rusty (Shelly) Wills and Gary (Vivian) Wills, all of Curtis; eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; brothers and sister, Tom Russell, Anna May Gorley, Raymond (Donna) Russell; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church, 402 Center Curtis, NE 69025 or Medicine Valley Foundation. To sign the online guest book, go to blasestrauser.com.
Services will be at 10 a.m., today, at the First United Methodist Church, Curtis, with pastor Bonnie Forney officiating. Interment will follow at the Curtis Cemetery.
Blase-Wetzel-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Curtis, is in charge of arrangements.

James “Jim” A. Chambers, 67, of Johnson Lake, former long-time resident of Ft. Collins, Colo., passed away Nov. 24, 2012, at his home at Johnson Lake.
James was born June 21, 1945, at Nebraska City to Russell James and Helen Margaret (Miller) Chambers. He graduated from Ravenna High School in 1963.
In January 1966, Jim entered the U.S. Army where he served in Vietnam, repairing helicopters like the newly introduced Boeing CH-47 Chinook. Following his discharge from the service, Jim married Jane Baker on June 1, 1968. Jim and his family made their home in David City, Omaha, and Cozad while he worked in purchasing for Henningsen Foods. Eventually, Jim moved to Grand Island where he took a job with Kelly Supply. On July 5, 1986, Jim married Marcia Snyder at Grand Island. The couple soon moved to Ft. Collins, Colo., where Jim continued his career in sales with Kelly Supply, eventually retiring after 28 years. Most recently, Jim and Marcia were residing at Johnson Lake.
Jim loved collecting and driving Ford Mustangs, a hobby that was spurred from his ownership of an original 1964 1/2 Mustang that he had enjoyed in his younger years. While he thoroughly enjoyed his cars, his grandkids were always his chief enjoyment.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Catherine Journey and Pat Peters.
Survivors include his wife, Marcia Chambers, of Johnson Lake; three sons, Robert (Janice) Chambers, of Collinsville, Okla., Jeffrey (Tami) Chambers, of Mesa, Ariz., David (Erin) Chambers, of Papillion; daughter, Terri (Jeff) Yanoviak, of Katy, Texas; sister, Jackie (James) Rudnick, of Grand Island; brother-in-law, Art Peters, of Cozad; 10 grandchildren with one more on the way; and many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established. Condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.
Services will be at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel in Cozad with Father Don O’Brien officiating. Inurnment will be at the Cozad Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to service time on Thursday at the funeral home.

Mary Phyllis Rimpley, 79, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died November 25, 2012 at Gothenburg Memorial Hospital in Gothenburg, NE.

She was born July 12, 1933 in Ogallala, NE, daughter of Phil and Loretta K (Erthum) Gaudreault.

Phyllis grew up in Gothenburg and graduated from Gothenburg High in 1952. She lived in Cozad, Lexington and Gothenburg. On May 28, 1955, she married Clayton “Rimp” Rimpley in North Platte, NE. To this union, three sons were born – Kirk, Kevin and Kyle. Phyllis worked as a Mary Kay representative and as a physical therapist aide. She was a member of Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church and the Altar Society; DCCW Parish representative at all levels; and Catholic Encounters in Christ, and was also a member of the Red Hatters. Phyllis loved her family. She enjoyed cooking and traveling. Some of her travels included Iceland, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Hawaii and throughout the US.

Survivors include her three sons – Kirk Rimpley of Auburn, WA; Kevin (Pam) Rimpley of Kearney, NE; Kyle (Tina) Rimpley of Cozad, NE; three grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, two sisters – Marjorie Ballard of Gothenburg, NE; Kay Beardsley of Sterling, CO; three brothers – Daniel (Barbara) Gaudreault of Elizabeth, CO; Nick Gaudreault of Sterling, CO; Ted (Diane) Gaudreault of Gothenburg, NE; sister-in-law – Bobbi Gaudreault of Gothenburg, NE; along with many nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Phyllis was preceded in death by husband, Clayton “Rimp” Rimpley; parents Phil and Loretta Gaudreault; brothers, Dave Gaudreault, Terry Hastings; sister, LaRae Gaudreault; brothers-in-law, Lee Beardsley, Milton Ross and Delbert Ballard.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Thursday, November 29, 2012, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Rosary will be held at 7:00 p.m.on Thursday, November 29, 2012 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 1915 Ave J, Gothenburg, NE

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church, 1915 Ave J, Gothenburg, on Friday, November 30, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. with Father Don O’Brien officiating.

Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the Family to be decided later.

Roedene Lavina Schultheiss Bayne Abel, age 77 formerly of North Platte and Hershey, passed away Thursday November 22, 2012 at the Sutherland Care Center. She was born March 16, 1935 on a farm outside of Mason City, NE. Her parents were Ben and Dorotha (Parker) Lind.
Roedene grew up in Custer and Lincoln Counties. She attended Nichols School and graduated from Hershey High School in 1953 with Dell F. Schultheiss. She married Dell on January 18, 1954 at the First Lutheran Church in North Platte. She and Dell had seven children and she made it to every one of their activities. Dell passed away August 3, 1980.
Roedene met Lavern H. Bayne and they were married on February 14, 1984 at Mariah Lutheran Church in Hershey. Lavern died December 9, 1993. She married George A. Abel at the Hershey Baptist Church on July 18, 1996. George passed away January 21, 2007. Roedene was a farmer’s wife, a railroader’s wife and homemaker.
Roedene loved sports, especially Husker football! She attended many local sporting events, especially high school sports. She enjoyed auction and she had her own #86 at Isabells’! They ate pizza at Elvira’s after the auction on Wednesday nights. She belonged to quilt clubs and won awards for the ones she made and displayed them at many events. She was known for making “spud-nuts” for churches and the Hershey Fall Festival. She enjoyed holiday dinners, card and board games, going to the senior center and baking pies for her kids’ events. She especially loved ALL her kids and grandkids.
Roedene is survived by her children John (Robyn) Schultheiss of Kearney, NE, Laura (Lee) Freihage of Hershey, Mark (Stacy) Schultheiss of Williamsburg, IA, Rebecca (Tom) Gilbert of North Platte, Nathan (Louise) Schultheiss of North Platte, Lavina (John) Phelan of Colorado Springs, CO, Susan (Kerry) Jones of North Platte, Michael (Pam) Abel, Judy Pyzer, Nancy (Eddie) Morrell and Phyllis (Steve) Johnson all of North Platte; 43 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; siblings Glenda Koch of Hershey, Judy (Bill) Maassen of North Platte, Rose Ann (Marvin) Young of Martinez, GA, Virginia (Jerry) Kasha of Canton, GA, Dean (Marcia) Schultheiss of Orange, CA, and Kay (John L.) Schurr of Farnam, NE; an aunt Phyllis Lepant of Grand Island, NE; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Roedene was preceded in death by her parents; three husbands; grandson Nicholas Schultheiss; son-in-law Butch Pyzer; daughter-in-law Janet Abel; brother-in-law Phillip Koch; and Dell’s parents Herman and Grace Schultheiss.
A memorial has been established to the Hershey Educational Foundation and online condolences may be made a www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral services will be Monday November 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jack Atteberry officiating. Burial will follow at the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be Saturday and Sunday from noon until 6:00 p.m. at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.