John Thomas Rhoden, of North Platte, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, August 30, 2018, at the age of 74.

John was born November 3, 1943, in Fairbury, NE, to Catherine (Black) and James C. Rhoden, Sr.  They moved to North Platte in 1948 when his parents divorced and here John attended North Platte Public Schools.

On December 28, 1961, John enlisted in the U.S. Navy thus starting a career which took him around the world.  John made four tours of Vietnam in less than three years, serving as a crewman in rescue helicopters, and served on every aircraft carrier in the Pacific including the USS Yorktown, USS Kearsarge and twice on the USS Ranger.  He served at Naval Air Stations: Mirmar, San Diego, CA, Memphis-Millenton, TN; Imperial Beach, CA; Point Mugu, Oxnard, CA; Rio Grande, Albuquerque, NM.  He was also stationed at Pacific Missile Range Barking Sands in Kauai, Hawaii.

On March 18, 1962, John married the love of his life, Carolyn K. Chamerlain, in North Platte.  The couple had two children, Chawna Rene and John W., and were married for 56 years.  They lived a military life and the family followed John to the different bases as he was reassigned.

Over the years he was awarded four each of the Good Conduct Medals, Armed Forces Expeditional Medals and Vietnam Service Medals.  He also received the Navy Commendation Medal, Vietnamese Gallantry Cross Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. After a distinguished 20 year career John retired in June 1981.

Following retirement, John and Carolyn returned to North Platte.  With the help of family and friends they built one of the first earth sheltered houses in the area and that became their final home.  John attended Mid-Plains Community College and was employed at several places including Troyer Enterprises, Sutherland Power Plant, T & L Irrigation and the Union Pacific Railroad until his health required him to retire again.

John had a love of restoring old trucks and cars.  He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and camping.  He will be greatly missed.

Those left to mourn him are his loving wife, Carolyn, their children, Chawna Treat and John W. Rhoden, son-in-law, Orlan Treat and grandson, Dominic Hinojosu, all of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Shirley (Kenneth) Jones, of Lexington and Fae Rhoden, of Sun Tan Valley, AZ; stepbrothers, John (Judy) Mullins and Gary (Lynn) Mullins, all of Littleton, CO; as well as many nieces, nephews, other family and special friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Jim, Sr. and Lelia Rhoden; mother and stepfather, Catherine and Carroll Johnson; brothers, Jim and Frank Rhoden; grandsons, Daniel and Tyler Treat; stepsisters, Beverly and Katie Mullins; stepbrother, Bill Mullins; and in-laws, Milton and Ruth Chamberlain.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial Service will be 10 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018,  at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating.  Inurnment with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.  The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Callahan Cancer Center.

Byron Dee Fox, age 62 of Stapleton passed away Wednesday August 29, 2018 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha from complications of thyroid cancer surgery.

Byron was born February 25, 1956 in North Platte to Ben and Mary Ann (Kramer) Fox of Arnold.  He was raised on the family farm west of Arnold and graduated from Arnold Public School in 1974.  He went on to attend college at Mid Plains Voc Tech and graduated with a degree in diesel and auto mechanics.  He put his degree to use as a mechanic working on the family farm, for neighbors, and Cornhusker International Truck Center for many years until he was sidelined with kidney issues.  Still active after 3 kidney transplants, he was driving semi, hauling grain across the state of Nebraska and into Colorado.  Byron loved cooking for the family fish fry birthday party; he had made his own recipe for coating the fish and loved watching family and friends enjoy his cooking.  He loved fishing, hunting and golfing with his family.  He also enjoyed going to Merritt Reservoir every year over Labor Day weekend to relax, camp, catch fish and spend quality time with his brothers, sister, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and friends.  He helped every year with the SORC Race at Arnold as a spotter and was a volunteer firefighter for the Stapleton Fire Department for 30+ years.  He loved to garden, he had quite the green thumb and enjoyed sharing his bounty with friends, family and neighbors.  Driving the semi and doing mechanic maintenance on it kept him motivated.  Even on days when he was not feeling his best with his kidney issues he was always there when anyone needed a helping hand.  He will be greatly missed.

Byron is survived by his parents Ben and Mary Ann Fox of Arnold; 3 sons Jeffeory (Jennifer) Fox, Levi (Kristen) Fox, Jason (Lauri Ray) Fox all of Massachusetts; grandchildren Griffin Fox, Ella Mae Fox, Shane Fox and Lorilei Fox all of Massachusetts; 3 brothers James Fox of Stapleton, Marvin (Nancy) Fox of Arnold, Kevin (Heather) Fox of North Platte; 2 sisters Karen (James) Main of Stapleton, and Kathy Fox of North Platte; nephews Randy (Jody) Fox of New Jersey, John Main and Kurtis Main of Stapleton, and Joseph Fox of North Platte; nieces Kristin (Ron Hanson) Fox of Wyoming, Jamie (Sam) Ascherl of McCook, and Kellie (Lane Vasa) Main of Stapleton; great nephew Wade Ascherl of McCook, and great niece Scarlett Ascherl of McCook; as well as other extended family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother Roger Lee Fox on April 10, 2018; infant nieces Ashley and Payten Fox; and grandparents Edward and Clara (Helmkamp) Fox and Frank and Ethel (Gill) Kramer.

A memorial in his honor has been established to the Stapleton Fire Department and EMT Department.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Service will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday September 4, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday September 5, 2018 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Stapleton with the Reverend Thomas Gudipalli as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at Garfield Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Beverly Lee Dybdahl, age 84, passed away Thursday August 30, 2018 at Sutherland Care Center.  Bev was born March 26, 1934 in Sutherland, NE to Howard Evan and Agnes Ellen (Spitznogle) Winkle.  She grew up in the area and graduated from Sutherland High School in 1951.  She married Alfred “Tuff” combs and to their union Patricia, Karen, Connie and Nancy were born.  The couple lived and ranched in the Sutherland area.  She later married Willian Martin Dybdahl and the had William “Billy” Jr., and James.  Bill had a case of wanderlust and the couple lived and worked in many different places such as Lexington, NE, Texas and Arizona.  The stayed longest in Winkleman, AZ where Bill died in 2002.  After his death, Bev returned to Suteherland to live at Sandy Acres.  She took on hte job of delivering newspapers to other residents at 5:00 each morning.  She also liked to read, watch Dancing With The Stars, playing a daily card game with her daugheter and son-in-law, and her dog Taffy.

Beverly is survived by her children Patricia (James) Holmstedt of Sutherland, Connie Trimble of Prescott Valley, AZ, Nancy Burns of Gulfport, MS William “Billy” (Pam) Dybdahl Jr. of Safford, AZ; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren’ as well as other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Howard and Adnes Winkle; husband William; daughter Karen Combs; son James Dybdahl; sister LaVonne Lavalle; and infant brothers Russell and Roger.  Memorials are suggested to the Sutherland Library and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and private family inurnment will be held at a later date.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry Thomas Legas, age 60, passed away Tuesday August 28, 2018 at Fullerton Care Center in Fullerton, NE.

Jerry was born March 5, 1958 in North Platte to Nickolas William and Esther Marie (Carland) Legas.  He attended Unit 16 and The Opportunity Center in the early mid 1970’s.  He was a special person who enjoyed country music, Nebraska football, and WWE Wrestling.  He was a loving son and brother and will be dearly missed.

Jerry is survived by 4 brothers, Chris (Bobbie) Legas, Nick (Dawn) Legas, and George Legas all of North Platte, and James Legas of Fullerton, NE; a special Aunt, Clara Negley of North Platte; as well as numerous other Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews and Friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Nickolas and Esther Legas; brother Donald; and fraternal and maternal grandparents.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday August 31, 2018 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with Reverend Ned Cooper officiating.  Visitation will be from noon until 8:00 p.m. Thursday August 30, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

John Raymond Fankhauser, 95, of North Platte passed away August 27, 2018 at the Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center in Broken Bow.

John was born on February 14, 1923 in Rushville, Nebraska to Hans and Evangiline (Aubert) Fankhauser.  He graduated with the class of 1940 from Clinton, Ne.  John farmed around the Rushville area and in 1944 he joined the United States Army Air Corps and was in radio and communications during WWII, stationed in India.  After WWII he returned to Rushville where he later married Bonnie Belle Grein on September 5, 1950.  To this union was born four children.  John attended Milford Trade School for autobody and fender repair.  The couple moved to North Platte where John worked at Al Eighmy’s and Brinks Dodge.

After retirement John enjoyed working outside, whether on his yard, in his garden, or helping his neighbors.  He was a member of the American Legion.

His grandchildren were the pride of his life.  He will be remembered by his grandchildren for his paper airplanes.  He and his wife, enjoyed traveling, going to the IMAX theater, and going to the airport to watch the planes.

Survivors include his children, Karen (Mike) Steele, Kenneth (Cindy) Fankhauser, Alan Fankhauser and Joann (Bradley) McDermott; grandchildren, David, Jason, Jeremy, Mark, and Sara Steele, Steven (Samantha) Fankhauser, Darin Fankhauser, Chris (Timothy Garcia) Fankhauser, Daniel (Brittany) McDermott, Johnathan (Kellie) McDermott, and Rebecca (fiancé, Jacob Halstead) McDermott; greatgrandchildren, Rhythm, Tai Lynn, Treyson, Genna, Ariez, Reyanne, Mason, Scott, Jackson, and Thea; brothers, Edward (Jeannie) Fankhauser of Denver, CO, and Lawrence “Lefty” (Edna) Fankhauser of Springfield, CO.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; sisters, Helen, Ruth, Irene, Violet, Opal (Bernard), Bette (Raymond), and Loraine; and a brother, Arthur “Bud” Fankhauser.

Memorials are suggested to the American Legion or to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 31, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating.  Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside.  Cremation was chosen, those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Sandra Lee Dowler, of Alliance, Nebraska, passed away Sunday, August 26, 2018, at Linden Court in North Platte at the age of 81.

Sandra was born April 13, 1937, to Leland and Frances (Elder) Billick in Muscatine, Iowa.  She grew up in West Liberty, Iowa where she graduated from high school in 1955.  After graduating Sandra became a bookkeeper, working for the Johnson County Court House in Iowa City then Gene Mitchell Trucking.

On July 12, 1969, Sandra was united in marriage to Ted Eugene Dowler in Muscatine and they made their home in West Liberty.  Having an affinity for numbers, she worked as a tax accountant for the office of Attorney Harold Keele.  Beginning in 1975, Sandra was co-owner of Sterner & Dowler Tax & Bookkeeping Services, Inc., until selling in 1992.  She then worked for ACT in Iowa Cite and after moving to Alliance in 2000, she worked for Box Butte General Hospital in Accounts Payable until retiring in 2007.

Sandra was a member of the United Methodist Church in Alliance.  She liked bowling and golfing but especially loved her grandchildren.  She’ll always be remembered for her love of cooking, baking, shopping, crafts and storytelling as well as being a prankster, encouraging a spirited rivalry, and was forever an avid Iowa Hawkeye fan.  Sandra couldn’t wait to share the achievements of her children and grandchildren.

She leaves behind her loving husband of 49 years, Ted, of North Platte; children, Curt Ditmars (Brenda Jones), of Coralville, Iowa, Kari (Michael) Donahue, of Sellersburg, Indiana, and Dana (Kelly) Dowler, of North Platte; seven grandchildren, Kendra, Andrea, Cassie, Tyler, Mitch, Allyson and Tyson; six great-grandchildren; brother, Fred (Sheila) Billick, of Gig Harbor, Washington; nieces, Charyn Billick (Betz), Cindi (John) Matzen and Cami Billick; longtime family friend, Kathy (Phil) Gingerich, of West Liberty; and other family.

Sandra was preceded in death by her parents, Leland and Frances Billick.

Cremation was chosen.  Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 28, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Box Butte General Hospital Dialysis Unit in Alliance, NE.  Condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.  Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.