Ramona J. Reutzel, 81, of North Platte, died July 25, 2018, at St. Francis Medical Center, Grand Island. Services are pending at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.
Category: Obituaries
Alice M. Cold Death Notice
Alice M. Cold, 97, of North Platte and Centennial, Colorado, formerly of Chino Valley, Arizona, died July 25, 2018, at Great Plains Health. Services are pending at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home.
Rogene Elaine (Hansen) Wenburg
Rogene Elaine (Hansen) Wenburg, 70, of Hastings, formerly of Beaver City, completed her battle with breast cancer on July 25, 2018, at Mary Lanning Healthcare in Hastings.
She was born in North Platte on Dec. 28, 1947, to Elwyn and Phyllis (Smith) Hansen. Rogene grew up in North Platte, graduating from high school in 1966. She attended North Platte Junior College and then went on to graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1970 with a degree in math education and minor in music.
She married James (Jim) Wenburg on June 2, 1973, in the First Baptist Church of North Platte. Her teaching career began in Hershey teaching math and elementary music from 1970-75, at which time she stopped teaching for a time to focus on raising her three beloved sons. The family moved to Beatrice in 1977 and then to Beaver City in 1979, where they purchased the local funeral home.
At Beaver City High School and Southern Valley High School, Rogene worked as a substitute teacher and facilitated distance learning classes in German, Latin and Japanese, which she thoroughly enjoyed. She concluded her career teaching math at Arapahoe High School. Rogene and Jim purchased the Arapahoe funeral home in 1998 and started the Elwood funeral home in 2004, retiring from the funeral business in 2013, at which time they moved to Hastings to enjoy retirement.
Rogene was active in the First Presbyterian Church in Beaver City, directing the choir for over 30 years. Later, in the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, she was a member of both the choir and bell choir, moderator of the Presbyterian Women and vice-moderator of the deacons. Rogene was a member of PEO Chapter BV in Beaver City and Chapter GK in Hastings and served as president of Reciprocity Group 11 in 2017. Thriving in both leadership and behind-the-scenes roles, Rogene served and loved generously, taking particular joy in her family, especially her three sons.
Characterized by resilience, faith, perseverance and compassion, she was a blessing to all with whom she interacted. She will be remembered as one who sacrificed willingly, always putting others before herself.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Elwyn and Phyllis Hansen, and father-in-law, Harold J. Wenburg.
Rogene is survived by her husband, Jim; and their three sons, Dr. Justin (Kili) Wenburg of Hastings, Dr. Aaron (Andrea) Wenburg of North Platte and Drs. Chris (Jillian) Wenburg of Durango, Colorado; and a beloved foreign exchange son, Gabriel (Saide) Erazo of Bogota, Columbia; grandchildren Carter, Selah, Amelia, Grant, as well as Michelle Erazo; her sister, Renae (Jim) Sexson of North Platte; mother-in-law, ReNelda Wenburg of Cozad; and other beloved relatives and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church of either Beaver City or Hastings. Online condolences may be shared at wenburgfuneralhome.com.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, at the First Presbyterian Church, Hastings, with the Rev. Greg Allen-Pickett officiating. Visitation will be at the church prior to the service. Further funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 30, at the First Presbyterian Church, Beaver City. Burial will be at Mount Hope Cemetery near Beaver City. Visitation will be from 2-7 p.m. on Sunday, July 29, at the Wenburg Funeral Home, Beaver City, which is in charge of arrangements.
Janet Joyce (Morey) Sorensen
Janet Joyce (Morey) Sorensen, 83, died July 23, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska, after suffering a brain injury in a fall.
Janet was born on October 5, 1934, in Thomas County, Nebraska, at her family’s homestead near the Dismal River to James and Gladys (Scott) Morey. The family later moved to Stapleton, Nebraska, where Janet lived until 1952, when she graduated from Baker Rural High School and married Frederick Sorensen. Janet and Fred lived in Colorado until 1974 when Janet moved back home and took up residence in Gandy, Nebraska. In recent years, Janet lived with and was cared for by her son Steven.
Janet enjoyed playing cards, reading, needlework, and going to the casino. But mostly, Janet truly loved being with her grandchildren.
Janet raised and is survived by six children, James of Carbondale, CO, Dianna of Canby, MN, Linda (Paul) Grow of Plainview, NE, Darla of Council Bluffs IA, Steven of Omaha, NE, and Jennifer (Steve) Few of Jasper, TX; sister, Lorraine; eight grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Janet was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Robert, Ellis, and Dwayne; and a great-granddaughter, Samantha Smith.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Stapleton Public Schools at stapletonschools.org. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Funeral Services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, July 30, 2018 at the Presbyterian Church in Stapleton, with the Reverend Eric Mockaitis officiating. Burial will follow at the McCain Cemetery. Visitation will be noon – 6:00 p.m. Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Joyce A. Sis
Joyce A. Sis, 77, of North Platte passed away July 23, 2018 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
Joyce was born April 5, 1941 in Atwood, Kansas to Kenneth and Erma (Fleischacker) McDougal. She grew up on the farm near Ludell, KS where she loved working with her Pop. Joyce followed him around helping him with chores from sun up to sun down. She graduated with the Atwood High School class of 1959. She married Dennis M. Sis on August 8, 1959 in Atwood, KS who she met on a blind date. The couple lived in Stratton, Max, McCook, Kearney, Grant, Ogallala, and finally North Platte.
Her family was the center of her life and Joyce will be remembered as a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and grandmother. Joyce always had a huge garden, full of flowers and vegetables. She spent countless hours in her flower garden and was known by many for her beautiful flowers. She loved following her children and grandchildren’s sporting activities. She was a lover of animals, especially her cats, dog Oscar, and was a die-hard Bill Elliott NASCAR fan. She will be remembered for her wonderful giggle.
Survivors include her children, Greg (Cheri) Sis, Terry (Cori) Sis all of Elsie, Pam (Don Jorgensen) Neff of Sioux Falls, SD, and Tam (Terry) Kuenle of North Platte; grandchildren, Jyll (Travis) Hansen of Broken Bow, Nikki (Brent) Downey of North Platte, Cameron (Katie) Sis of Elsie, Carlie Sis of Chicago, IL, Jenni Sis of Detroit, MI, Kelan Sis of Elsie, Ryan Kuenle, Allison Kuenle, Alex Neff, Peyton Neff all of North Platte, and Derek Sis of Elsie; great-grandchildren, Jackson, Lauryn, and Colten Hansen of Broken Bow, and Ava and Owen Downey of North Platte; son-in-law, P.D. Neff of North Platte; and siblings, Janice (Fred) Pianalto of Carlton, MN, Jeri (Eldon) Pickett of Lawrence, KS, and Joan McDougal of Glendale, AZ.
Preceding her in death were her parents; husband; brother, Jim McDougal; and an infant grandson, Jay Sis.
Memorials may be made to the North Platte Animal Shelter or Fur the Love of Paws. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Matthew Nash as celebrant. Inurnment will follow lunch at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be noon – 8:00 p.m. today at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Kyla Kay (Heck) Heath
Kyla Kay (Heck) Heath, 56, passed away July 11, 2018, at her home near Quemado, New Mexico. She was happy and where she loved to be when she was taken from us suddenly by a lightning strike.
Kyla was born April 13, 1962, to Gael and Lea (Phillips) Heck of Brady. She attended Brady Public School where in her senior year she was honored as co-athlete of the year with her best friend. She graduated from Brady High School in 1980.
Kyla married Carl Cox on Sept. 24, 2013. They made their home in Elephant Butte, New Mexico, before purchasing property near Quemado, New Mexico. There they began to build their dream. Kyla loved animals. She had two dogs that were her babies and she also raised chickens and goats.
She started Ky’s Kreations, where she sold the art that she created using electricity and wood, ceramics, woodworking and photography.
Kyla enjoyed hunting with her husband Carl. For her first animal, she shot a bear in Alaska. They took trips to Hawaii, Aruba, Africa, Yukon and went to Alaska twice. She was truly living the life that she enjoyed and with the man that she loved so dearly.
Kyla is survived by her husband, Carl Cox; parents, Gael (Lea) Heck of North Platte; brother and sister-in-law, Brad (June) Heck of Huntingdon, Tennessee; and sister and brother-in-law, Jan (Brian) Lipinski of North Platte; eight nephews and their spouses; nine great-nephews; seven great-nieces; and one great-great niece; many aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family, as well as so many friends.
Services were on July 20, at her home in New Mexico. Per Kyla’s wishes she was cremated and her ashes will be scattered at a beautiful spot that she and Carl both loved.
Phyllis R. (Losh) Bohlender
Phyllis R. (Losh) Bohlender, 83, passed away July 3, 2018, of complications from a stroke in her home in Scappoose, Oregon. She went peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
She was an accomplished musician, teacher, seamstress and a grandmother to all.
She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Jedd Bohlender; her parents, the Rev. John and Beatrice Losh; and brothers, Paul Losh and Kenneth Losh.
She is survived by three children, Becky (Jake) Linderman, Todd (Tammy) Bohlender and Tina (Dan) Johnson; 14 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Online condolences may be shared as well as a complete obituary viewed at anewtradition.com/obituaries/obituary/16197_Phyllis_Rebecca_Losh.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in North Platte, followed by a gathering and meal in the church hall. A celebration of life service will be on Saturday, Aug. 4, at her home in Scappoose.
Dennis G. Toillion
Dennis G. Toillion, 83, of North Platte, passed away July 22, 2018 at Great Plains Health. He was born December 20, 1934 to Harvey and L.B. Mae (Stevens) Toillion at North Platte. He was raised on a farm and ranch near North Platte.
Dennis graduated from North Platte High School with the class of “52”. On June 15, 1958 he was united in marriage to Kathleen Forbes at Scottsbluff.
He began doing carpentry for number of years with his father in the community repairing and building homes. Dennis started with the State of Nebraska Dept. of Roads and retired as a maintanance supervisor in 1972. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Dennis was an avid Husker fan, loved gardening and woodworking.
He is survived by his wife, Kay of North Platte; a son, Scott (Patricia) Toillion of Longmont, CO; a daughter, Denise (Wayne) Wilson of Pueblo, CO; brother-in-law, Vernon Forbes of Lincoln; grandchildren, Samuel, Luke, Whitney and Danielle; his furry companion, Herbie Husker and other relatives.
Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church or donor’s choice.
Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Thursday, July 26, 2018 at First Presbyterian Church. Inurnment will be at a later date. Cremation was chosen. Those wishing to sign Dennis’ memorial book may do so from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.
Joy Elizabeth Smith
Joy Elizabeth Smith, 50, of Lincoln, died in her home unexpectedly on June 29, 2018.
Joy was born on Feb. 7, 1968, in North Platte.
She was preceded in death by her father, Charles, and sister, Cheryl.
She is survived by her life partner, David Perez, and son, Matthew, both of Lincoln; mother, Karen; brother, Charles (Patti) Smith; sisters, Michelle and Valerie Smith, all of North Platte; many nieces and nephews; in-laws, Elizabeth and Arturo Perez, Tim Perez, of Omaha, and Chris and Elizabeth Leary-Perez, of Denver, Colorado.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to her son in care of her brother, Charles.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 26, at the Maywood Christian Church. A covered dish luncheon with meat provided will follow in the fellowship hall.
Esther Elaine Duckworth Sandberg
It is with great sadness the family of Esther Elaine Duckworth Sandberg announces her passing after a brief illness on July 16, 2018, in Seattle, Washington, at the age of 80.
A native of North Platte, Esther graduated from North Platte High School in 1956.
She married Gary M. Sandberg in 1958. Esther and Gary have resided in the Seattle area since 1963.
In 1969, as Chief School Administrator, Esther was instrumental in the founding and operation of Ichthus Student Community, later named Hillside Student Community, in Bellevue, Washington. She retired in 2007, having served the students and parents of Hillside for 38 years.
Esther enjoyed genealogy, knitting and sewing and she and Gary traveled the U.S. and Europe.
Esther was preceded in death by her parents, Nile and Eula Duckworth.
Esther will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, Gary; her children, Vanya and Michael; brother, Dr. Richard (Sue) Duckworth of Enid, Oklahoma; sisters-in-laws, Barbara (Ted) Krzycki and Mary Sandberg Werner of Lincoln; forever remembered by nephews and nieces, David Duckworth, Steve Duckworth, Gary (Carol) Duckworth, Jim (Sandy) Pelton, Brenda (Andy) Ringgold, Carolyn Werner and Sara Werner. Her loving kindness will be missed by numerous cousins, extended family and dear friends.
Memorials are suggested to Hillside Student Community, 5027 159th Place SE, Bellevue, WA 98006 (hillsideSC.org).
Services will be at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 28, at Kirkland Congregational United Church of Christ, 106 Fifth Ave., Kirkland Washington.