Daniel D. Hoover age 75, of North Platte passed away May 8, 2018 at his home.  Dan was born on September 2, 1942 in Sidney, Nebraska at Taylor Hospital to Benny and Lois (Bolin)  Hoover. When he was six days old his mother, brother and sister moved to California to be with his father who had gone to work in the shipyards for CCC. His family moved back to Hershey and then Keystone, Nebraska and settled in North Platte when he was five years old.

He grew up in North Platte and attended North Platte High School where he graduated and later entered the United States Air Force. He served at Dyas Air force Base for four years and received a medal of honor for his service. Dan had high security clearance drawing flight plans. He was highly respected and recognized for his work. Dan married the love of his life, Donna Davis on October 24, 1970.  Early in the marriage he worked for Ozzie’s installing carpet with his brother, Tom. He worked at UPS for 26 years and enjoyed working in the community of Gothenburg. Dan was well-known in the community and was often referred to as Dan the UPS man. In 1981, Dan was in a life threatening accident and was life-flighted to Omaha.  His heart stopped seven times and he was not expected to live. God gave him back to us for another thirty-seven years.

Dan and Donna raised three children in the home they shared for 47 years. Dan was an example to his children and all who were around him in his love for his wife and family. He exemplified a servant’s heart to family, friends and those in need. He was a Deacon and member of Bethel Church.

Dan enjoyed hunting and fishing with his sons and car shows with his brother-in-laws. He also enjoyed woodworking and helping with projects. He had a Saturday tradition of going to breakfast with his daughter. Dan loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were the apple of his eye.

Dan was preceded in death by his dad, Benny Hoover; mother, Lois Hoover; brothers, Donald (Marlene) Hoover, and Thomas Hoover; and father-in-law, Harold Andersen.

Survivors include his wife, Donna of North Platte; sons, Brent (Sherri) Hoover, and Jeff (Megan) Hoover all of North Platte; daughter, Becky (Casey) Hoaglund of North Platte; grandchildren Tiffany, Taylor, McKenzie, Chloe, Jenna, Caedmon, Carson, Ellie, Jacob and Olivia; great-grandchildren, Noah, Mason and Payden and expected twins; siblings, Louise (Robert) Cullinan, Terry (Tami) Hoover of North Platte; step-sister and step-brothers, Janet (Joe) Steffen of Beatrice, Mark (Carol) Andersen of Louisiana, Eldon (Cindy) Andersen of Hershey, Gene (Trina) Andersen of York; cousin, Glenda (Gary) Phipps of Whitman, NE; and many friends and family.

A memorial has been established to the Deacon’s fund at Bethel Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2018 at the Bethel Evangelical Free Church with the Reverend Noah Palmer officiating.  Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be noon – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Leslie Sue Burke, 68, of North Platte passed away May 8, 2018 at her home.

Leslie was born on October 10, 1949 in North Platte to Lester and Marian (Whipple) Saathoff.  Her father passed suddenly one month before she was born.

Leslie graduated from North Platte High School in 1968.  She married Bill Burke on July 16, 1971.  To this union two boys were born, Jason and Keith.  Leslie worked at Great Plains Regional Hospital for 14 years as a CNA.  She was a member of RSVP, volunteered at the Thrift Center and Christmas wrapped at the mall for RSVP.  She enjoyed crocheting, craft shows, and gardening.

Survivors include her husband, Bill of North Platte; sons, Jason of Thornton, CO, and Keith (Amanda) of Castle Rock, CO; grandchildren, Eric, Anna, Levi, and Delaney; siblings, Hervy (Donna) Saathoff  of North Platte; Garrett (Sue) Saathoff of WA, Arthur (Mary Lou) Saathoff , and Bonnie (Bob) Smith all of North Platte; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her father, Lester Saathoff; and mother and step-father, Marian and Willie Christensen.

Memorials are suggested in her name to the Gift of Hope and online condolences may be shared at www.adamswanson.com.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 11, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with the Reverend Clint Walker officiating.  Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.  Visitation will be noon-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Vivian Louise Bockus, age 92, formerly of North Platte, received her heavenly promotion Thursday, May 3, 2018, at the Plattsmouth Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Vivian was born September 18, 1925 to Harry and Martha (Griffith) Stackhouse in Brady, NE. She grew up in the Maxwell area and attended Bignell School from 3rd-10th grade, graduating from Maxwell High School in 1942.

At the age of 12, she accepted the Lord as her Savior at Maranatha Bible Camp. Vivian had a strong faith in the Lord. After high school she attend Midwest Bible and Missionary Institute in Salina, KS, graduating in 1945.

On October 17, 1945, Vivian was united in marriage to Chester Orvill Bockus at the Maxwell Baptist Church. They lived in North Platte and Lexington and then worked as missionaries in Panama from 1951-1960. Afterward, they returned to Nebraska, living in Cozad and Lexington. Vivian worked in the cafeteria at Morton Elementary School in Lexington for 13 years before retiring and returning to North Platte in 1994. Vivian was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and taught Sunday School and Awana Children’s Club for many years.

She is survived by her sons, Larry (Valerie) Bockus of Lincoln and Darrell Bockus, of Kensington, MN; sister, Maxine Christensen Tilton of North Platte; brother, Dale (Cynthia) Stackhouse of North Platte; six grandchildren, Heidi (Corey) Simmons, Ruben (Maria) Bockus, Lydia Bockus, Sarah (Tom) Oja, Rachel Bockus, and Elizabeth (Warren) Johnson; 9 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Vivian is preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Martha Stackhouse; sister-in-law, Phyllis Stackhouse; and brothers-in-law, Don Christensen and Clem Tilton.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 12, 2018, at Plainview Cemetery, south of Maxwell. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

 Memorials are suggested to KJLT Radio, Maranatha Bible Camp, or Back to the Bible. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Walter Brott, 89, of Ogallala, passed away April 29, 2018, at Indian Hills Manor in Ogallala.

Walter was born on Nov. 24, 1928, in Perkins County to Henry and Anna Elizabeth (Lofing) Brott. Walter received his early schooling at District No. 60 in Perkins County.

After schooling, Walter worked on the family farm until 1951, at which time he was drafted into the U.S. Army. He served in the Korean War for two years and was awarded the Purple Heart and two Bronze Stars.

In 1953, Walter moved back home to the farm, where he lived and worked until he retired.

Walter Married Norma Jean Starkey on Aug. 1, 1954. They were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church.

Walter had life memberships with the American Legion, VFW and DAV. He had been a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church since baptism. He was also confirmed in the Lutheran faith on Oct. 11, 1942.

Walter was preceded in death by his wife, Norma; his parents; four sisters, Caroline, Ester, Lillian and Rosie; and seven brothers, Rineholt, William, Henry, John, Leo, Harry and Marvin.

Survivors include three daughters, Teresa (Ken) Thompson of North Platte, Beverly (Merlin) Rapp of Paxton and Bonnie (Gary) Wong of Lake Grove, New York; one sister, Katherine (Ronald) Stuehm of Holdredge; one brother, Harvey (Jeannie) Brott of North Platte; five sisters-in-law, Marion Brott, Ethel Brott, Shirley Brott, Lilace Brott and Faye Brown; eight grandchildren, Kerri Rapp, Jon (Eryn) Rapp, Jenilee Rapp, Mathew (Marsha) Thompson, Shawn Thompson and Stephanie Walrod, Aaron (Makayla) French, Brandon French and Cortney (Don) French-Dupreme; six great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to St. John’s Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be shared at drauckerfuneralhome.com, where services will be live streamed for those unable to attend.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 4, at St. John’s Lutheran Church, southeast of Ogallala, with the Rev. Robert Pierce officiating. Burial will follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery with military honors. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. today, May 3, at Draucker Funeral Home, Ogallala, which is in charge of arrangements.

Dorette Jean Littlejohn Kleinkauf, 93, passed away May 1, 2018, in Lincoln.

Dorette Jean Hoehne was born on Nov. 3, 1924, in Lincoln to John Albert and Valda (Zink) Hoehne.

After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1942, she met William Charles Littlejohn II. They were married on March 12, 1944, in New York City, where he played professional baseball. The marriage dissolved in September 1956, and Dorette moved the family back to Nebraska.

In April 1957, she began working as the clerk for the district foreman at the Union Pacific Railroad Roundhouse in North Platte. Shortly after Dorette met Donald Elmer Kleinkauf, a locomotive engineer, they were married on Aug. 20, 1960, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church.

Dorette was an active community steward, serving consecutive terms as Sioux Lookout chapter regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a governing member and treasurer of the Great Plains Regional Medical Center, an advisor to the North Platte Community College and a litany of positions with nonprofit organizations.

She is survived by her son, William “Chip” (Marcy) Littlejohn III of Scottsbluff; daughter, Loree (Victor) Kirilloff of Lincoln; and grandchildren, Taylor and Jessica Littlejohn and Victoria Kirilloff.

Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 5, at Good Shepard Lutheran Church, 3825 Wildbriar Lane, Lincoln. Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 7, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Friday, May 4, at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St., which is in charge of arrangements.

Randall Lynn Sawyer passed away on the morning of Saturday April 21st at his home in Ajo, Arizona. Randy was born October 22nd, 1954 in North Platte, Nebraska to Clarence (Sonny) and Mabel Marlene (Roach) Sawyer. He competed in track and football for North Platte High School and graduated in 1973. In 1979 he married Shelly Rankin and they had two sons, Tony and Chris. He worked as a glazier in North Platte before becoming an air traffic controller and moving to Longmont, Colorado in 1982. Randy worked at Denver Air Route Traffic Control Center in Longmont for 24 years, retiring in 2006. Randy enjoyed camping and boating with his family at Lake McConaughy. He was an excellent cook, an accomplished pool and foosball player and had a multitude of hobbies, ranging from stargazing to macramé. He was a fan of all Denver professional sports, the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team, and the music of James Taylor. After retiring, he enjoyed spending his time camping, fishing, and travelling in his RV with his dog, Pardner.

He is survived by his mother, Marlene of North Platte; sons, Tony (Annia) of Erie, CO and Chris of Broomfield, CO; siblings Mike (Celine), Scott and Julie (Marty Beyer) Skinner all of North Platte and Pam (Steve) Graupensperger of Albany, OR; grandchildren Calvin, Zach, Kadence, and Cohen; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life at the Holiday Inn Express in North Platte on Saturday, May 19th from 3-5 pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the National Park Service.