Micheline Jo “Mickie” Phagan, age 67 of North Platte, passed away Monday April 23, 2018 at Great Plains Health.

Mickie was born April 20, 1951 in Lexington to Don and Doris (Mutchie) Lemmer.  She graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1969.  In October of 1975 she married Matt Phagan.  To that union, two daughters were born.  Mickie worked for many years at the Platte Bar, and JC Penny’s.  She was passionate about her family, always putting them first.  She loved working on her home and enjoyed doing the renovation in her homes.

Survivors include two daughters, Mindy Phagan of Leesburg, GA and Samie Phagan of Lincoln, NE; grandson, Blake Kilpatrick of Leesburg, GA; siblings, Sharon (Jim) Walsh of Chandler, AZ, Steve (Terry) Lemmer of Panama City, FL, and Diane Gage of Sacramento, CA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents Don and Doris Lemmer; three brothers, Gary, Raymond, and Mark; and nephews, Brian and Jeff.

Memorials are suggested in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.   A Celebration of Life Service will be held in July in conjunction with her mother, Doris Lemmer, who passed away in February 2018.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rhea Pearce, age 72 of North Platte, died April 16, 2018 at Great Plains Health. She was born November 13, 1945 to Jason and Betty(Brazelston) Dewhirst at Council Bluffs, Iowa. She is survived by her son, Mark Pearce of Lincoln;  sisters, Dawn Lambert of California, and Susan Rude; brother, Dean Olson; mother, Betty Olson; nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her father; and her husband, Don. Memorial services were 2:30 pm Monday, April 23, 2018 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Darrell W. Heiss, 87, passed away April 20th 2018 in North Platte, NE.  Born July 20th, 1930 to Raymond Lee Heiss and Faye Etta (Cullen) in Page, NE. He grew up on the family farm and attend Page Public School. Following graduation from high school in 1947 he attended Wesleyan University and University of Nebraska. Darrell graduated with high distinction in 1952 with a BS degree in Agronomy  and earned his Masters in Bozeman, MT. later on. After graduating he enlisted in the Air Force and was stationed in Cut Bank, MT where he met Jo Ann Miklich . They were married in Nov. 1952. Darrell was released from active military duty in February 1956. That same year he accepted a teaching position at the high school in Burwell, NE. In the summer of 1958 Darrell moved his family to Page, NE to farm and teach. In 1965 Darrell accepted a position with Farmers National Farm Management Co. and moved to North Platte. Darrell left Farmers National to start his own farm management, H-D Management, and continued to buy land in the Stapleton area to farm. Darrell’s achievements and honors in his lifetime include, an accomplished athlete in high school, college and his military years. He was President of Farm House Fraternity, Past President and active in the North Platte Rotary Club.  Darrell was very involved in the United Methodist Church and was a Teammate Mentor for many years.  Darrell’s wife Jo Ann, passed away in 1990 and he later married Karla Dean. Hunting and fishing were Darrell’s favorite hobbies. He loved taking his son-in-laws and grandsons deer and elk hunting.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Faye Heiss, brothers, Don and Ken Heiss, sister Ardis Johnston, wife Jo Ann and daughter Bobbi Jo Leggott.

Survivors include, his wife, Karla, daughters, Cathy Luenenborg, Deb Pittman, Kim (Kim) Zurcher and Wendy (Tony) Young; step-children Kyla (Mike) Dodson, Phillip (Martha) Dean and Jason Dean, grandchildren, Kelly, Wyatt and Garett Luenenborg, Brandon, Jace and Kade Pittman, Ashley Johanson, Tony Grabenstein, Tina Anderson, Ben and Troy Zurcher, Cory and Shea Leggott, Camden, Delani and Bayla Young, many great grandchildren, step-grandchildren,  nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from  9am – 8pm   with the family receiving friends from 6 – 8pm on Tues., April 24th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements.  In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the United Methodist Church, Teammates or the donors choice.  Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com.  Services will be held at First United Methodist Church at 1:00 PM Wed. 25th, with graveside services and military honors following at North Platte Cemetery.

Ron Detlefsen passed away unexpectedly at his home on April 20, 2018.  He was born in Stapleton, Nebraska, to Vern and Virginia (Reynolds) Detlefsen on February 15, 1948.

Ron attended Cody Elementary School and graduated from North Platte High School.  While in high school, his extra-curricular activities led him to his lifetime passion for golf and his love of music–playing his guitar in the Showstopper Band.  Later in life he enjoyed improvising at the keyboard and entertained those around with his imitations of ‘Ray Charles.’ He attended the University of Nebraska and University of Northern Colorado as a member of the college golf team. Ron was united in marriage to Teresa Olsen on May 20, 1977, and they were blessed with two sons, Ryan and Brett.

Ron was involved in the petroleum business as a oil jobber until his retirement—Detlefsen Truck Stop, Detco stations, and transports.  His knowledge and dedication to the industry led him to being active in the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers Board of Directors.  In his early years, he was part of the North Platte Ambassadors and was founder of the first annual North Platte Youth Ambassador Golf Tournament.

Ron’s first loves centered around his wife and his family.  Around 1990, he and Teresa moved their two boys to Lake Maloney and the family grew to love and enjoy many of the same things.  As a family, a favorite was always playing golf, he inspired his boys to love fishing and hunting and they all embraced the lake and all it had to offer–water sports, skiing, wakeboarding, sunset cruising–just  being together and enjoying its beauty. “Captain, Oh My Captain” was a familiar quoted title for Ron as the best pontoon boat and tour captain on the lake! Many enjoyed the experience of his “Fifty Cent Tours.”

Like in life, each round of golf begins the same–and with each swing and movement and placement, the ball is hit, the game begins and…we learned about RD…his quiet character, his love of life and family, his loyalty and commitment to friends and fellow golfers, his competitive spirit, his appreciation for not just the game but the courses– the challenges & intrigue of their differences, his ability to face adversity head on, forty plus years of sobriety, and RD’s humor!!  His humor–sometimes hidden, but when it came out, all took note and enjoyed being in his presence.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Teresa; sons, Ryan of Lincoln and Brett (Kelly) of Austin, Texas; sister, Barb Detlefsen of Omaha; uncle, Bobbie Smith of Arnold; sisters-in-law, Sheryl (Ken) Parish and Marcy Etzelmiller of Omaha; brother-in-law, John Lund of Ogallala; nieces and nephews, Stacey (Beau) Reid of Omaha, Corey (Susan) Sheen of  Scottsdale, AZ, Dr. Coby (Janet) Lund of Atlanta, GA, Jason (Erin) Lund of Lone Tree, CO, Michael Etzelmiller (Katie) of Omaha, Lindsey (Fiancé Jared Hyland) Etzelmiller of Omaha, and Tim Jorgensen of Evergreen, CO; four legged granddogs, Disco and Finnley; numerous cousins, including Robbi  (Shelley) Smith of Arnold, friends, and golfing buddies. He was preceded in death by his parents, Vern and Virginia; aunts, Gloria Smith and Earlynn Biggs; and sister-in-law, Linda Lund.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Harbor Lights, 711 N. Lake Rd, North Platte, Thursday, April 26, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Casual attire is requested.  Those wishing to sign Ron’s 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.

Mable May Rasmussen, 97, longtime resident of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away April 22, 2018 on Good Shepherd Sunday, in York, Nebraska.

Mable was born January 20, 1921 in North Platte, Nebraska, the youngest child of John and Zilphia (Freel) Cook. She attended grade school at District 3 Sioux Lookout School southeast of North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1938.

She taught two years at District 3 Sioux Lookout School. During this time she also attended Kearney Teachers College, now UNK, for three summers and one school year. She earned her two year diploma in elementary education in 1941. Mable then taught third and fourth grades at Stapleton, Nebraska for two years.

Mable worked as a Personnel Clerk in Employee Relations for Moore Dry Dock Ship Repair in Oakland, California. After World War II, she returned to Nebraska and taught third grade at Cody School in North Platte.

Virgil Rasmussen and Mable Cook were married September 28, 1947 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte. They lived their entire married lives on the Rasmussen family farm southwest of North Platte in the Miller School neighborhood. They were blessed with two children, Susan and Dave. Virgil died February 1, 1992.

Mable belonged to First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte and taught Sunday School for many years. She served as a 4-H leader for a cooking club and also served on the Election Board for many years. She belonged to the Jolly Dozen neighborhood women’s club and was an active member of Women Involved in Farm Economics, W.I.F.E.

Mable is survived by daughter, Susan (Cliff) Jewell of Cairo; son, Dave (Julie) Rasmussen of York; grandchildren, Amy (Brandon) Lehman of York, Travis Jewell of Cairo, Lora Jewell of David City, and Eric (Lisa) Rasmussen of York; great-grandchildren, John, Caleb, and Anna Lehman of York; beloved nieces and nephews; and special friends, the Dick Wuehler family of North Platte.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil; parents, John and Zilphia Cook; brothers, Bob (Betty) Cook and Art (Louise) Cook; sister, Gladys (V.E.) Clark; and sisters-in-law, Dorothea (Pat) Kunkel, Martha (Loren) Woodcock, Doris (Bob) Carpenter, and Carlie (Milton) Tobey.

Memorials are suggested to the First Evangelical Lutheran Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church with the Pastor Steve Berke officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.

Visitation will be Friday, April 27 from 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Ruth Reynolds, 88, of North Platte went home to be with the Lord on April 23, 2018.

Ruth was born on October 24, 1929 in Logan County, NE on the family farm.  She lived there with her parents, Richard and Harriet (Colburn) Lockhart, three brothers, and a sister until the age of 12.  She and her mother moved to North Platte so Ruth could continue school, with her father following after harvest.

Ruth was very proud of the fact that she was able to work at the Canteen.  Throughout her life she had many occupations, many with her husband, Clyde Reynolds, including rural mail carrier and hauling newspaper bundles 175 miles a day.  Her favorite jobs were waitressing at the Friendly Inn, listening to students read to her at the elementary school, and “being a display” and working at the Children’s Museum.  Other than her family her proudest accomplishment was earning her GED.

She is survived by her children, Wayne (Maria) Reynolds, Ruth Stout, Mike (Pat) Reynolds, and Debra (Robert) Stewart.  She was like the woman who lived in a shoe and had so many grand, great-grand, great-great-grand, and great-great-great-grand kids that no one can count them all!

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Clyde; daughter, Lucille Bangert; sister, Betty Northey;  brothers, Richard, and Arthur; and and grandsons, Robert Stout and Bill May.

Memorials are suggested to family to be divided amongst her favorite charities.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Platte City Cemetery.  Visitation will be noon – 8:00 p.m. Friday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Rodney Earnest Chrisp, age 89, formerly of Brady, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018, at Linden Court in North Platte.

Rodney was born November 18, 1928, to Elmer and Ernestine (Persons) Chrisp at Mason City, NE. The family later moved to Gothenburg where Elmer was a telephone manager. Rod’s parents separated so he, his brother, Max, and their mother moved to her hometown of Central City, NE. From there Rod and Max went to live with their grandparents, Bina and William Chrisp, on a ranch near Broken Bow, NE. The boys later moved to Paxton where their father owned the telephone company and they lived with Elmer and his wife, Eve, and their step siblings, Gary, Carol and Gayle. While in school Rod worked for his father operating the switchboard, repairing lines and doing other jobs at the telephone company.

Rod graduated from Paxton High School in 1946 then joined the U.S. Army in September. He served a year and a half in Korea and was honorably discharged in 1948. After his discharge he returned to Paxton and married Donna McConnell and had a son, Michael “Micki”, then divorced a short time later.

Rod worked for his dad in Paxton and managed the Hershey Telephone Company. In July 1953, Rod purchased the Brady and Maxwell Telephone Company. Rod expanded the business by purchasing the Eustis Telephone Exchange in 1977. He later expanded the company’s services by adding cable TV and Internet service when it became available.

On November 10, 1953, Rod married Jo Ann Linneman and they made their home in Brady. To this union two daughters, Debra Jo and Jodie Lynn, were born. Rod was active in the Brady community, serving on the school board and town board. Rod and Jo also had a cabin at Jeffrey Lake where they enjoyed boating and skiing. They coached girls’ softball (Jo was the pitcher) and liked playing cards and golfing with friends. Rod also enjoyed walking, exercise, and was a Husker fan.

Over the years, Rod and Jo Ann vacationed in Torrance, CA, and by January 1, 2001, Rod sold the business and they moved to California. They lived in Torrance then Rancho Mirage and later to Indian Wells. After 60 years of marriage, Rod lost his wife to cancer and returned to Nebraska in July 2014.

He is survived by his daughters, Debra Chrisp, of Brady and Jodie Schleder, of Frisco, TX; son, Micki (Deb) Welton, of Maxwell; grandchildren, Rebecca (Dana) Dishman, Shane (Sabrina) Bryant, Ryan Schleder, Brandon Schleder, Tammi Welton, Cassi (Brian) Brewer, Traci Picotte and Marci (Tony) Jackson; many great-grandchildren; half sisters, Carol Stewart and Gayle Anthony; as well as other family.

Along with his wife, Jo Ann, Rod was preceded in death by his father and stepmother, Elmer and Eve Chrisp; his mother and stepfather, Ernestine and Clarence Arnold; brother, Max Chrisp; and half brother, Gary Chrisp.

Funeral service will be 1 p.m. Friday, April 27, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be prior to the service at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Great Plains Hospice or the Alzheimer’s Association.