Juan Fuentes, of North Platte, NE, passed away at home surrounded by his family on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at the age of 55.

Juan was born in Albuquerque, NM, on September 20, 1962, to Raymond and Marjorie Ann Krieger Fuentes. He grew up in Nebraska, living in Hastings until 1976 then moving to North Platte. After his schooling, Juan joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Following his discharge, he moved to Phoenix, AZ, where he helped care for his family. Juan returned to North Platte in 2013 to help take care of his mom.

On December 4, 2017, Juan was united in marriage to Donna JoAnne Reyes Herrada in Lexington, NE, and they made their home in North Platte. Juan loved his family and especially loved spoiling Donna.

Juan had a passion for motorcycles and riding with his friends. He also liked to cook, garden, can vegetables, and loved dancing. In his younger days, Juan was a North Platte Golden Gloves Boxing Champion. He worked for Lincoln County Fairground Raceway and was a security guard for Nebraskaland Days and concerts.

Juan will be remembered for his smile and kind voice that touched many.

He leaves behind his wife, Donna, and mother Marjorie Caudillo, of North Platte; father, Raymond Fuentes, of Hastings; children, Jon Jay “Dink” Caudillo, of North Platte, and Juan Fuentes, Jr., Kevin Armenta, Marcelina Fuentes and Leona Armenta, all of Phoenix; siblings, Dolores Fuentes, Hope Fuentes and Kimberly Towns Karsting of Colorado, Stacy Robinson, of Minnesota, Gavino Fuentes, Ramon Fuentes and Joy Fuentes, of Arizona, Lorenzo Fuentes, Eric Fuentes, Matias Fuentes, Camilla Fuentes, Francisca Clifton and Rosita Fuentes, all of New Mexico, Indio Fuentes and Nicolete Little, of Nebraska, and Margarita Fuentes, of Wyoming; stepchildren, Joshua, Jonathan and Cameo Herrada, of Nebraska; stepmothers, Rosie Fuentes and Sheila Sanchez, of Arizona; parents-in-law, Don and Tommie Reyes, of Nebraska; many grandchildren and step grandchildren, including Keoni Lewellen with whom he shared a special bond; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and other family.

Juan was preceded in death by his stepfathers, Donald “Dink” Karsting and Frank “Poncho” Caudillo; and brother, Jay McNeil.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Monday, April 23, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Father Josh Brown officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 2 to 6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Harold (Buz) Ehlers, age 89, of North Platte passed away April 16, 2018 at Great Plains Health.

Buz was born on May 7, 1928 in North Platte to Edward and Elizabeth (Bailey) Ehlers.

He started school at Bell Prairie School, near Maywood and attended North Platte Schools later.  He had fond memories of his youth, spending time at the Chamberlain Ranch at Maywood.

As a young man he moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where he met and married Phyllis Hawley.  They had two daughters, Judy and Mary, and after moving back to North Platte had a son, Vern.  After Phyllis died, Buz married Bonnie (Bogie) Reinhardt, enlarging the family with their son, Kenneth, and her two children, Jerry and Kathy.

He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad, after 30 years of service as a Boilermaker.  During that time, for 25 years he was also partners with TR Richardson in a cattle operation in Gilman Canyon, South of Gothenburg, which was a labor of love.

Buz and Bonnie purchased their place between Stapleton and North Platte and lived there for 42 years before retiring and moving to North Platte.  For twenty years they raised Norwegian Fjord Horses.  Buz especially enjoyed the first team of Fjords that he had for 15 years, “Stink” and “Dink”.  He liked sharing them with others, giving rides at weddings, anniversaries, the prom, Santa rides through downtown North Platte, and in parades.  With his team and wagon he joined the Midwest Wagon train where he made many friends.  He was a member of the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Posse for 10 years and a charter member of the Nebraska Horse Association.

They then spent winters along the west side of the Colorado River, North of Needles, CA, where Buz made many more close friends, and where he no longer had to shovel snow.

Survivors include his wife, Bonnie of North Platte; daughters, Judy (Don) White of Mullen, Kathleen Hicks of Missoula, MT, and Mary (Paul) Soules of Las Vegas, NC; sons, Jerry (Deb) Reinhardt of Greeley, CO, Vern (Kelly) Ehlers of North Platte, and Ken (Therese) Ehlers of Stapleton; grandchildren, Heather (Jesse) Harwager of Stapleton, Dustin (Mista) White of Alliance, Trey (Becky) White of Paxton, Angie Keller of Missoula, MT, Dawn Facka, Shannon Facka, and Tresie (late husband, Bobby) Ockerman, James (Angie) Facka all of Farmington, NM, Garrett (Laura) Reinhardt of Loveland, CO, Josh (Billi) Reinhardt of Greeley, CO, Amanda (Tommy) Sporleder of Windsor, CO, TJ (Lindsey) Ehlers of Lincoln, Brett (Sarah) Ehlers of Omaha, Lindsay (Kevin) Tidyman of North Platte, Justin (Kari) Ehlers of Kearney, and Courtney Ehlers of Lincoln; 37 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law, Dick (Bernice)Bogie; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Ben) McPhie; three special great-nephews, Rick (Barb) Strain, Ed (Peggy) Strain, and Danny (Norma) Strain.

In addition to his parents; fist wife; he was preceded in death by sister and husband, Ethel (Elmer) Drake; and brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert (Gladys), Norbert (Lucille), and Lester (Evelyn)several nieces and nephews.

Family receiving friends will be 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Gary Dale Cooper, 72, of North Platte, went to be with the Lord on April 13, 2018, after a long battle with cancer. Gary passed away at home with his family by his side. Gary was born in Ardmore, Oklahoma on March 23, 1946 to Vernon Dale and Margrie (Sipes) Cooper.

After graduating from North Platte High School, he enlisted in the Navy and served from November of 1964 to November of 1968 and served in Vietnam. He then worked for Snell Services for 17 years before starting his own business, Cooper Electric, until 2003 when he retired due to health issues. On November 19, 1985, he married his wife, Cindy, at their home. They enjoyed their life together camping, fishing and hunting. Gary took great pride in his gardening.

He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents. He is survived by his wife, Cindy; children, Lee Ann Cooper of North Platte, John Moyer of Lincoln, Bonnie (Charlie) Dressel of Stapleton and Ronnie Dennis of North Platte; 11 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; siblings, Larry (Jody) Cooper of Wellfleet, Sharon (Gilbert) Luna of North Platte and Debbie (Harry) Peffer of Pennsylvania.

Services will be 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2018 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Richard Karr officiating.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.  Cremation will follow the services. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Ira W. (Pete) Chesley, 95, of North Platte, passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus April 14, 2018, surrounded by his family.  Pete was born February 18, 1923 to Clarence & Maggie (Whipple) Chesley in the “Wild Horse Flats” area of Logan County as the 5^th of 7 children. He grew up in the Sandhills and Arnold area along with his siblings.  Pete served in the European Theatre of WWII, serving his country with the Army 9^th Armored Division.  After spending a year after the war in Germany, he returned to Nebraska in May 1946; Pete attended barber college in Denver with his brother Everett later that same year. Pete was united in marriage to Lorraine Olson, June 12, 1948 in North Platte.  The couple was blessed with 3 children: Nick, Steve, and Pam, and resided in Arnold where they owned Pete’s Barber shop. Each of his children thought they were his favorite. In 1971, Pete and Lorraine began their next & final careers as motel owners, owning 4 across the Midwest. They retired in 1986 & returned to North Platte in 1993.

Pete was a gentle man of grace and integrity who never spoke ill of anyone; he possessed the rare quality of being a good listener and when he spoke, his words were concentrated and rich.  Pete was civic minded and was always ready to help his community and his fellow man, he treated everyone fairly and kindly. He was always quick to compliment, slow to anger, and ready to forgive.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Vera and Madeline, brothers, Everett, Albert, Bill, and Darrol, and bonus sons, Alan F. Hall, Jr. and Walter Hall and bonus grandchild JP Hall. Pete lovingly leaves behind his wife Lorraine, children, Nick of Phoenix, AZ, Steve (Cindy) of North Platte, Pam (John) Lee of North Platte, grandchildren Dustin (Noelle), Amber, Emma, Hannah, three great grandchildren, bonus children Herb (Lori) Hall and their families.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.  The casket will be closed.  Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday April 19, 2018 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with full military honors.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Walter Eugene “Gene” Kohl, 80, of Hershey passed away April 13, 2018 at Great Plains Health.

Gene was born on June 26, 1937 in Sutherland, NE to Walter and Jennie (Grisby) Kohl. He attended grade school in Wallace, and junior high in North Platte, graduating from North Platte High School with the class of 1955.  After graduation he enlisted with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1958.  Upon being discharged Gene hired on the Union Pacific Railroad.  He also worked for Central Packing.  On April 5, 1964 Gene was united in marriage to Sharon Irene Booth at the First United Methodist Church.  In 1966 the family moved to Hershey where Gene worked for Howard & Shirley Lendenkuhl feed lot, after which he worked for Jim Pappas.  In 1979 be began work for the Lincoln County Department of Roads, retiring in 2007.

Gene was a past member of the Eagles. He loved to hunt, fish, garden, and do plastic canvas work.  He was a strong pillar for his family.

The family would like to thank all the nurse’s and staff at the Sutherland Care Center.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Sharon Kohl of Hershey; daughters, Cara (Jimm) Fox and Jody (Lyle Dow) Gosnell all of North Platte; son, Terry (Ronda) Booth of Holdrege; sisters-in-law, Lorie (Tim) Wilson, Linda (Dave) Woodward, and Bonnie Preitauer; step-brothers, Mike (Ginger) Payne of New Jersey, Dale Payne of North Platte; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Walter Kohl; mother and step-father, Jennie (Val) Payne; son, Frankie Kohl; daughter, Brenda Kohl; a great-great-grandchild; sister, Geneveve Kohl; niece, Kim Woodward; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Margaret Booth; and brothers-in-law, Junior Woodward and Loren Carland.

Memorials may be made in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, April 20, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Dale Fischer officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors graveside.  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.

Robert Leroy Bassett, known as Bob to friends and family, age 88 of North Plate, passed away Friday, April 13, 2018 with his family at his side.

Bob was born September 11, 1929 in Arnold, NE to Charles Edward and Hazel Leora (McCandless) Bassett.  He was an avid football fan and dog walker in his later years.  Everyone knew not to call him when football was on the agenda.  He was a veteran during the Korean War.  As a brakeman on the Union Pacific he worked on passenger trains and later freight trains for 40 years.  He loved aviation and learned to fly when he was 16.  He flew small airplanes any time he could.  When his children were small he was always available to play games of tag, hide and go seek, and touch football.  Quiet and gentle, he loved feeding his squirrels peanuts so he could watch them out the window.  He carried extra dog biscuits for all the dogs he passed on his daily route.  There will be many sad dogs in his neighborhood waiting for biscuits now.

Bob is survived by his wife Guylene of North Platte; son Gary (Karen) Bassett of North Platte; daughter Raquelle Hill of North Platte; grandchildren Jacob, Kenrick, Shaina, Katie, Kehrry and Nicholas Bassett; and 5 great grandchildren; as well as other extended family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Hazel Bassett; and son Robert Bassett Jr.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the ASPCA or the local animal shelter.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and a memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday April 17, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Monday April 16, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Roger Lee Fox, age 45 years and 11months, died suddenly at his home in Kearney, NE on Tuesday April 10, 2018.

Roger was born May 9, 1972 in North Platte, NE to Benjamin and Mary Ann (Kramer) Fox.  He grew up on the family farm west of Arnold and graduated from Arnold High School in 1991.  He studied Electronics at Mid-Plains Community College in North Platte then began working in Kearney in 1995 soon after graduating.  He worked as an Electronics Engineer in the Department of Aeronautics for the State of Nebraska.  He traveled all over the state setting beacons to guide pilots and astronauts safely over Nebraska.  He also worked on the Doppler Radar Weather Stations and was inducted as an Admiral into the State of Nebraska Navy by Governor Johann for being awarded Employee of the Year in 2002.  He loved teasing his many nephews and nieces unmercifully and enjoyed visiting with his large extended family.  He was a big Husker fan and loved NE Football.  He enjoyed fishing, hunting and golfing with his family and taught the Main nieces how to play Sudoku.  He went to Merritt Reservoir every Labor Day weekend to fish and camp for four days with his aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers, sisters- in-law, sister, nephews and nieces.

Roger is survived by his parents Ben and Mary Ann Fox of Stapleton; brothers James Fox of Stapleton, Marvin (Nancy) Fox of Arnold, Byron Fox of Stapleton, and Kevin (Heather) Fox of North Platte; sisters Karen (James) Main of Stapleton and Kathy Fox of North Platte; nephews Jeffeory (Jennifer) Fox, Levi (Kristin) Fox, Jason (Laurie Ray) Fox all of Boston and Nantucket, MA, Randy (Jody) Fox of NJ, John Main and Kurtis Main of Stapleton, and Joseph of North Platte;  nieces Kristin (Ron Hanson) Fox of WY, Jamie (Sam) Ascherl of McCook, Kellie (Lane Vasa) Main of Stapleton; great nephews Griffin Fox and Shane Fox of Nantucket, MA, and Wade Ascherl of McCook; great nieces Ella Mae Fox and Loreilei Fox of Nantucket, MA, and Scarlett Ascherl of McCook; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents Edward and Clara (Helmkamp) Fox, and Frank and Ethel (Gill) Kramer.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to either the Stapleton or Arnold Fire and Rescue Squads and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Monday April 16, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday April 17, 2018 at St. John’s Catholic Church in Stapleton with the Reverend Thomas Gudipalli as Celebrant.  Burial will follow at the Garfield Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. Monday April 16, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.