Joseph Edward Gifford, age 89, of Paxton, NE, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Friday, April 13, 2018.

Joe was born four miles north of Paxton on August 18, 1928, the fourth child of Ray and Clara (Tilse) Gifford. He grew up north of Sarben, NE, along with his six siblings, Evelyn, Eldon “Bus”, James L. “Jim”, John H., Eben W. and Lila. Joe graduated 8th grade from District 40, north of Sarben, and years later received his GED in 1971.

Joe worked on the family ranch until he was drafted into the U.S. Army in early 1951. He served in Korea from May to September of ’51 then was wounded in action. He spent the next 15 months recovering in a hospital. By January ’53 Joe was honorably discharged and had received a Purple Heart, the Korean Service Medal and Pacific Theater Medal along with other medals of commendation.

Following his discharge Joe returned to the ranch where he continued working until 1959. He later worked odd jobs for Brownie Wamsley, the V.F.W. Club in Ogallala, NE, and Swedes Bar and the Conoco Station in Paxton before going to work full-time for the Lawler Farm and Ranch, southeast of Paxton, in ’62. He eventually worked part-time then completely retired from the Lawler ranch in 1997.

On September 23, 1961, Joe was united in marriage to Judy Nelson in Julesburg, CO. The couple was blessed with five children, Jerri, Kathryn, Cynthia, Teresa and Mark, and raised their family on the Lawler farm. In 1996 Joe and Judy became homeowners when they bought their home in Paxton and had lived there ever since. They were married for over 50 years when Judy died in 2013.

On January 11, 1998, Joe was baptized as a Child-of-God at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Lodgepole, NE. He had a strong faith and loved his family.

He was a life member of the Paxton American Legion Post #303, V.F.W., Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) and since 1998, was a member of the Sons of the American Legion. Joe had twice served as the American Legion Commander and was Membership Chairman for many years. He was also Commander of D.A.V. Chapter #34 and was the D.A.V. District Adjutant. Over the years, Joe had received the Legion District Horse Collar Award and the Legion Citizenship Award.

Joseph leaves behind his children, Jerri (Jim) Morris, of Holt, MO, Kathy (Brian) Scusa, of North Platte, Cynthi (Randy) Hartsuiker, of Big Springs, NE, Teresa (Mike) Morland, of Paxton, and Mark (Teresa) Gifford, of Lincoln, NE; 19 grandchildren and step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and step great-grandchildren; sister, Lila Lewis, of Columbus, NE; mother-in-law, Gladys Nelson, of North Platte; brother-in-law, Stan (Roseann) Nelson, of Longwood, FL; sisters-in-law, B.J. Aldrich, of Chadron, NE, June Gifford, of Grand Junction, CO, Hazel Gifford, of North Platte and Margaret Gifford, of Paxton; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Along with his wife, Judy, Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Clara; sister and brother-in-law, Evelyn and Walt Gentner; brothers, Bus, Jim, John and Eben Gifford; sister-in-law, Peggy Gifford; and father-in-law, Fred Nelson.

Cremation was chosen. Inurnment for Joseph and Judy will be 11 a.m. (CT) Friday, April 20, 2018, in Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial Service will follow at noon (MT) at Trinity Lutheran Church in Paxton. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to Paxton Fire Dept. or American Legion Post #303.

Chad A. Brauer, 40, of North Platte, passed away April 12, 2018 at Cozad Care and Rehabilitation Center. He was born September 18, 1977 to Chuck and Kathy (Peden) Brauer at North Platte.

Chad graduated from North Platte High School in 1997.  He loved his dogs, Ben and Jerry, enjoyed collecting antiques, fishing, camping, skateboarding and had a passion for classic Volkswagen’s.

He is survived by his parents, Chuck and Kathy; his devoted companion, Nancy Flock; a brother, Chris Brauer; nephews, Gavyn and Haedyn Brauer all of North Platte; grandparents, Allen and Anita Brauer of Lincoln; Nancy’s parents, Robert and Alma Flock of North Platte; and numerous aunts, uncles and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Bonnie Peden, Gerold Peden and Joan Brauer.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sunday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Services will be 3:00 p.m. Monday, April 16, 2018 at the funeral home with the Reverend Jon Dickmander officiating.  Cremation will follow the services.  A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

Johnnie Ray Loving, formerly of North Platte, NE, passed away at the age of 66 on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at the Nebraska Skilled Nursing Center in Omaha.

Johnnie was born in East Gary, IN, on February 24, 1952, to George Edgar and Ruth Loving. The family moved to North Platte in ’64 where Johnnie graduated from North Platte High School. He worked for the Power Plant in Sutherland for a number of years while it was being built and did other construction work for years before becoming a painter by trade.

Johnnie had married and later divorced Joyce Gibbs, Mary Bower and Carol Cuttaback. He was a happy-go-lucky kind of guy and was always very funny.

He is survived by his children, John Loving, Jr., of North Platte and Crystal Agesa and Martha Loving, of Omaha; siblings, Dianna Emerson, Anne Loving, Hazel (Daniel) Perez, Harold (Barbara) Loving, and Robin (Mary Beth) Loving, all of North Platte, Mike (Juley) Loving, of Deltona, FL, and Nicci Loving (Rick) Stroemer, of Kansas City, MO; sister-in-law, Victoria Loving, of North Platte; several grandchildren; as well as numerous other family members.

Along with his parents, George and Ruth, Johnnie was preceded in death by his twin, Bonnie Murphy; brother, George, Jr.; and brother-in-law, Clifford Emerson.

Cremation was chosen and services will be at a later date. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Carmen L. Gonzales, age 86 of North Platte, passed away Tuesday April 10, 2018 at Linden Court.

Carmen was born February 29, 1932 in Wellington, KS to Herman and Anastacia (Landeros) Caudillo.  She attended school up to the fifth grade and worked with her family in the beet and sugar fields.  She worked at TRW in Ogallala and then worked as a housekeeper at the Holiday Inn, St. Mary’s Hospital and Great Plains Regional Medical Center.  On May 27, 1969 she married Andrew C. Gonzales in Sidney, NE.  She enjoyed embroidering dishtowels, decorating her kitchen with roosters, and watching her Novela’s and Husker football.  She loved spending time with her family, and cooking for them, especially at summer barbeques.  She was a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and will be dearly missed by her friends and family.

Carmen is survived by her daughter Lisa (Carlos) Vasquez of North Platte; grandchildren Leannah and Sierrah Vasquez of North Platte; siblings Shirley Garcia of Commerce City, CO, Jenny Lopez of North Platte, Herman Caudillo of Northglenn, CO, Manuel (Patti) Caudillo) of North Platte; stepdaughters Virginia Sanchez of Grand Island, Delores (Mike) Casillas of North Platte, Dorothy (Carlos) Carmona of Sutherland, NE; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren and step great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents Herman and Anastacia Caudillo; husband Andrew; son Jimmy; stepson Andrew Jr.; and siblings John, Frank, Isaac, Tony, Hoover, Nellie and Lupe.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be held 7:00 p.m. Sunday April 15, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday April 16, 2018 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Matthew Nash as Celebrant.  Visitation will be from noon until 5:00 p.m. Sunday April 15, 2018  at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.