Roger Lee Fox, age 45 of Kearney, passed away Tuesday April 10, 2018. Arrangements are pending at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.
Category: Obituaries
Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Wantulok
Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Wantulok, of North Platte, Nebraska, died Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at Centennial Park Retirement Village at the age of 71.
Jerry was born July 12, 1946, to Joseph and Anne Theresa Michalek Wantulok at Sheridan, Wyoming, where he grew up and was known by many as “Jarb”. After graduating from high school, Jerry went on the University of Wyoming in Laramie. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1967 and served in Vietnam. During his service with the 199th Light Infantry Brigade, Jerry was in the Tet Offensive, survived two helicopter crashes, was wounded, and received two Bronze Stars and other medals of honor.
Following his discharge, Jerry returned to school in Laramie and graduated in ’71 with his Business Administration Degree. He went on to work in Minnesota in the Health Care Administration field and later retired as an administrator, due to health reasons. He eventually moved to North Platte in 2010.
Jerry was an avid fisherman and loved watching all sports. He was also a member of the V.F.W. Post #1504.
Jerry was a very loving father, brother and uncle who will be greatly missed. He is survived by his twin daughters, Jessica (Andy) Bergan and Jennifer Wantulok, all of Hibbing, Minnesota; sister, Sandra (Louis) Legerski, of North Platte; brother, John (Emilie) Wantulok, of Sheridan, Wyoming; grandchildren, Johanna and Wyatt; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Anne Wantulok.
Cremation was chosen and services will be at a later date. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel in North Platte is in charge of arrangements.
Frank Cooksley Jr.
Frank Cooksley Jr., 89, died March 24, 2018.
Frank was born at home in the Broken Bow area of Weissert on Jan. 4, 1929, to Frank Cooksley Sr. and Sylvia Gibbens Cooksley. When he was 7, the family moved to North Platte, where he attended Jefferson Elementary and North Platte High School, graduating in 1947. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Japan during the occupation.
Frank attended many automotive schools and spent his working life in the automobile business in North Platte, where he was sales manager at Bowman Chrysler and Nielsens Chevrolet. He then moved to Broken Bow and became the owner of Cooksley Ford, Lincoln, Mercury. He sold his dealership to K.C. Gottschalk of Ranchland Ford in 1980. He retired, and his family moved to Vista, California, in 1984.
Frank enjoyed life and was a people person. He loved being with his children and grandchildren. His grandchildren described him as funny, loving and generous.
He was a member of many organizations during his working life and held offices in the Nebraska New Car Dealers Association and One Box Pheasant Hunt. He was a member of Saint Joseph’s Church while living in Broken Bow and Saint Francis Catholic Church in Vista, California, where he attended faithfully. Good health prevailed until he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Even then, he was kind and content during his struggle that took his life.
Frank was preceded in death by is his parents, Frank Cooksley Sr. and Sylvia Cooksley Hesinger; brother, Marvin Cooksley; and daughter, Cornell Wright.
Frank is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara; sons, Paul of North Platte, Stephen of San Diego and Mitchell of Vista; sister, Betty Cooksley Rodriguez of Palm Desert, California; grandchildren, Dylan and Sydney Cooksley, Nathan Terhune of California, Tad Wright, Jennifer (Justin) Thomas, Greg (Angelena) Wright, Becky (Ron) Tridle and Jed Cooksley; and 10 great-grandchildren of Nebraska.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at Saint Francis Catholic Church in Vista. Inurnment will be at a later date at San Luis Rey Mission Cemetery in Oceanside, California.
Betty J. Calhoun
Betty J. Calhoun, 89, formerly of North Platte, passed away March 20, 2018, at Lawrence Kansas Memorial Hospital.
Betty was born on May 26, 1928, in North Platte to Farrell and Sarah Fae (Abercrombie) McGovern. She received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees from the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
Betty was a member of Christ Community Church, Alpha Delta Kappa and the Elks Club (BPOE), where she was a past president.
She was a teacher at Adams Middle School in North Platte for 25 years until she retired in 1994. She loved playing the piano, crocheting, playing bridge, travel and Nebraska football.
Survivors include her two daughters, Connie Cook of Lawrence and Kelley Calhoun of Laurel; two sons, Marty Calhoun and Jim Calhoun, both of North Platte; nine grandchildren; and 13 great-grandchildren.
Memorials are suggested to the American Heart Association.
Services will be at a later date at the North Platte Cemetery.
Ernest L. “Dean” Smidt
Ernest L. “Dean” Smidt, 83, of Cozad, passed away April 2, 2018, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney.
Ernest was born on April 20, 1934, in Cozad to Ernest H. and Opal I. (Chadwick) Smidt. He graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1951 and entered the U.S. Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he worked on the dairy farm with his father.
On March 21, 1954, Ernest married Shirley Gilliland in North Platte. They were blessed with three sons, Steven, Michael and Randy, and one daughter, Shelly.
In 1970, Ernest became an insurance agent. He retired from the insurance business in 1990 and resided in Cozad until his death.
Ernest was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Keith Smidt and Maynard Smidt; and sister, Farrell Reier.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley of Cozad; sons, Steve (Judy) of Kansas; Michael (Brenda) of Lincoln; Randy (Bobbi) of North Platte; daughter, Shelly (Tom) Knobel of Texas; 12 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.
Services will be at 2 p.m. on Friday, April 6, at St. John Lutheran Church east of Cozad with Pastor Tim Eighmy officiating. The memorial book may be signed from noon to 5 p.m. on Thursday, April 5, at Berryman Funeral Home, Cozad, which is in charge of arrangements.
Linda Ann Katzenstein
Linda Ann Katzenstein, 66, of North Platte passed away April 3, 2018 at her home. She was born February 8, 1952 in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Glen “Mike” and Anna (Peary) McCoy.
Linda attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Council Bluffs. She married Dan Katzenstein July 18, 1970 in Council Bluffs. The couple lived in Council Bluffs until 1988 when they moved to Idaho with the railroad. In June of 1997 they moved to North Platte.
Linda was an avid bowler, was a USBC member, played ASA softball (both women’s and coed), and was an RSVP volunteer. She loved crafts, quilting, making clothes, card making, scrapbooking, and painting.
Survivors include her husband, Dan of North Platte; children, Daniel Katzenstein, Christy (Tony) Amos all of North Platte, and Amy (Dustin) Blessinger of Chubbuck, Idaho; 9 grandchildren; siblings, Fred (Judy) McCoy of Council Bluffs, IA, Roberta Walter of North Platte, and Pat (Joanie) McCoy of Glenwood, IA; brother-in-law, William Katzenstein of Council Bluffs, IA; and numerous other family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Mike and Bill; mother and father-in-law, Frank and Phyllis Katzenstein; brothers-in-law, Joe Katzenstein and Wally Walter; and a nephew, Patrick McCoy.
Memorials may be made in her name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Graveside Services will be 11:30 a.m. Friday, April 13, 2018 at Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Council Bluffs, IA with Majors Bob & Margaret Miles officiating. Visitation will be noon – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, April11, 2018 with the family receiving friends 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home and 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 2018 at Hoy Kilnoski Funeral Home, 1221 North 16th Street, Council Bluffs, IA 51501. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of local arrangements.
Robert L. Horton Death Notice
Robert L. Horton, age 55, passed away Sunday April 8, 2018 at Great Plains Health. Arrangements are pending at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.
Bernard Eugene Larson
Bernard Eugene Larson, age 78, of North Platte, died Thursday, April 5, 2018, at Great Plains Health.
Bernie was born December 20, 1939, to Lawrence Bernard and Fern Irene Larson in Wellfleet, NE. He grew up on a farm near town and went to school in Maywood, graduating from Maywood High School in 1959.
In June of ’59 Bernie married April Mae Mount in North Platte. They lived in North Platte for a short time then moved to a farm east of Wellfleet where they farmed. By 1982 they moved to Oklahoma where Bernie worked in the oil fields for the next 10 years then returned to Nebraska. Bernie continued to work odd jobs as long as he could until his health declined.
Bernie loved his family and looked forward to spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Along with his family, he had a lot of great friends.
He leaves behind his children, Michael (Barbara) Larson, of Elk City, OK, and Denise Larson and Michelle Larson, of North Platte; grandchildren, Alexandra Larson, Zachary Larson-Wurl, Jimmie Nidey, Mikah Wheeler and Zachary Larson; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Betty; and other family.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Lawrence and Fern.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Michael Larson officiating. Inurnment will follow in Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements.
Sonja Daigger
Sonja Daigger, age 83 of North Platte, passed away Friday, April 6, 2018 at the Cozad Care Center.
Sonja was born May 22, 1934 in Lohnweiler, Germany to Rudolf and Anna Maria (Weber) Schneider. She married Robert Waltermire in 1960 in Heidelberg, Germany and they moved to Brady, NE in 1961. She taught Sunday School at the Brady Methodist Church for many years and belonged to the Brady Fire Ladies, the Extension Club, and the Brady Book Club. She spent time reading, bowling, working with flowers and gardening. She enjoyed visiting with people, especially those in hospitals and rest homes. Sonja married Ted Daigger on October 10, 1992, and the couple moved to North Platte.
Sonja is survived by her husband Ted of North Platte; daughter Sonja Maria (Ryan Lueck) Kottwitz of North Platte; sons Roy Paul (Connie S. Ray) Waltermire of Salem, OR and Steven (Melody) Waltermire of Wichita, KS; step children Greg (Sherry Wever) Daigger of North Platte and Nadean (Dan) Spaulding) of Roca, NE; sister Irene (Doug) Pratt of Waldmohr, Germany; brother Erich Schneider of Wolfstein, Germany; sisters-in-law Irmagard Schneider of Germany and Carol (Dale) Carlson of North Platte; grandchildren Skyler Kottwitz, Kassidy (Breadon) Brundage, Lexus and Stephanie Waltermire, and Robert Waltermire, Jennifer Cordova, Sonja Bates, Alyssabeth Keehner; step grandchildren Dillon and Dane Daigger, and Matt, Elizabeth and Emily Spaulding; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Robert Waltermire; brothers Rudy and Karl Schneider; and grandsons Paul Joseph and Hunter Paul Joseph Waltermire.
Memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday April 11, 2018 at the United Methodist Church with the Reverend Dr. Douglas Delp officiating. Burial will follow at the Gothenburg Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday April 10, 2018 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Darrell L. Sheets
Darrell L. Sheets, 78, of Arnold, NE passed away April 4, 2018 at the Nebraska Institute Hospital in Omaha.
Darrell was born April 18, 1939 in North Platte to Sherman and Grace (Bassett) Sheets. He served 21 years in the United States Navy and served 4 tours in Vietnam, one tour for each brother. He received his GED in the Navy. Darrell was an active American Legion member of Arnold, NE. He was on the advisory committee of the Veteran’s Memorial Highway 83, and was on the board of Veteran’s Service Office of Custer County. Darrell moved to California after his naval career and lived in Fresno and Hanford before moving to Arnold, NE in 1998 working as a general construction contractor until his retirement. He was an appreciated member of all communities he resided in. Darrell loved to collect old wrenches, old coins, and hay carriers. He was also co-founder with Mike Harvey of the junk drive for the Arnold American Legion. He will be dearly missed by all.
Survivors include his sons, Dennis Sheets of St. Cloud, MN, Darrell “Chip” (Jan) Sheets of Eden Valley, MN, Shawn Sheets of New London, MN, and Guy Sheets of Litchfield, MN; grandchildren, Corey, Robbie, Shane, Jessica, Ryan, Josh; 6 great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob Sheets of North Platte, Harold Sheets of Durango, CO, and Larry (Donice) Sheets of North Platte; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Sherman and Grace Sheets; sister, Sally Jochum, sisters-in-law, Margaret Sheets and Patricia Sheets.
Memorials may be made to the Arnold American Legion and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 1:00 p.m. Monday, April 9, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – noon Monday, April 9, 2018 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.