Thomas “Tom” John Lannon, age 74 of North Platte, passed away Sunday, April 21, 2019 at Great Plains Health surrounded by his loving family.

Tom was born December 6, 1944 in North Platte, NE to Edward and Katherine (Leonard) Lannon.  He graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 1964.  He married Rae Ellen Gies on October 20, 1978 in North Platte.  He hired on to the Union Pacific Railroad in 1969 as a carman and worked there until he retired in 2005.  After his retirement, he went to work for Leonard Harding, delivering mail twice a week to Venango, NE.  He loved his family, friends and cats.  Tom would do anything for anybody and will be remembered for his big smile and laugh.  His granddaughter, Britney Ryder, was the light of his life.

Tom is survived by his wife Rae Ellen of North Platte; children Melissa Ryder and Jay Keitges, both of North Platte; granddaughter Britney Ryder of North Platte; siblings Jane (Max) Monroe of Marietta, GA, Mary Lannon of Aurora, CO, Ann (Brian) George of Stafford, VA, Jim (Nancy) Lannon of Colorado Springs, CO; step-sister Mary Claire (Greg) Batie of North Platte; step-brother Greg (Rita) Wilkinson of Billings, MT; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Edward Lannon and Katherine Wilkinson; step father Harley Wilkinson; sister Nancy (Robert “Mac) McDonald; and brother Robert Lannon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR), a program for cats in North Platte, and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Cremation was chosen and a Celebration of Life service will take place at a future date.  Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

 

John Albert ‘Jack’ Griffin, of North Platte, passed away at home at the age of 89 on Tuesday, February 12, 2019.

Jack was born in Kansas City, Missouri on April 16, 1929, to Albert Lee and Lenora (Ecker) Griffin. The family lived south of Paxton, Nebraska so Jack attended country school for eight years then went into town for high school. He graduated from Paxton High School in ’46 then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad and worked as a night helper in Sutherland and Chappell, NE.

In July of 1947 Jack enlisted in the U.S. Army and served as a military policeman until his honorable discharge in 1949. He went on to refrigeration trade school in Omaha then returned to Paxton where he share cropped south of town for nearly 10 years.

Jack was united in marriage to the love of his life, Maxine Mary Wilson, on August 23, 1952, in Paxton. They had five children and celebrated nearly 67 years of marriage.

The family moved to a farm in Wellington, Colorado in 1962, where Jack continued farming and did a variety of jobs. In 1970 he got a job as a research tech and worked in the Animal Science Department at Colorado State University and also volunteered as a 4-H Leader. After retiring in 1992 Jack and Maxine bought a motor home to do some traveling, going as far as Alaska, and wintered in Arizona for over 20 years. They returned to Nebraska in 2016 to live in North Platte.

Jack had been a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. He seemed gruff on the outside but really did care, especially for Maxine, and was there for her when she fell or was in need.

He is survived by his wife, Maxine, of North Platte; children, Cindy (Dennis) Burton, of North Platte, John Griffin, of Arkansas, Dave (Jodi) Griffin and James Griffin, of Fort Collins, Colorado and Michael Griffin, of Wellington, Colorado; 7 grandchildren, Angela (Alex) Barton, Eric (Ursula) Burton, Matthew Griffin, Travis (Erin) Griffin, Nathan (Amy) Griffin, Jeremy Griffin and Kyle Griffin; 12 great-grandchildren; 3 step great-grandchildren; sister, RoseAnn Tridle, of Rapid City, South Dakota; and other family.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Albert and Lenora; and a sister, Mary Lammers.

In keeping with Jack’s wishes, cremation was chosen and a Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 26, 2019, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore in North Platte with Father Matthew Nash officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund.

Clara I. Negley, age 78, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 17, 2019 surrounded by her loving family.

Clara was born on August 5, 1940 in Gandy, Nebraska to Walter G. and Lydia A. (Tappan) Carland. She grew up and attended schools in North Platte and later earned her GED, which she was so proud of. Clara married Robert C. Goudy and they had one child, Rhonda Jane Goudy. After their divorce, she married Harold F. “Punk” Harriman and had two more daughters, Rebecca Lynn Harriman and Jennifer Spring Harriman. She was later married to Elmer B. Negley who adopted Rebecca and Jennifer and loved them as his own until his death. Clara worked at TWR in Ogallala, Nebraska and at Gibson’s Discount Center in North Platte, Nebraska for a number of years. She also babysat numerous babies and children and loved each and every one of them, just like her own. She raised several nieces and nephews, plus other non-family members. She had a very loving heart and never turned anyone away. Clara was famous for her fried chicken and the best popcorn in North Platte; even adults trick-or-treated her house on Halloween just for her popcorn. She loved watching wrestling, and everyone knew not to bother her when it was on. She enjoyed reading, working puzzles, embroidering, and listening to Christian music on Saturdays. She was a Seventh Day Adventist most of her life.

Clara is survived by daughters Rhonda (Steve) Battershell of Paxton, Nebraska, Becky Negley of Sutherland, Nebraska, and Jennifer Brown of North Platte; 5 grandchildren, Stevie (Danie Scovill) Battershell, Heather (Bernie Smith) Battershell, Benjamin Brown, and Lydia Brown all of North Platte, and Shawn Alegria of Sutherland; 5 great grandchildren, Jacob and Alexis Battershel of Columbus, Nebraska, Rebecka Cordova, Stephanie Lee and Kaysen Brown of North Platte; 1 great great grandson, Jace Sanchez of North Platte; sister Janet Razes; special friend Punk; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was anxiously awaiting her 6th great grandchild, a great granddaughter, due in August.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers George, Seymour, Walt, Loren and Charles Carland; and sisters Mary Clifton, Esther Legas, and Marilyn Teall.

Memorials are suggested in her name. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com. Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, April 22, 2019 at Admas and Swanson Funeral Home, 421 West 4th Street in North Platte with Dixon Powers officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m .until 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19, 2019 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home, which is charge of arrangements.

Thomas E. Bosch, 69, of Farnam, Nebraska, died April 15, 2019 in Kearney, Nebraska. He was born September 3, 1949 in Lexington, NE, son of John George and Clara Belle (Crampton) Bosch.  Tom grew up on the family farm north of Farnam, he graduated from Farnam High with the class of 1967.  He then went to Junior College in North Platte for two years before continuing his
education at Kearney State College.  He graduated in 1972 a  Business Administration degree.

Tom married Sandy Maline on August 16, 1970 at Gothenburg, Nebraska. Tom had to make the decision to join the National Guard or go to Vietnam. He was sent to Kentucky for four months of Guard training.  After his training, he returned home to the family farm where he spent the rest of his life.  A daughter and son were born into the family.

When Tom was 39 he was diagnosed with an auto-immune disease that changed his life.  For many years, he continued farming, although it was hard and he had to push thru the fatigue and pain.  He eventually retired from farming and let his son Kelly take over the family farm.  Tom filled his time the last few years watching old westerns and reading.  With so much TV watching, he became involved in politics and would have enjoyed following the 2020 election.  While he was still able, he enjoyed gardening. He later got garden boxes he could access from the sliding glass doors.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy Bosch of Farnam, NE, daughter, Stacie (John) Harrington of Bloomfield, IA and their children – Joshua, Matthew, Michael, and Brandon; son Kelly Bosch of Farnam, NE; brother, Milan (Sherl) Bosch of Chadron, NE, sister, Patty (Eldon) Reese; one nephew and seven nieces.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Kathleen Jo Bosch. Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Friday, April 19, 2019, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Funeral services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Monday, April 22, 2019 at 2:30 pm with Pastor Joseph Carty officiating. Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska. Memorials may be given to Camp Arrowhead, 75352 Road 431, Lexington, NE 68852.  To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com

Barbara Ann Conley (Hudson), 83, passed away April 14, 2019 at her home in North Platte, Nebraska.

She was born in Detroit, Michigan on June 17, 1935 to parents Betty (Adams) and Henry Hudson, and was an only child.

After high school, Barb attended Michigan State University and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.  She met her husband, James Michael Conley, who also attended MSU and they were married on June 22, 1957.  They re-located to Kansas City, Missouri then Des Moines, Iowa and settled in North Platte in 1968.  She raised three children:  Jim, Jana and Jay and had four grandchildren:  Michael, Jacob, Harris and Carter.

Barb was very active in her community volunteering throughout the years. Platte Valley Swim Club (AAU), 4-H, and Clean City Committee. She was an active member of the Great Plains Medical Center Volunteer Auxiliary Committee, the P.E.O. Sisterhood – Chapter HO, the American Baptist Women’s Ministries, and the Jones Girls Stock Club of North Platte.  She also worked as a Nutri-System counselor, and English as a Second Language Teacher.  In 1990 she became the Director of Senior Ministries at First Baptist church.  Barb was passionate about her position at the church and started “Ladies Night Out’ for women in the church to get together throughout the year for food, fellowship and fun.  Her kind, giving and loving spirit touched many lives.

In 1990, Barb began a Weight Lifting career competing internationally, winning several Senior World Championships and traveled to and competed in every continent in the world.  She later became an official referee in the sport and worked at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.

Barb’s passions were cooking, entertaining, Cornhusker football and women’s volleyball, love of cats and dogs and animals of all kinds.

Barb is survived by her husband, James Michael Conley; three children, James Michael Conley II and his wife, Peggy of North Platte, Jay Scot Conley of North Platte, and Jana Ann Conley of San Francisco; four grandchildren, James “Michael” Conley III of Lincoln, Jacob Mackenzie Conley of Omaha, Harris Conley Brown of San Francisco and Carter Hudson Brown also of San Francisco, California.  Brothers-in-law, Jon Barre Conley and wife Kay of Los Angeles, California, Phil Conley and his wife Carol of Norman, Oklahoma along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by father, Henry Hudson; Mother Betty Culligan and husband Mr. Bill Culligan.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are suggested to the First Baptist Church.

A Celebration of Barb’s life is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Friday, April 19^th First Baptist Church with the Reverend Clint Walker officiating.  Burial at Floral Lawns Cemetery immediately following the service. Visitation will be Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family receiving friends from 5 to 7 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

 

Mr. Harvey Dean Hiner, 89, of Hershey, died on April 15, 2019, at the Sutherland Care Center.

Dean was born March 18, 1930, in McCook to parents Francis and Helen (Price) Hiner. The family lived in several communities throughout Nebraska before settling in Sidney where Dean was a 1949 graduate of Sidney High School. During his school years he was active in sports and developed an interest in aviation which led to him earning his private pilot’s license at the youthful age of 16.

Dean met Neva Jean Miller and they were married on November 19, 1950, at the Methodist Church in Sidney. Dean and Jean were blessed with 55 years of marriage and raised three children, Susan, Pat and Chrys.

Dean had worked in management at Hesteds Department Store and later Stramit, a building materials company, which enabled the family to live in multiple locations, including Denver and Rocky Ford, Colorado, Gering and Dalton, Nebraska, and Innisfail, Alberta, Canada.  Returning to the United States in 1978, Dean and Jean came home to Nebraska, briefly living in Grand Island then eventually settling in North Platte where Dean was the Western Nebraska Regional Sales Director for the Pella Window Company, served as treasurer for the Lincoln County Historical
Museum for many years and was an active member of Messiah Lutheran Church.

After retiring from Pella Corporation in 2000, Dean and Jean dedicated much time and energy to the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America (ELCA) Mission Builders program. During a 10-year period the couple drove over 100,000 miles through 40 states, where Dean participated in and directed the construction of 43 new Lutheran churches.

After Jean’s passing in 2006, Dean met and later married Bernadine Kenton. This past March, Dean and Bernie celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary.

Dean’s natural and meticulous carpentry skills enabled him to leave a legacy not only of beautiful church buildings, but also family heirlooms such as furniture pieces, rocking horses, cedar hope chests and other beautiful items his family will always treasure.

Dean is survived by his wife, Bernadine, of Hershey; daughters, Susan (Mike) McClure, of Cozad,  Chrys (Ron) Tarvin, of Minneapolis, MN; four granddaughters, Kari (Tom) Dargy, Kelly (Billy) Mendez, Sarah Tarvin, and Rachel (Brett) Robertson; four great-grandchildren, Haley Wilwerding, Blake and Morgan Mendez and Natalie Robertson; niece, Diane Roberson; nephew, Jim Roberson; stepchildren Connie (Art) Coutcher, of Sun City, AZ and Norman (Sheri) Kenton, of Morrison, CO; step grandson, Kenny Coutcher; as well as other family.

Along with his first wife Jean, Dean was preceded in death by their son Pat Hiner; his parents, Frances and Helen Hiner; and sister Arlene Roberson.

Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, April 20, 2019, at Messiah Lutheran Church with Reverend Rebecca Mangelsdorf officiating. Burial will be at 2 p.m. (MT) at Weyerts Cemetery in Lodgepole. Visitation will be Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4-6p.m. at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore and before services at the church.  Online condolences
may be shared at odeanchapel.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Messiah Lutheran Church or Lincoln County Historical Museum. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.