Shirley May Gayman, 80 years old, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away at Linden Court after a long battle with Alzheimer’s on Friday, April 12, 2019.

Shirley was born on January 1, 1939, to Clarence Joseph and Elta May (Brainard) Rose in Dryden, Michigan. She grew up in Michigan where she graduated from Lapeer High School. Shirley then moved to Denver, Colorado to attended Western Bible Institute and it was there she met her future husband, Larry Morehead. She graduated and the couple had two children, Dan and Rosemary.

Shirley was later united in marriage to Frederick Burl Gayman on December 23, 1972, at Imperial, Nebraska where they resided. They moved to North Platte in 1991 where they were members of the Berean Church. Shirley and Fred were married for 37 years when he died in 2009.

Shirley had a strong faith in God. Her relationship with Jesus and her family was most important in her life. She had a sweet spirit, was giving, and loved helping others. Shirley was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

Along with her husband, Fred, Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Elta Rose; and brothers, Richard and Lawrence Rose.

Shirley leaves behind her children, Rosemary (Don) Johnson, of North Platte and Dan Morehead, of Fountain Hills, Arizona; grandchildren, Jordan Johnson, Justina (Brandon) Dean and Jason (Emily) Johnson; great-grandchildren, Kaiden, Alexis and Indiana Dean and Jens Johnson; sisters, Mary (Robert) Harmon, of Imperial and Carol Atwood, of Michigan; sister-in-law, Julie Rose, of Michigan; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019, at the North Platte Berean Church at 202 West 8th Street with George Cheek officiating. Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska. Visitation will be Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. with family greeting friends from 4-6 p.m. 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 to the North Platte Alzheimer’s Support Group.

Phillip J. Vasquez, age 86, of North Platte, formerly of Sutherland, died April 12, 2019 at Great Plains Health.  Phillip was born on May 1, 1932 in Garden City, KS to Catalino and Josephine (Perez) Vasquez.

Phillip grew up in Sutherland and worked at various farms and ranches in the area.  On June 4, 1953, he married Betty Boyer in North Platte. The couple made their home in Sutherland.  Phillip hired out with the Union Pacific where he was “Mr. Switch” with the Maintenance of Way Department.  He retired from Union Pacific in 2002.

He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, and Knights of Columbus #1211.  Phillip loved people and never knew a stranger, always giving out caramels to everyone he met.  He loved and was loved by his wife and children but had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who could do no wrong in his eyes.

Survivors include his wife Betty of North Platte; 2 children, Lew Sr. (Julie) Vasquez of Paxton, and Josephine (James) Beranek of North Platte; 3 grandchildren, Jason (Tia) Vasquez of Cleveland, OH, Lew Jr. (Joann) Vasquez of Paxton, and Justin (Jamie) Vasquez of Topeka, KS; 8 great-grandchildren, Mary, Sara, Emma, Caden, Keeley, Reece, Miley, and Micha; a sister, Lucita Goodnight of North Platte; 2 brothers, Vern (Wanda) Vasquez of Cheyenne, WY, and Catalino (Nancy) Vasquez of Sutherland; a sister-in-law, Ruby Vasquez of Scottsbluff; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents; a son Phillip Jr.; grandchildren, Jared and Janet Beranek; sisters, Frances and Caraline; brothers, John, Leu, and Mike.  A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.

Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday April 16, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday April 17, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Matthew Nash as celebrant.  Inurnment will be at Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland.  Register book signing will be Tuesday from 9-5 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

George Samuel Cox, 92, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died on April 12, 2019 at Gothenburg Health in Gothenburg. He was born on December 15, 1926 in Pawnee City, Nebraska to Jerome and Hallie (Transue) Cox. His mother died while in childbirth and he was raised by his grandparents, George and Minnie Transue, in Summerfield, Kansas.

At the age of 12, George went to live with his father and stepmother, Dorothy, in Burchard, Nebraska. Following his graduation from Burchard High School, he served in the U.S. Navy, during W.W.II. On April 4, 1948 he married Anna Leone Baker in Fairmont, Nebraska. They made their home in North Platte, Nebraska where he worked many jobs, including Fairmont Foods, Goodyear Tire Compnay, and W.J. O’Connor’s Store. They moved to Gothenburg in 1971 to manage the O’Connor Variety Store. When it closed, he worked at Peterson’s Supermarket and the Ben Franklin store. He then worked for Huebner’s Nursery in North Platte for many years.

George was preceded in death by his parents and stepmother; sons, Marc and James; brother, Thomas Cox; and sister, Mary Utermohlen.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Leone, of Gothenburg; daughters, Madeleine (Mike) Kovanda of Monett, Missouri and Jocile (Gary) Peterson of Akron, Colorado; his son, John (Lori) of Sargent, Nebraska; eight grandchildren, eighteen great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren, and his brother, Jerry Cox.

Register Book signing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with the family present from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m., on Thursday, April 18, 2019 at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 Tenth Street, Gothenburg, Nebraska. Graveside services will be held at Fort McPherson National Cemetery in Maxwell, Nebraska on Friday, April 19, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. David Boyd officiating. Inurnment will follow at Fort McPherson National Cememtery.

Memorials may be given to the City of Gothenburg, Gothenburg Tree Board, 409 Ninth Street, Gothenburg, Nebraska 69138.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com

James Michael Stickelman, 70, of North Platte, formerly of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died April 10, 2019 in North Platte, NE. He was born on January 26, 1949 in North Platte, the son of James Marvin and Patricia Evangeline (Hiles) Stickelman. Jim grew up south of Brady and graduated from Brady High School with the class of 1968. Jim also lived in Gothenburg and Grand Island before making North Platte his home. While living in Gothenburg, he attended the United Methodist Church.

Jim served his country in the US Army during Vietnam War from 1971-1973. In the Infantry, he brought men to the front lines and was a radio transmission and communication specialist and also serviced the half-tracks. Jim was honored to be of service to his country and often reflected back on that time in his life.

For a while, Jim was married to Carol K. Brown. They had a daughter, Angela, and a son, Michael. Jim was very proud of his kids and grandkids and loved to spend time with them. He was an avid billiard player and was always up for a game of pool. He enjoyed the horse races and gambling. He had a special fondness for strawberry milkshakes!

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Pat Stickleman, his sister, Mary Lou Stickleman, and a brother-in-law, Herbert McMichael.

Survivors include his daughter, Angela Stickelman-Wee of North Platte; his son, Michael Stickelman of Brady; grandchildren, Ashlyn, MaKayla (Kayla), Michael, Charles (Chaz), Lillian, Elliaunna, and Alejandera; great grandchild, Violet; sisters Patricia Ann Stickelman-McMichael of California and Cynthia Joyce Stickeltan (Stephen W. Foldesh) of Arizona; brother, Harry James Wesley Hiles Stickelman of North Platte, Nebraska; along with many extended family and friends.

Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel at 620 Tenth Street in Gothenburg, Nebraska on Sunday, April 14, 2019, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm with the family present. Funeral Services will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, April 15, 2019 at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Liberty House, 420 West 4th, North Platte, NE 69101.  To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com

Dorothy Roselea Marquardt McVay, 91, of North Platte passed away April 11, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.

Dorothy was born the fourth child in a family of ten siblings in the family to Clifford and Carolyn (Burns) Murray on April 9, 1928 in Curtis, NE.  When she was just a few weeks old the family moved to Kimball, NE where Dorothy grew up and attended school through the 9^th grade.  In May of 1943, the family moved to a farm near Venango and she attended high school there.  While going to school in Venango, Dorothy traveled on the bus to North Platte to volunteer with the Canteen.  On December 17, 1944 she married Herbert Marquardt at St. Francis, KS.  The couple moved to a farm south of Venango and lived there for 7 ½ years.  Their three children, Darell, Carolyn, and Bonnie were all born while they lived there.

Dorothy was confirmed into St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Venango in the fall of 1945.  She taught Sunday School there for 8 years.  Their church membership was transferred to St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Julesburg.  There she served one term as Trustee.  Dorothy was a Gold Star member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Venango since 1947.

In the early spring of 1952, the family moved to a farm south of Julesburg, CO.  Dorothy lived there until the late summer of 1999, when she moved to North Platte, NE, after the passing of Herbert on May 20, 1997.

On November 17, 2001 Dorothy married Orville McVay and the couple resided in North Platte.  Orville passed away July 3, 2009.  Dorothy and both Herbert and Orville enjoyed winters in Arizona for several years.

Family was very important to Dorothy, she loved her family, and enjoyed spending time her kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Herbert, and Orville; brothers, Donald, Wayne, Melvin, Dean, and Elmer; a sister, Wilma; daughter-in-law, Deanna; granddaughter, Amy; mother and father-in-law; brothers-in-law, Arthur and Herman Marquardt, Jim Benker, Morris Pirrie, and Albert Baurele; sisters-in-law, Hilda Benker, Mildred Baurele, and Maxine Marquardt.

Survivors include her son, Darell (Cindy) Marquardt of North Platte; daughters, Bonnie (Jeff) Vancura of North Plate, and Carolyn (Steve) Smith of Denver CO; sisters, Cora Maye (Alvin) Harmon of Imperial, Glenda (Don) Bradley of McCook, and Ardell (Ed) Befort of North Platte; 7 grandchildren, Kimberly, Jason, Marla, Jay, Troy, Sherri, and Jenni; 14 great-grandchildren, Jeremy, Kyle, Daisha, Kennedy, Taylor, Trevor, Caitlynn, Casey, Samantha, Alison, Logan, Kalatin, Kaely, and Anthony; 3 great-great-grandchildren; stepson, Jim McVay; step-grandson, Nicholas and son Hunter; brother-inlaw, Marvin (Lorraine) Marquardt; and a sister-in-law, Elsie Pirrie.

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

Graveside Services will be 11:00 a.m. MDT Thursday, April 18, 2019 at the Julesburg Cemetery in Julesburg, CO with the Reverend Bob Deardoff officiating.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m. with family receiving friends 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, 2019 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Jimmie Lee Applegarth passed away at home in Hyannis, Nebraska on April 7th, 2019. Jim was born on December 8, 1937, in Hyannis to Grace Louise (Taylor) and William Theodore Applegarth.

After graduation from Hyannis High School in 1956, Jim joined the Navy. October 29, 1960, he married Sharon Sue Hunzicker at the Episcopal Church in Alliance, Nebraska. They made their first home in Lake Hurst, New Jersey as Jim was stationed at McGuire Airforce Base in New Jersey. After his Honorable Discharge in the fall of 1962 they moved back to the Taylor Family Ranch North East of Whitman, Nebraska, which he operated in partnership with his brother Bob. Then in the fall of 1972 Jim and Sherry bought the Sandhills Tack Shop which they owned and operated until 1978. Jim worked for the Monahan Cattle Company on and off for 25 years as well as various other Ranches. After retiring from ranching at age 62 he worked as Brand Inspector for several years. During his life he was a member of the Hyannis Volunteer Fire Department, the Veterans Service Commission, a member of the American Legion, 4-H Leader for several years, and served on Vestry for Calvary Episcopal Church until his passing.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Bob and sister-in-law Winnie Applegarth.

Jim leaves behind his loving wife Sherry of 58 years, daughter Jeannie (Lawrence) Schufeldt, son Greg (Wendy) Applegarth, 3 granddaughters, Danae Schufeldt, Krista (Nathan) Gamble, and Erica Schufeldt and great-grandson Grayson Gamble. Jim will be greatly missed by all his Family and Friends.

Memorial services will be Monday, April 15, 2019, at 10:30 AM MST at the Calvary Episcopal Church in Hyannis, Nebraska with Father Coke McClure and Deacon Cheryl Harris officiating. Inurnment with Military Honors will be in the Hyannis Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Hyannis Fire Department or Calvary Episcopal Church. Mullen Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements. Online condolences can be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Martin “Marty” G. Gibson, 82, of North Platte, passed away April 5, 2019 at his home in Arizona.  He was born July 27, 1936 to Lester H. and Blanche A. (Radel) Gibson at Wallace, NE.

Marty joined the United States Marines in December of 1956 and served until his honorable discharge in December of 1959.  He moved to California in 1960, where he met and married Ina Patton on July 6, 1963.  They moved to North Platte for retirement in October of 1992.  Ina passed away January 2, 2000.

He spent winters in Arizona City, AZ and was an avid golfer.  Marty was a member of the Moose Lodge and the Eagles Club.

Marty was preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Blanche Gibson; an infant brother, Lester Clayton Gibson; sister, Leonabelle Erickson; great nephew, Michael Moritz; and a great niece, Victoria Moritz.

He is survived by his brother, Leonard (Marlene) Gibson of North Platte; special friend, Verdena Clark; brother-in-law, Neal Erickson; nieces and nephews, Dennis (Linda) Erickson, Nancy (Larry) Evans, Arlene Williams, Douglas (Diane) Gibson, Staci (Ron) Moritz and Brent (Angila) Gibson and several great nieces and nephews.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. A memorial has been established in his name.  Services will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2019 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating.  Burial will be in at the Morning View Cemetery near Wallace with military honors graveside.  Visitation will be from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Duane P. Befort, 89, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on April 8, 2019 at Centennial Park Retirement Village. Duane was born on February 22, 1930 to Albert and Florine (Drieling) Befort in Weskan, Kansas. Duane was raised in Sharon Springs, Kansas where he graduated from Wallace County High School in May of 1947.

Duane joined the Army in December of 1950, serving in the Korean War from 1950 to 1953 with the 7th Division 48th Field Artillery Battalion, retiring from the U.S. Army Reserve in 1988.

Duane had four children from a previous marriage and was a wonderful father to them. In July of 1967, he married the love of his live, Beverly (Johnston) McCormick, who brought three children from her previous marriage. This is when they started a lifelong journey with seven kids and two loving parents.

After retirement, Duane and his living wife, Beverly, loved traveling in their motor-home. He also enjoyed working around the house and taking care of his yard.

Duane and Beverly are members of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and both feel strongly about their faith.

Duane is survived by his loving wife, Beverly; sons, Rex of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Mark (Tammy) of Sharon Springs, Kansas, Michael McCormick of Kearney, Nebraska, and Rnady McCormick of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; daughters, Joni (Charles)Turk and Michelle (Lester Seibert) Collins all of Sharon Springs, Kansas; granddaughter, Molly (Brandon) Freeze, who have been so helpful in caring for her grandpa and grandma; brother, Edwin (Ardell) Befort; sister, Judy (Robert) Bedford all of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Delores Befort, Maxine Brittenham, Pat (Ed) Weichel, and June Wolf; brother-in-law, Ed Johnston; 22 grandchildren; 37 great grandchildren; 10 great great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Ron, Don, Jackie and Oliver; sister, Veleria Cooper; son, David McCormick; grandsons, Chad, Charles “Chucky”, and David “Dusty” Turk.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Memorials are established in Duane’s name to the Callahan Cancer Center and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Cremation was chosen. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant. Innurnment will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors by the North Platte Veterans organizations. Carpenter Memorial Chapelat 1616 West B Street is in care of arrangements.

Thomas J. Gorman passed away Sunday, April 7, 2019, at Great Plains Health surrounded by his wife of forty-seven years, Lynda, and his sons Patrick, Michael, and Christopher.

Born in 1942 to Leo and Madeline (Zwickl) Gorman in Sidney, Nebraska, Tom graduated from St. Patrick’s High School in Sidney in 1960.  Tom earned two bachelor degrees from Chadron State College, followed by a Masters degree from Kearney State as well as doctoral hours at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.  Tom taught and coached at Minden High School for five years.  Moving to North Platte in 1970, to become a teacher at the community college, he taught several business courses and was in charge of community services, eventually becoming Mid-Plains Community College’s Dean of Community Services.

Throughout his 41-year career at Mid-Plains Community College, Tom helped lead the way in making the North Platte community a thriving environment for individuals to live and learn.  He received numerous awards and accolades for his work and service, including Educator of the Year from the North Platte Chamber of Commerce, Administrator of the Year from the Nebraska Community College System, Outstanding Adult Educator for Nebraska, Advocate of the Year Award from the Small Business Administration, the History Maker Award from the Learning Resources Network, an Admiral in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska, and the Cody Scout Award.  Tom was affectionately known as “Mr. Mid-Plains” for his enthusiastic dedication to the college and North Platte.

Tom served as the Chairman of the North Platte Community College Foundation and as a member of the RSVP Advisory Council since its formation in 1973. Tom also was an active member of Holy Spirit Church for over 40 years.

In 1972, Tom married Lynda (Clonch) Gorman, together raising three boys.  His greatest joys were playing golf with his wife and dear friends and spending time with his grandchildren.

Tom Gorman was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Ted, and his niece Cara Kisicki.

He is survived by his loving wife Lynda, his son, Patrick Gorman (Tricia Cross), and grandsons, Shane and Graham, of Santa Monica, Calif.; his son, Michael Gorman (Jaime), and granddaughter, Keely, of Katy, Texas, and his son Christopher Gorman (Danielle Stahlnecker) of Lincoln.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.  Memorials are suggested to Tom & Lynda Gorman Scholarship Fund at North Platte Community College Foundation. Mass of Christian Burial will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend Sagar Arikotla as celebrant.  Burial will be at North Platte Cemetery.  Visitation with family receiving friends will be Tuesday, April 9, 2019, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.