William D. “Bill” Mattocks, age 73, of North Platte, died December 23, 2017 at Linden Court in North Platte, NE. He was born on April 16, 1944 in West Union, IA to Wilder and Dorothy (Dohrer) Mattocks.

Bill was raised in Wadena, IA and attended school at Valley High School in Elgin, IA, before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. His 22 years of service with the Navy and Naval Reserve included service during the Vietnam War and Desert Storm. After his active duty discharge, Bill worked for the Chicago-Northwestern Railroad in Marshalltown, IA for 24 years. After Union Pacific acquired Chicago –Northwestern, Bill moved to North Platte where he worked as a machinist for 9 years until his retirement. Bill married Kathleen Myers on April 3, 1999 at Bethel Church in North Platte.

Bill was a member of Bethel E-Free Church where he was an active member as an usher and helping with AWANA. He was a member of the Gideons, Men in the Gap, volunteered with the Lincoln Connection Homeless Shelter and Habitat for Humanity. Bill was a true man of God, always wanting to get the word of God out to others. He was a very faithful and selfless person who loved to share his faith with others. Bill loved boating and being on the water, and walking his beloved dog, Jaycee, for many miles a day. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Survivors include his wife Kathleen of North Platte; 4 children, Missy (Shawn) Stewart of Springville, IA,  Mary (Chris) Grant of Urbana, IA, Matthew (Katie) Mattocks of Akeny, IA, and Benjamin Mattocks of Wadena, IA; 8 grandchildren, Evan Stewart, Cheyenne Mills, Abby (Denziro) Tochi, Kelly Grant, Mason Grant, Rylee Grant, Kathryn Mattocks, and Madelyn Mattocks; a sister, Diane (Pat) Olson of Cedar Falls, IA; a brother Brad (Jerod) Mattocks of Waterloo, IA; mother-in-law, Jackie Myers; sister-in-laws, Syrena (Keith) Davis and Stephanie Dilley, all of North Platte; a brother-in-law, Kevin (Patty) Myers of Elkhorn, NE; special friends, Roger and Diane Evans of North Platte and numerous other family members and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, and his father-in-law, Richard “Ram” Myers.  Memorials can be directed to the Gideons, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson,com.

Memorial Services will be 10:30 Friday December 29, 2017 at the Bethel Evangelical Free Church with the Rev. Dennis Leitner officiating.  Inurnment with military honors will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Memorial book signing will be Thursday December 28, 2017 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 6-8. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Lula ‘Lu’ Meyers, age 101, of Fremont, died Saturday morning, December 23, 2017, in Nye Legacy, Fremont, Nebraska.

She was born to William and Pauline (Boldebuck) Beckmann on December 11, 1916 at Malcolm, Nebraska where she grew up on the family farm. She graduated from Grand Island Business College in 1936 and went to work for Central Power District which later became Consumers Public Power.

On September 5, 1942, she was married in Grand Island to Edgar Meyers. As her husband Edgar was serving in the United States Navy, they lived in various places until he was released from active duty. Then they returned to Grand Island and she worked in the office of the Waldbaum Egg Co.  In 1957, the couple relocated to Fremont from Omaha.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and involved in the ladies circles. She had also been active in an extension club and playing bridge.

Survivors include a daughter, Shary (Ronald) Asher of North Platte; two  grandchildren: Jill (John) Miles and Nathan (Lori) Asher; six great grandchildren: Logan and Landen Miles and Eric, Nolan, Quinn, and Kellan Asher; a brother, Oral Beckmann of Longmont, Colorado; and sister-in-law Leona Beckmann of Valparaiso, Indiana.

She is preceded by four sisters: Gertrude Gade, Helen Brase, Esther Imig, and infant Orinda Beckmann, and two brothers, Alvin and Harvey Beckmann.

The funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Trinity Lutheran Church with the committal to follow in Memorial Cemetery. Visitation at the Ludvigsen Mortuary will be on Wednesday from 3 to 8 p.m., with the family receiving friends from 4 to 6 p.m.  Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church and School, and to Mission Central in Mapleton, IA. Online guestbook @ www.ludvigsenmortuary.com

Magdalene Marie “Midge” Weber, 72, formerly of Grand Island, NE, passed away on Friday, December 22, 2017, at the North Platte Care Center.

Magdalene was born March 24, 1945, to August and Etha (Waters) Schulz on the family farm in Redwood County, MN. Midge began school in Minnesota then the family moved to Nebraska in 1960 where she graduated from Harvard High School in ’63 then went to Hastings Beauty Academy.

In 1962 Midge met Ronald D. Ochsner and they were married three years later. The couple lived in Vista, CA for a year and Midge worked as a beautician. They moved to Midway, WA in 1967 then Grand Island before divorcing in 1970.

Midge was united in marriage to Donald J. Weber in 1986 while living in Grand Island. They made Grand Island their home while they both worked as truck drivers from ’87 to 2003. Working together as a team, they were able to travel to all 48 continental states as well as Canada. After driving for 15 years, Midge worked at Skagway, the Five Points location, where she decorated cakes for the next 10 years. She loved decorating cakes and won many awards for her work.

Midge enjoyed gardening, fishing and doing crafts. She crocheted and did needlepoint but especially loved making baby blankets for her grandchildren. Midge was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013 then moved to North Platte in June of this year to be closer to her son and his family.

She is survived by her husband, Don, of Grand Island; son, Ron (Chris) Ochsner, of North Platte; stepchildren, Dwayne Weber, of Doniphan, NE, Donald Weber, of Hastings, NE, David Weber, of Lincoln, NE, and Cassie Weber, of Wood River, NE; sister, Audrey Higgins, of Corcoran, MN; brother, Larry (Carol) Schulz, of Juniata, NE; four grandchildren, Jakob, Zachary, Madeline and Izaak Ochsner; as well as many step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and other family.

Midge was preceded in death by her parents, August and Etha Schulz; sister, Marge Graybest; brother August “Gus” Schulz; brothers-in-law, Michael Higgins and Lyle Graybest; nephew, Matt Higgins; and stepdaughter, Candy Weber.

Cremation was chosen. Graveside service will be at a later date in the Inland Cemetery, east of Hastings, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the family for designation to help cure breast cancer. Condolences may be shared online at odeanchapel.com Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.

Audrey May (Cash) Coleman, age 90 of North Platte, passed away Wednesday December 20, 2017 at Great Plains Health.

Audrey was born July 19, 1927 in North Platte, NE to Leo and Mable (Allen) Cash.  She moved to Ringgold, NE at the age of 2, graduating from Stapleton High School in 1946.  In 1946 she married Harold Wescoat.  In 1959 she moved to Lincoln, NE where she attended the National Business School, graduating in 1960; she then moved to Omaha, NE where she worked at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska until 1968.  She married John Beener on July 18, 1968; John passed away in 1983.  After his death she returned to North Platte.  After her retirement, she did tailoring in her home.  On November 23, 1999, she married Elton A. “Al” Coleman and the couple remained in North Platte.  Audrey accepted Christ at the age of 13 and was a member of the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Omaha; she was baptized in the North Platte Berean Church.

Audrey is survived by her husband Elton; daughters Patricia (Larrie) Patterson of Lincoln, NE and Carol Wescoat of Denver, CO; 6 grandchildren, Scott (Lisa Weathermon) Patterson of Lincoln, NE, Michael (Elizabeth) Patterson of Juneau, AK, Jared (Dena) Patterson of Lincoln, NE, and Corey (Lindsey) Patterson of Denver, CO, Cristina (Roberto) Zarcone and Loretta (Luca) Palandri both of Italy; stepchildren, Bob (Kim) Coleman, Linda (Charles) Krenzel, and Dennis (Donna) Coleman;  13 great grandchildren; several step grandchildren and great grandchildren; sister Evelyn Brown of Grand Island, NE; as well as other extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter Elaine Kay (Paul) Finch; and brothers Clyde, Dale and Larry; and sister Leona Barner.

Memorials are suggested to the Grace Community Bible Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 10:0 a.m. Wednesday December 27, 2017 at the Grace Community Bible Church with Pastor Mike Wing officiating.  Burial will follow at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.  Visitation will be from noon until 9:00 p.m. Tuesday December 26, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Donald Dean Hamilton, age 82 of Maxwell, NE passed away Friday December 15, 2017 at the Fullerton Care Center in Fullerton, NE.

Don was born on May 28, 1936 in Longmont, CO to Robert Bunker and Blanche (Slack) Hamilton.  He graduated from Mead High School and joined the Army National Guard and SAC Division of the Air Force.  After his discharge he lived in Estes Park, CO, Fort Morgan, CO, Boulder, CO, and Maxwell, NE.  He spent time working as an electrical lineman for the City of Estes Park and as a “roughneck” for the US Army Corp of Engineers.  Don was a guard at the US Bureau of Standards in Boulder.  He collected antique firearms.  He enjoyed talking about his time in the Air Force as a tanker crew chief and sharing his personal photos of the planes he worked on.  Don was proud of the family’s military service which included his father Robert (Army), nephew, Mickey Hawkins (marines-killed in Vietnam), nephew, Bart Daniels (Navy), brother, Gerald (Army-injured in the Battle of the Bulge).  He had great mechanical skills and could fix almost anything.  He was a generous man, contributing financially to many organizations.  Don was a staunch conservative, a life member of the NRA, member of the Freemasons being a 32^nd Degree Mason (registered with the Denver Consistory), a member of the Elks Lodge, and the Assembly of God Church.

Don is survived by his wife of 31 years, Carol (Peterson) Hamilton; daughter, Jo D Anderson of ID; stepsons, Michael Johnson and Matthew Johnson both of MN; several grandchildren; brother, Robert (Belle) Hamilton of AK; sister, Gloria (Richard) Westbrook of Longmont, CO; as well as several other family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Gerald; and sister, Phyllis.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested in Don’s name.  The memorials will be applied to the Veteran’s Memorial at Iron Horse Park in North Platte for Hamilton servicemen recognition.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 10:00 A.M. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Goodwin officiating.  Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery with military honors.  Visitation will be from 9:00 A.M. until 5:00 P.M. Tuesday December 26, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Erna Rae Lee, 83, of Madrid, passed away Dec. 16, 2017, at the Perkins County Hospital in Grant.

Erna Rae was born on April 28, 1934, in Madrid to Charles and Evelyn (Tickle) Erlewine. She graduated from Madrid High School in just three years, with the highest GPA in her class.

Erna Rae went on to attend McCook Community College, where she earned her teaching certificate. She subsequently taught country school south of Madrid in Chase County.

On Nov. 21, 1951, Erna Rae married John Lee in Madrid. Their union was blessed with four children, Teresa, Doug, Bryan and Jay. The couple made their home south of Madrid, where they farmed and raised livestock.

In 1966, Erna Rae purchased the Sunset Motel on West Highway 30 in Ogallala. She proved to be a savvy business owner, and in 1972, she built another motel, Lee’s I-80 Inn, along the nascent I-80 Interstate developing south of Ogallala. Success did not dull Erna Rae’s ambition, as she went on to obtain her real estate and broker’s license. She and a friend ran their own real estate agency in North Platte before going to work for Gateway Realty.

Despite her entrepreneurial endeavors, Erna Rae was magnificent at preserving balance at home. She didn’t miss her children’s activities, and when grandchildren came along, she didn’t miss those activities either. From sporting events to 4-H, Erna Rae was a proud grandma through it all. She was especially pleased to have been able to see all of her grandchildren graduate.

Erna Rae loved her family dearly and was met with great love in return. From big things to small, like always reviewing the weather forecast for her traveling loved ones, her family was gifted with many reminders of how much she cared.

Erna loved the flowers that she grew, especially roses. She greatly enjoyed the occasional trip to the casinos. She was known to enjoy incredibly good luck, evidenced by the numerous royal flushes that seemed to break her way over the years, while playing video poker. She also liked to play KENO.

Erna was of strong faith. She was a member of the Madrid United Methodist Church, where she was highly involved. She taught Sunday school for many years and served on numerous committees.

Erna Rae was preceded in death by her parents; son, Doug; a sister, Thelma Barnes; and a grandson, Matthew Lee.

Survivors include her husband, John Lee of Madrid; children, Teresa (Ricky) Nowak and Bryan (Chris) Lee, both of North Platte, and Jay (Dana) Lee of Madrid; daughter-in-law, Penny Lee of Grant; 15 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; brother, Lyle (Clara) Erlewine of Ogallala; brother-in-law, Bill Barnes of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and many other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the Madrid United Methodist Church. Online condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 22, at the Grant United Methodist Church with Pastor Tammy Aubushon officiating. Burial will be at the Madrid Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 21, at the Madrid United Methodist Church. Bullock-Long Funeral Home, Grant, is in charge of arrangements.

Dorothy Elizabeth Faulkner of North Platte, Nebraska; born February 20, 1920, died December 15, 2017.  She could do laundry, set the table, and fix dinner for a family of 9 while carrying an infant child on her hip.  She made it seem effortless even when it clearly wasn’t. That exemplified her way of giving the gift of love, always giving of herself and never complaining.  After gracing our lives for almost 98 years, she has been called home to the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband Claude Faulkner in 1988, after 49 years of marriage. She is survived by her 7 children; Claude (Mary), Philip (Patricia), Thomas, Daniel (Beverly), Lynne, Steven (Joetta), and Douglas (Ellen); 17 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

She had two sisters and three brothers, all deceased; many aunts and uncles; many nephews and nieces; and more than 100 first cousins.  Her memory of her relatives was always incredibly sharp. She never lost her ability to recall names, marriages, births, birthdays, and important events.

She was born and grew up on a small farm southwest of Hastings, Nebraska in an area settled by German immigrants. She attended High School in Roseland where she was Class Valedictorian. Following graduation, she moved to North Platte. She worked at the F. W. Woolworth “Five & Dime” department store at the soda fountain.  She quickly met and made new friends, including her then-to-be husband.  She was a wonderful wife and mother, caring for her husband and 7 kids. She loved to play cards, especially bridge at which she was quite good.  She enjoyed playing board games with her children and grandchildren. She was adventuresome; she could be found going on bicycle rides, camping trips, hiking in the mountains and even cross-country skiing. She made trips to Europe including visiting Rome and Rieti, Italy, many European countries, especially the United Kingdom and Ireland. She also traveled the USA attending graduations and marriages until her health did not permit it.

She was active in Holy Spirit Church and St. Patrick Church and School affairs including Catholic Daughters, Altar and Rosary Society. She was very involved at Holy Spirit Church barbecue, and in preparing meals for funerals and other functions. She was also a very devout Catholic. She had a great love for the Blessed Mother and the rosary, saying it daily until she died.

Dorothy was a wonderful woman, wife, mother and a great friend and relative to many. She was dearly loved and will be terribly missed. We find solace knowing she is in heaven.

For a more extensive obituary, please visit:

http://www.adamsswanson.com/fh/obituaries/home.cfm?&fh_id=14741

In lieu of flowers or other gifts, the family encourages those who wish, to contribute to the St. Patrick’s Endowment fund or to the Foundation Fighting Blindness at:

North Platte Catholic Schools Endowment-Trust, Inc., 601 S. Tabor, P.O. Box 57, North Platte, NE 69103-0057

Foundation Fighting Blindness, PO Box 17279, Baltimore, MD 21298-9581

http://www.blindness.org/

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with the Reverend Bryan Ernest as celebrant.  Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery.  Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Holy Spirit Catholic Church.  Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 26, 2017 and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Jessica Ann Polanco, 52, of North Platte, passed away unexpectedly December 16, 2017.  She was born August 11, 1965 to Jesus and Margaret (Sanchez) Perez in Greeley, CO.   Then later was adopted by her grandparents Arnulfo P. Sanchez (Socorro Saldivar). She grew up in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 83′.  Just two years later, she was united in marriage to Romano J. Polanco.  To this union seven kids were born.

Jessica was employed by Social Security Administration as Client Specialist for the past eight years.  Previously, she was employed by State of Nebraska Department of Social Services as a Social Worker,  for eleven years; Walmart in North Platte for over seven years as Dept. Manager of kids wear and shoes,  Owned and operated day care in her home for a couple of years; North Platte Opportunity Center as Direct Support Staff for over five years.  She taught CCD (Catholicism) for the past 24 years with St. Patrick’s Church of North Platte, NE.  She loved to cook. She was well known for her Mexican food:  frijoles, chile verde with pork, guacamole, her salsa’s and tortillas, of which was loved by family, friends and co-workers.

Jessica was a woman of faith and loved God; she shared that with her family and friends.  She posted daily scriptures on Facebook that everyone read and loved. She had the most amazing smile that just made your heart happy.  Her Beauty was admired by all, and it wasn’t in just her appearance; but her heart as well. Her willingness to give and help others when needed no matter the circumstances, was her expertise; meanwhile never asking for anything in return. All she wanted for us was to love and be kind to one another. Jessica loved her husband and she was Romano’s world; as he, hers. Her children were her greatest blessings that God had bestowed upon her and Romano. She loved her Hayden Jude, and would do anything for him; he was her pride and joy. Jessica always saw the best in people, and never focused on the negativeness. She was beautiful beyond description; all the words in the world would never come close to how exquisite she looked. Her impeccable coffee brown eyes carried her love and grace. She was loved and will be very missed by her family and many others.

She is survived by her loving husband of 32 years, Romano J. Polanco; children, Shanté Cherrelle  (Jay Porter) Polanco, Tatiana Maria Polanco, Santana Clarita Polanco, Elijah Santiago Polanco and Aaliyah Isabella Starr Polanco all of North Platte.  She loved her one and only Grandson Hayden Jude Albertson.  parents, Margaret Ramos of  North Platte and Jesus Perez of Kentucky; father and mother-in-law,  Eddie and Sharon Polanco of North Platte;  siblings, Rosa (Santos) Castellanos, MaryJane (Johnny) Serrano, Esther Guerra, Sam (Delia) Sanchez, Alex (Helen) Sanchez all of North Platte; Rick Sanchez; (Vicki Manning) Ofelia Leyva and CheeRee Perez of  Grand Island, NE ; Angelica (Joseph) Scovill of Colorado Springs, Co; Desa Fosbinder of Arnold,  NE Esther Munoz of Kentucky, Inez Ramos, Martin (Jeanette) Ramos, Mario (Elena) Ramos, Carlos (Juana) Ramos and Daniel (Jennifer) Ramos, all of North Platte; brother and sister-in-law, Santos Polanco and Valencia Polanco of North Platte; Godchildren, Anthony Fuentes, Trista Rangel of Denver, Co, Clemente Sanchez and Dominique Perez of Grand Island, Jaren Garcia of Bryan, TX, Tobias Polanco, Lacey Vieyra, Christian Ramos and Elianna Ramos, all of North Platte and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, Compadres, Padrinos and friends including Co-workers from her current and past employers.

She was preceded in death by twin sons, Fernando Romano and Carlo Santos;, parents, Socorro and Arnulfo P. Sanchez; Brothers, “Uncle Hank” Henry Sanchez,  “Uncle” Albert Sanchez.  Uncle Cedric Polanco; grandmothers, Carmen Perez, Dorothy Duffield; nephews, Carlo Robert Polanco, Noah Martin Ramos and Logan Gregory Fosbinder; cousins, (God Daughter) Maricella Sanchez and Shawn Polanco.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 22, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Josh Brown as celebrant.  Rosary will be 7:00 p.m. Thursday at the church.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Thursday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel and from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with family receiving friends.  Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.