The North Platte community lost one of its matriarchs this week.  Florence “Arlene” Sukraw went peacefully to be with her Lord and loved ones October 24, 2017, at the age of 93, while in Linden Court, North Platte, Nebraska.  Arlene was born in North Platte December 30, 1923, to Arvid and Florence (Anderson) Branting. She married Quinten Kenneth Sukraw of Maxwell, Nebraska, June 27, 1943.

Known by many as either Arlene or Moma Doc, she was a teacher, principal, staff development director, school board member, student teacher supervisor, and adjunct professor, to name a few of her roles. She received many degrees over the years, the last of which was her doctorate, which she earned when she was 64. Among her many awards and honors were her being named by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as Nebraska’s Elementary School Principal of the year in a ceremony in Washington D.C. and being distinguished as a Nebraska One Room School Teacher by the University of Nebraska, Kearney.

Arlene was an exemplar of what teachers, administrators, and women should strive to emulate, both in their professional and personal lives. Educators, students, and their parents have experienced her compassion, vision, and use of humor to encourage, support, and change the many lives she has touched. She was an active leader in First Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married.  Her involvement included regular Sunday worship attendance, Luther League sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Bethel Bible class teacher, numerous committees and serving on the church council.

Arlene was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters Sharon and Pamela; brothers and their wives Melden (Helen), Hollis (Frances), and Russell (Maxine); and nieces and nephews Scott and Carol Smith, Glennis Branting, Robert Branting, Robert Branting, Jr., and Van Kistler.

She is survived by children Kenneth Allen Sukraw (Miriam) and Judith Marlene Stoehr (Jeff); grandchildren Mark Sukraw (Angela); Heather Johnson (Lee); Tracy Warren (James); and, Trevor Stoehr (Melissa); and, great-grandchildren Katherine, Elijah, Hannah, and Anika Sukraw; Kaleb, Greyson, Emerson, Tatum, and Conley Johnson; Henry and Sullivan Warren; and, Trenton and Meadow Stoehr. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Harold Branting (Susie); Sandra Kistler; James Branting; and, Russell Branting (Julie) and their families, as well as special friends Marge and George Spencer.

The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 10:30 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 305 West 5^th St., North Platte, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Friday, October 27, at Carpenters Memorial Chapel, 1616 West B Street,  between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Family will receive visitors between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested for either the North Platte Public Schools Foundation or Midland University, Fremont, Nebraska. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

 

Leonard Ray Nelms, 89, of Wauneta, Ne., formerly of Hayes Center and North Platte, passed away Monday, October 23, 2017 at the Wauneta Care Center, Wauneta, Nebraska.

He was born on April 19, 1928 to Vernie and Etta (Lawson) Nelms, in Bartley, Nebraska. He graduated from Hayes Center High School. He married Iris Pinn on April 6, 1948. Leonard served in the United States Army from 1952 to 1954 and was Honorably Discharged at the rank of Cpl. After his discharge from the Army he started farming north of Maywood, Nebraska, later moving his farm and ranching operation to east of Hayes Center. Leonard was very active in youth baseball and 4-H programs. His love was raising Appaloosa and Quarter Horses. He raised many champions and his horses were sold and shown all over the U.S.

After retirement, he enjoyed golfing and focused on tying doll flies and making many different lures. He also self-taught himself in upholstery and making wood crafts. Leonard was a member of the American Legion. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his greatest joy was his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Iris; parents; brothers-in-law Joe Vlasin and Roland Scott.

Survivors include, sisters, Doris Vlasin and Laverna Scott; daughter, Kristy (Jerry) Vapenik of Wauneta; sons, Casey (Wanda) of Sutherland and Jim Nelms of Franklin, Tennesee; grandchildren, Mindy Dann, Colt (Bethany), Chase (fiancé, Danielle), Justin (Lisa), Jesi, and Seth Vapenik, Jess (Danielle) Vapenik, Dirk (Roseanna) Vapenik, Bryn (Clay) Jordan and Shelby Brandon. Great grandchildren, Briana, Kinsley and Jaycelyn Vapenik, Avery Vapenik, Jaxyn, Corbyn and Brekkan Jordan, Whitney, Julian and Alayna Nelms, Treton  Dowling, Lilian Nelms, Parker and Camden Nelms, Caysen and Hudsen Nelms.

Cremation was chosen. Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 27, at Hayes Center Congregational Church in Hayes Center, Ne, with Pastor Jean Miller officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Hayes Center Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Jonah H. Morgan, age 33, of North Platte died October 22, 2017 in North Platte.  He was born on May 28, 1984 in North Platte to Timothy Morgan and Katherine Sullivan.

Jonah graduated from North Platte High School with the class of 2003.

Survivors include his parents, Kathy (Bryan) Bowman of North Platte, and Tim (Melinda) Morgan of Selmer, TN; 6 children; siblings, Justin (Farra) Morgan of North Platte, Jake (Lauren) Morgan of Cordova, TN, and Jordan (Aaron) Rickett of Omaha, NE; grandpa, Leon Sullivan of North Platte; numerous other family members and many friends.

Preceding him in death were grandmothers, Charlene Sullivan, and Mary Lou Sullivan; grandparents, Jim and Maureen Morgan; and several other family members.

Memorials may be made to Region 2 Human Services and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Private family services will be held at a later date.  Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Kyla Renae Pierson Smith, 31, of Des Moines, IA, formerly of North Platte, passed away October 12, 2017.  She was born Nov. 15, 1985 to Wade and Tami (Smith) Pierson at Grand Island, NE.

She graduated from Iowa City High School in Urbandale, Iowa.  She worked in health care and was also a teacher’s aide.

She is survived by her parents, Wade and Tami of Hartford, WI; her daughter, Kaylee Ray; grandparents, Ray and Darlene Pierson and Tressie Smith; great grandmother, Jean McKnight; two step-daughters, Katie and Haley Branchcomb; and other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Raymond Smith, Sharon Dixon and Rogene Pierson Adams.

Memorials are suggested to Kyla’s daughter, Kaylee Ray, to further her education.  Online condolences may be shared atwww.carpentermemorial.com.

Services will be 1:00 p.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Vicar Jay Welsh officiating.  Family will be receiving friends from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Cremation will follow services.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.

Delores “Joan” (Brassier) Milligan, 88, of North Platte passed away October 15, 2017 at Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Nebraska.

Joan was born July 13, 1929 on a farm eight miles east of Ansley to Leonard and Alice (Louder) Brassier.  She attended school in Westerville, Ansley, and was a 1946 graduate of Broken Bow High School.  Upon graduation Joan received formal training to become a teacher after it was decided as a family to no longer farm.  Joan taught country school for one year at Dutchman Valley and one year at Hannah Corners.

In 1949 Joan met George “Jock” Milligan who was a widower with four children: Shirley, Ron, Bill, and Mike that were all under the age of eight.  On June 11, 1949 in Hebron, Nebraska Joan and Jock were married and in 1951 and 1957 the addition of two daughters, Diana and Cindy were born into the family.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Alice (Louder) Brassier; husband, George “Jock” Milligan; son, Michael George Milligan; sisters, Rose Etta Glover, Alice LaVonne Dimmitt, and Caroline Darlene MacIntosh; and best friend, Evelyn Ady.

Survivors include her five children, Shirley (Dan) Straub of Sharpsville, Indiana, Ron (Devra) Milligan of Delta Junction, Alaska, Bill (Cindy) Milligan of Topeka, Kansas, Diana Pugsley (Randy), and Cindy (Phil) Thalken of North Platte, Nebraska; sisters, Lola Jean Coleman of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, and Veletta Elaine Olson of Anselmo, Nebraska; 17 grandchildren; 29 great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and wonderful friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter in North Platte, Nebraska or Feeding America as both were dear to her heart.  Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, October 20, 2017 at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens with Chaplain Gary Smith officiating.  Visitation will be noon – 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 19, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

 

Robert “Bob” Lee Brown, 78, of Palisade, passed away October 12, 2017 at Cozad Care Center.  Bob was born on November 5, 1938 in Imperial, Nebraska to Walter E. and Naomi Reynolds Brown. He was one of five children. He attended school at Chase County and graduated from Chase County High School in 1956. He served proudly in the United States Air Force, signing up in 1960, being stationed at Illinois, Japan and Viet-Nam and then Montana before being honorably discharged from active service in 1963. He returned home to Champion Nebraska. On June 6, 1965 he married Linda S. (North) Brown. After living in the Chase County area, they eventually moved to McCook where they were blessed with two daughters. After living in McCook, they settled in Palisade where they remained.

Bob worked at L & L Plumbing and Heating for many years, doing HVAC work and helping anyone who needed anything. From wiring, plumbing and construction he helped many people, even after hours and on weekends. He seldom refused anyone. As a child living on the farm Bob belonged to 4H and liked to fish. As an adult he still fished, had a few animals until they moved into town. Even though the family had spread out, they still liked to gather when they could for good times. After retiring Bob loved to play horseshoes, traveling in the area to just about any horseshoe tournament. He volunteered at the Sale Barn Cafe in McCook and the Palisade Cafe where he cooked. At Palisade every summer for their annual Pioneer Days event, Bob liked to host a horseshoe tournament with anyone who would join. He collected horseshoe trophies, ball caps and pens. After Linda’s passing in 2003, Bob wandered a bit, loving to get in the car and just drive.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; a son, Robert Jr; his brothers, Kenneth Brown and Earl Brown; his parents-in-law; one sister-in-law; three brothers-in-law and two special canine friends.

Bob is survived by his daughters, Connie (Greg) Lawless of Osborn, KS; Veronica (Mike) Sederlin of North Platte; brother, Gilbert (Joyce) Brown of Beaumont, Tx.; sister, Wilma Austin of Imperial; two grandsons; four granddaughters; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

A memorial has been established in his name. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Services will be at 10:00 am on Tuesday, October 17th at Carpenter Memorial Chapel with Gary Smith officiating. Burial to follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-8 pm on Monday, October 16, at Carpenter Memorial Chapel. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.