Jane H. Dodson, age 76, of North Platte, died September 10, 2017 at Great Plains Health.  She was born on June 24, 1941 in Providence, Rhode Island to John and Grace (Crehan) Hynes.

Jane was a professional mother and treasured her role as a stay-at-home mom. She provided care and joy for many nieces and nephews, and volunteered as both a Cub Scout and Campfire mom. She was an adopted grandma to many.

After her husband Tom passed, Jane went to school and to work. She earned her Associate’s Degree from Mid Plains Community College, and worked in the Lincoln County Veteran’s Service Office until her retirement.

Jane was an active member of St. Patrick’s Parish, where she was involved in the homebound ministry and was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters. She created the “Without A Spouse” group at St. Patrick’s, and took great care in offering friendship and companionship to all in need. Jane had many circles of friends, and she took immense pride in coordinating their social calendars. Her “Angel Group” and “Golden Girls” meant the world to her. She would not let a friend’s birthday, holiday, or a Husker football game pass without a grand celebration.

Jane’s grandchildren were the light of her life. She delighted in their time together, always making sure to plan a special craft or activity. She devoted countless hours to creating albums, scrapbooks, writing cards, and baking her legendary chocolate chip cookies.

Jane loved the North Platte Catholic Schools and Irish activities. She could be found in the same spot along the sideline at every home Irish football game, with her car parked in the “Super Fan” spot.

Survivors include her children, Brian (Suzy) Dodson of Cave Creek, AZ, Steve (Lucy) Dodson, of Scottsdale, AZ, Kevin (Wendy) Dodson of North Platte, and Janelle Dodson of Nashville, TN; a brother, Paul (Pauline) Hynes of Rhode Island;  sisters-in-law, Mary Beth Dodson, Marlene Dodson, Rachel Hynes, and Claire Hynes; brother-in-law, Don Dodson; and her loving grandchildren, Chase, Luke, Logan, Paige, Hope, and Kayla; and numerous other family members and many friends.

Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Tom in 1996; and two brothers, Robert “Bob” and John Hynes.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment, and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.

Christian Wake Services will be 7:30 p.m. Sunday September 17, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Monday September 18, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Rev. Josh Brown as celebrant. Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Bonnie Kate “Kay” Arnold, age 98, passed away on Sunday, September 10, 2017, at Linden Court.

Kay was born June 26, 1919, to Walter Grey and Mary Lucy (Chapman) McAuley in Hopkins County, Texas, where she grew up then moved to Dallas, Texas in the late ’30’s. Kay married Leslie Lee Godfrey in 1941 and the couple had two daughters. Kay was married to Captain George Crain in 1952. In ’66, Kay married Wesley Stewart.

On February 21, 1981, Kay was united in marriage to Harry James Arnold, Jr. in New Orleans, Louisiana. They lived in Dallas before moving to Waveland, Mississippi in 2002. After Hurricane Katrina took their home in 2005, they moved to North Platte.

Along with raising two daughters and caring for her mother, Kay worked for Olan Mill’s Photography Studio from the early 1960’s to 1997 as an area manager until retiring at the age of 77. Before and during retirement, Kay and Harry loved to travel and belonged to different RV clubs.

Although she spent most of her life in Texas, Kay did live in several other states as well as the Philippine Islands. While in North Platte she attended the First United Methodist Church and Parkview Community Church of the Nazarene.

Kay lived a fearless life, not allowing obstacles to detract her from her goals. She was an inspiration and positive role model to her daughters, grandchildren and everyone she interacted with. Kay’s steadfastness is reflected in their lives today.

Kay is survived by her daughters, Leslie (Jim) Greer, of Seattle, Washington, and Gayle (Mike) Sharkey, of North Platte; grandchildren, Tracy Foster and Tina (Charles) Clark, of Seattle, Tosha (Christian) Kirkham, of Portland, Oregon, and Donald (Wendy) Hileman, of Kansas City, Missouri; 13 great-grandchildren, Spencer, Stuart, Lexi and Skyler Johnson, Ethan Kirkham, Nicholas and Keerlyn Molina, Andrew and Audrie Hileman, Daniel and Nicholas Foster, and Benjamin and Andrew Clark; 8 great great-grandchildren; and other family.

She was preceded in death by her husbands, Wesley Stewart and Harry Arnold, Jr.; parents, Walter Grey and Mary Lucy McAuley; and an infant brother, James Alfred McAuley.

Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 11 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with the Rev. Dr. Douglas A. Delp officiating. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are to the North Platte Shrine Children’s Transportation Fund.

Lynette Baker, 78, of Leavenworth, KS, formerly of North Platte, passed away September 8, 2017 at Health Resort of Kansas City.  She was born August 19, 1939 to Niels and Florence (Essley) Nielsen at Gandy, Nebraska.  On July 7, 1957, she was united in marriage to Melvin E. “Shack” Baker in Stapleton.  They lived in Maxwell for 17 years and then moved to North Platte.

Lynette enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling and decorating cakes.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela (Keith) Beurskens of Leavenworth, KS; a son, Bradley (Celeste) Baker of Merino, CO; grandchildren, Zachary, Elizabeth, Carl, Brookley, Melissa and Dyllon; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Lorain Bartmess; two brothers, Donald (Esther) and Darold (Braun) Nielsen; several nieces, nephews and other relatives.  She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin “Shack”; two sisters, Lenora Moore and Leora Smith; three brothers, Deane, Darwin and Donzel “Donnie”  Nielsen.

Online condolences may be share at www.carpentermemorial.com. Services will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel.  Burial will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell.  Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.

Derald Dale Taylor, age 81, passed away Friday September 8, 2017 at Sutherland Care Center.

Derald was born January 17, 1936 in Iowa City, IA to Dale and Josephine (Soesbe) Taylor.  He attended school thru the 8^th grade.  He joined the National Guard.  Derald was an avid Nascar fan.  He drove semi trucks for many years for Transport America and Leonard Express of Cedar Rapids, IA, retiring in 2014.

Derald is survived by his sister Donna Gelski and brother Robert Kaufman; and nephews Robert Kaufman, David, Kevin and Mike Gelski.

He was preceded in death by his mother Josephine and his father Dale Taylor.

Memorials are suggested in his name and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday September 12, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home with Pastor Gary Smith officiating.  Burial will follow at the Riverview Cemetery near Sutherland.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday September 11, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Wallace Ray “Wally” Coker, 87, of Cheyenne, Wyoming, died Sept. 2, 2017, at Cheyenne Regional Medical Center.

He was born on Oct. 4, 1929, in Sutherland to Walter J. and Hazel M. (Stanton) Coker. Wally graduated from Sutherland High School.

He was hired by Union Pacific Railroad after graduation, then spent time in the military in Atlanta, Georgia.

He married Peg Dillon in August 1951. After his service time, they returned to North Platte, where he continued his career with Union Pacific Railroad. He moved to Cheyenne in 1980 to watch grandchildren and then the great-grandchildren grow. He retired from the railroad in 1992 after 42 years.

Wally was a member of Knights of Columbus in Nebraska, Union Pacific Employee Club and American Legion and was a former square dancer.

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Ruth Banks, Beulah Wever and Kenneth Coker.

He is survived by his wife, Peg; three sons, W. Jim (Kim) Coker of Cheyenne, Tom (Judie) Coker of Thornton, Colorado, and Kevin (Manda) Coker of Fort Collins, Colorado; grandchildren, Kaylan Ferrari and Patrick (Sarah) Coker, both of Cheyenne, and Dillon Coker of Thornton; great-grandchildren, Alexis, Austin, Treyton, Kooper, Karter and Charlotte Ferrari and Caydence Coker, all of Cheyenne; brother-in-law, Floyd Wever; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Catholic School Endowment Fund, 601 S. Tabor Ave., North Platte, NE 69101. Online condolences may be shared at wrcfuneral.com.

Mass of Christian Burial was on Sept. 5 at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Cheyenne. Inurnment will be at 9 a.m. today, Sept. 7, at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Wiederspahn-Radomsky Chapel, Cheyenne, is in charge of arrangements.

Dennis Kruger, 77, of North Platte, passed away Aug. 29, 2017, at his home.

Dennis was born on Jan. 3, 1940, in Wray, Colorado, to Ernest and Betty Kruger.

Dennis loved science and music. He built multiple devices involving electronics, astronomy, optics and mechanics. He also played an array of instruments that included the organ, accordion and guitar.

Dennis had friends that most people would envy. Our family is grateful for the things you all did for Dennis. There are far too many to list, so those reading this obituary know who you are.

His date of birth says one thing, but if you asked Dennis, he was 39 years old, and weighed around 160. His friends and family really miss this fellow.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Jeanenne.

He is survived by his sisters, Karen Mitchell and Melanie Merrill, and brother, Ernest Kruger.

Cremation was chosen. A get together for friends and family will be planned in the future.