Terry Lane Levine, 66, of North Platte, died at the Cozad Care and Rehabilitation Center on Thursday, August 31, 2017. Cremation was chosen. Services will be later this month. Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.
Category: Obituaries
James Thomas Lyons
James Thomas Lyons, infant son of Tommy and Caitlin (Kenny) Lyons, went to Heaven on August 31, 2017 at the Children’s Hospital in Omaha. He was born August 21, 2017 in North Platte and although only 10 days old, he was loved and cherished by many. Those left to carry on his memory are his parents, Tommy & Caitlin; two sisters, Liv & Lucy Lyons; grandparents, Scott & Connie Lyons and Mark & Mary Pat Kenny all of North Platte; aunts and uncles, Heather & Tad Haneborg, Brigid & Ben Woodhead, Allison & Jerrod Pavelka, Daniel Kenny, Mary Kate & Kevin Tighe and Jack Kenny; and cousins and other relatives. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com. Services will be 11:00 a.m. Monday, September 4, 2017 at the Berean Church in North Platte with the Rev. John Stone officiating. Private family burial will follow. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, September 3, 2017 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel, which is in care of arrangements.
Harold D. Carlson Death Notice
Harold D. Carlson, age 64 of Gothenburg, passed away Friday September 1, 2017 at Great Plains Health in North Platte. Services are pending at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home.
Wayne Wickenkamp
Wayne Wickenkamp, age 89 of North Platte passed away May 18, 2017 at Great Plains Health.
Wayne was born March 28, 1928 in Lincoln, NE to Andrew and Gladys (Rose) Wickenkamp. They moved to Dorchester where he graduated from High School in 1945. He enrolled at UNL, then UN Law School and graduated in 1952. As a result of a blind date, he met and married Ramona Dreyer on June 3, 1950 at Brock, NE. In 1952 he began working for State Farm Mutual Ins. Co. in the auto claims division where he spent the rest of his career. His job took the family to McCook, Omaha, North Platte, Lincoln, Rapid City, SD, and back to North Platte where he retired in 1990. After retiring he joined RSVP and gave 5,862 volunteer hours, mostly to MPCC, Red Cross, and Lincoln County Museum. As a Presbyterian, he was a Deacon, served on the Church Building Committee and served a term on the General Assembly Permanent Judiciary Commission. In 1960 he joined the North Platte Kiwanis Club. He was past-president of the West Rapid City Kiwanis Club in 1976/77. He re-joined the North Platte Kiwanis Club in 1984, was Kiwanian of the Year 1990-1991 and was also honored with the Hixon Medal.
Wayne is survived by his wife, Ramona, of North Platte; sons, Floyd of Lincoln, Craig (Liz) of Mesa, AZ, and Paul of North Platte; daughter, Ellen of North Platte; grandson, Andrew of Lincoln; granddaughter, Alexandra of Omaha; and a special kitty, “Boogie.” Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church, RSVP, Kiwanis Scholarship Fund, Lincoln County Museum, or to any animal rescue/shelter organization. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 8, 2017 at the First Presbyterian Church, 1901 West Leota, North Platte, with Ford Craig officiating. Casual dress in requested. Those wishing to do so may sign the register book from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Thursday September 7, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.
Lori A. Paulsen
Lori A. Paulsen, 52, of North Platte, formerly of Kearney, died Aug. 27, 2017, at Great Plains Health.
Lori Ann was born on March 10, 1965, in Kearney to Bill D. and Patricia K. (Johnston) Cordle. She attended Kearney High School, where she was extremely active with cheerleading and the drama club. Lori graduated with the class of 1983.
She was married to Mark Woodside from March 27, 1984 to May 1992. She then married Lars Paulsen on March 2, 1994, in Arlington, Virginia.
The one thing Lori wanted more than anything else was a big family. Her six children, Travys, Talia, Jonathan, Amy, Andreas and Katlynn, can all attest to the amazing woman she was. Lori put all of her heart and soul into raising her children and subsequently her grandchildren as well.
She also loved animals, music and art. Lori was always crafting or working on some little project. She was also an active member of the Vulcan Riders Association of America-North Platte Chapter. Lori enjoyed riding and the community that came with it. She attended several motorcycle rallies across the U.S.
Lori was preceded in death by her father, Bill Cordle; grandparents, including LaVeda Johnston and Ruby Lamers; and uncle, Dick Ryel.
Surviving relatives include her husband, Lars of North Platte; children, Travys (Briana) Woodside of Kearney, Talia (Naomi Sanders) Woodside of Mililani, Hawaii, Amy Woodside of Lemoore, California, Andreas (Ashley Clark) Paulsen of Omaha, Katlynn (Christopher) Weathers of Pleasanton, Jonathan Paulsen of Ohio, Stephanie Paulsen of Kansas City, Missouri, and MaKayla Woodside of North Platte; four grandsons and six granddaughters; parents, Patricia (Wayne) Woodside of Odessa; brothers, Bradley D. (Jodi) Cordle of Kearney, Jeffrey (Beth) Cordle of Odessa and Daniel (Stephanie) Woodside of Milford; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials are suggested to the family for later designation. Online condolences may be shared at hlmkfuneral.com.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. today, Sept. 1, at St. James Catholic Church in Kearney with Father Joe Hannappel officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services, Kearney, is in charge of arrangements.
Robert J. “Robby” Branting
Robert J. “Robby” Branting, 34, of North Platte, passed away August 29, 2017 at his home. He was born on December 13, 1982, to Robert and Bonny (Mitchell) Branting in North Platte. Robby graduated from North Platte High School with the Class of 2002. He was the first male to be in Campfire Boys and Girls. He enjoyed spending time with his family, fishing and politics.
He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Branting and grandparents, Hollis and Frances Branting.
He is survived by his mother, Bonny Branting; a sister, Jaime Branting and nephew, Jaiden, of Lincoln; grandparents, Lyle and Shirley Miller; aunts, uncles and other relatives.
A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com Memorial services will be 1:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16, 2017 at Victory Church of God, 3121 West A Street, with Rev. Dean Bailey officiating. Private family inurnment will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens at a later date.
Glenda Maxine Louise Koch
Glenda Maxine Louise Koch, of Hershey, NE, passed away at Linden Court on Wednesday, August 30, 2017, at the age of 87, one day shy of her birthday.
Glenda was born August 31, 1929, in a little farmhouse in Custer County, NE, to Ray Delmar and Dorotha Hannah Parker King. She grew up on the farm and attended school at Nichols Country School and graduated from Hershey High School in 1947.
One day at a birthday party she met Phillip Virgil Koch and that very evening he told her, “Someday I am going to marry you.” Two years later on her birthday in 1945, Glenda and Phillip eloped to Kansas. Since she was still in high school, they returned to the Hershey area where Glenda completed high school. They had two children, Steve and Vicki, and 67 wonderful years of marriage.
Since Phillip took over the family farm after his father died in 1951, Glenda became a farmer’s wife, which she enjoyed. She worked on the farm and was especially helpful setting irrigation tubes and did the usual household duties of cooking and cleaning. She also maintained a very nice, large yard and worked in her garden and flower beds, which she loved. Glenda enjoyed sewing and even made her daughter’s wedding dress and Phillip’s suits.
After Phillip died in 2012, Glenda eventually moved into Linden Court where she touched many lives.
She is survived by her children, Steve (Deb) Koch, of Hershey and Vicki (Jeff) Young, of North Platte; grandchildren, Steven II “Chip” (Amy) Koch, Zach (Angie) Koch, Whitney Koch, Micah Koch, Kris (Haven) Smith, Kort (Alison) Smith, and Parker Young; her great-grandchildren; sister, Judy (Bill) Maassen, of North Platte; and other family members.
Along with her husband, Phillip, Glenda was preceded in death by her mother and stepfather, Dorotha and Ben Lind; her father, Ray King; and sister, Roedene Abel.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore with Chaplain Deb Dishman officiating. A private family inurnment will be at a later date in the Riverside Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial.
Randal “Randy” Sigler
Randal “Randy” Sigler, 64, of Hastings passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2017 at Mary Lanning Medical Center. Randy was born in Grand Island on May 10, 1953, the son of Lyman and Margaret (Lepant) Sigler.
Faith has always been a big part of Randy’s life. As a young child, Randy was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s Cathedral. Randy attended North Platte High School where he graduated with the class of 1971. Following school, Randy went on to work odd jobs until he began employment with Dana Corp in Hastings as Supervisor until the plant closed. He moved to Kearney and North Platte working as a conductor on U.P.R.R. until 2011 when he retired and moved back to Hastings and was able to spend his last three years living with his daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren.
Randy enjoyed watching or playing golf. He was a loving father, grandfather and brother. From a young age, Randy learned the value of hard work. He was quiet but social and often would share much needed advice. Mealtime gatherings have always been a favorite time for Randy, he loved getting together and hearing about everyone’s day. He was incredibly proud of all of his family and he lived to spend time with his grandchildren. Randy could, at times be a little ornery or even stubborn, but deep down he was big hearted and was loved by many.
Randy was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Teresa Lynnette Sigler.
Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Mike (Sally) Sigler of Tenn., Matt Sigler of Portland, OR and Miranda (Jeremy) Boutin of Hastings; brothers, Terry (Lauree) Sigler of North Platte, Patrick (Cindy) Sigler of Ooltewah, Tenn. and Roger (Joyce) Sigler of Lakewood, Wash; mother of his children and close friend, Sheila Minnick of Hastings; eight grandchildren; along with numerous extended family and friends.
Mass of Christian burial will be held on Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Mary”s Cathedral in Grand Island. Fr. Scott Harter will officiate. Cremation is to follow with a burial of ashes Saturday at 11 a.m.
Visitation was from 4-7 p.m. Thursday at All Faiths Funeral Home with a rosary at 7 p.m.Memorials are suggested to the family. Words of comfort and kindness may be left for the family at www.giallfaiths.com
Kenneth Albert Deibert, Sr.
Kenneth Albert Deibert, Sr., of North Platte, NE, died Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at Great Plains Health at the age of 86.
Ken was born on October 20, 1930, in Sheridan County, KS, to Julius Edward and Faye Barr Deibert. He grew up and attended school in Sheridan County until he was 15 years old. He then moved to Thomas County, KS where he worked for Foster Farms until 1950.
On March 25, 1950, Ken was united in marriage to Donna Darlene Black in Hoxie, KS. They continued to live in various Kansas communities before moving to California. After a while they returned to Goodland, KS, then moved to Colorado, Lexington, NE, and in ’71 they settled in North Platte.
Ken was employed by Central Nebraska Packing and was a supervisor when he retired in 1993. He then worked another 13 years part-time at Shopko, worked for Leonard Messersmith, fixing up rental houses. After working for so many years, Ken finally retired for good.
In his free time, Ken enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a member and leader at Valley Christian Church.
Ken leaves behind his wife, Darlene, of North Platte; children, Rebecca “Becky” (Randy) Gilland and Kenneth, Jr. (Olga) Deibert, of North Platte, Danny (Linda) Heyer, of Arnaudville, LA, and Dean (Teresa) Deibert, of Bostic, NC; son-in-law, Milo (Sharon) Klein, of Gregory, SD; 14 grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great great-grandchildren; as well as other family.
He was preceded in death by his children, Michael Dee Deibert and Patricia Klein; his parents, Julius and Faye Deibert; brothers, Fredrick “Sam” and Frank Deibert; and sisters, Junita Sewell, Dorothy Beilser, Maggie Brown and Mildred Van Diver.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial Service will be 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017, at the Valley Christian Church with Pastor Brent Montgomery officiating. Inurnment will be at a later date in Hoxie, KS. 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. Memorials are suggested to Valley Christian Church.
Betty Ochsner
Betty Ochsner, 93, of Longmont, Colorado, formerly of North Platte, passed away Aug. 11, 2017, peacefully at her home.
Betty Jean Ochsner was born on April 17, 1924, in Elm Creek to John and Lily McCartney LeMaster. The youngest of five surviving children, she grew up there and graduated from Elm Creek High School in 1941.
She met Kenneth Ochsner while she was working as a switchboard operator at the Grand Island Ordinance Plant during World War II. They married in Corning, Iowa, on Feb. 28, 1948, and moved to North Platte shortly after that when Kenny was hired by Union Pacific Railroad as a brakeman. To this union were born a daughter, Rox Ann, and a son, Charles, who died in infancy. Kenneth preceded her in death in 1977.
Betty continued to work in the communications field for the rest of her working life, for Northwestern Bell in Kearney and North Platte, and later for Union Pacific Railroad in North Platte. She retired from UP in 1986 with 20 years of service.
Betty had a lifelong love of music, performing as a vocalist and pianist in high school. She enjoyed playing piano and organ and entertained the hospice caregivers who were called in during the last two weeks of her life.
She was a longtime member of the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte, having served as Sunday school superintendent, on the membership committee and as an elder and a deacon. She served on the board of the UPRR Employee Credit Union for 15 years.
Betty was known for her generous heart and was famous for always winning the struggle to pick up the check when eating out.
She was a wonderful grandmother, taking all three of her grandchildren on numerous trips, both separately and as a group. Shad, Kael and Leif loved their trips with “Grammie,” and she loved sharing her passion for travel with them. She even took both boys to China “to carry her luggage.” She took many tours and cruises, making it at least once to every continent except Antarctica.
Betty struggled with Alzheimer’s disease during the last years of her life. She moved into a wonderful home in Longmont in 2009 to be near her daughter. She delighted in walks at the lake near her home and in watching the activities of the birds and wildlife. Babies of any variety, human or animal, brought a twinkle to her eyes. She had a “little black dog” who brought her much joy even when she couldn’t remember its name.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers, Everett, Ray, Harold and Bernard; husband; and an infant son.
Betty is survived by her daughter, Rox Ann Olson of Longmont; three grandchildren, Shad (Kim) Olson of Blackhawk, South Dakota, Kael (Scott) Leigh of Blue River, Colorado, and Leif (Karen) Olson of Longmont; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the North Platte First Presbyterian Church.
Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16, at the First Presbyterian Church in North Platte. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.