Ian Jon Galloway, 7, of North Platte passed away August 26, 2017 at his home.  Ian was born in North Platte on September 28, 2009 to Jason and Melissa (Brasby) Galloway.

Ian was an energetic and animated little boy. He had the diagnosis of neurofibromatosis and brain cancer, but that’s not who he was. His personality and orneriness shown through as he adapted to the changes happening to his body. He truly transformed the world around him. We learned to enjoy the simplicity of life through him, the beauty of pure love, and that faith doesn’t come from sight. He loved Jesus fiercely and asked to pray for many things. He was blessed to live in a community that cared for his specific needs: transportation to his doctor appointments, and a handicapped bike he could ride. He will be missed by all, but especially his service dog, Thorin, and his sister, Amanda. We are all more compassionate and accepting after being blessed with Ian’s life.

In honor of Ian’s love of baths, the family requests donations of *new* bath toys, salts, and other related small bath items. These will be donated to the children’s hospitals where Ian was treated. They will help re-stock the prize boxes after other cancer patients have pokes or chemo. Children are welcome to wear pajamas and/or their bath robe to Ian’s services. Casual attire is appropriate. Please join us for a relaxed celebration of Ian’s life!!

Survivors include his parents, Jason and Melissa Galloway of North Platte; sister, Amanda Galloway of North Platte; his faithful service dog, Thorin of North Platte; grandparents, Larry & Ruth Galloway of Gibbon, NE and Matt & Kathy Brasby of Ft. Morgan, CO; great-grandmother, Florence Wacker of Ft. Morgan, CO; great-grandparents, Henry & Barbara Brasby of Ft. Morgan, CO.; aunts & uncles, Cicilia (Brasby) & Lonnie Hartley of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Debra (Brasby) & Jonathan Rogers of Ft. Morgan, CO, Nathan & Valarie Brasby, Becky (Brasby) & Devin Seymour all of Ft. Morgan, CO, Ron & Gail Galloway of Shelton, NE, and Ken & Christi Galloway of Kearney, NE; numerous cousins, extended family members, friends and exceptional medical, therapy, and educational teams.

He was preceded in death by his grandmother, Ethel Brasby; great-grandparents, Elmer & Alice Jurgens, and Ray & Minnie Drews; and a great-grandfather, Arthur Wacker.

Monetary memorials can be donated to the local Gift of Hope Cancer Foundation or to the family to offset lingering medical and transportation expenses. Online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

Services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2017 at the North Platte Berean Church with the Reverend John Stone officiating.  Burial will follow at the North Platte City Cemetery. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Thursday, August 31, 2017 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

Elizabeth “Betty” Janette Peterson, age 92 of North Platte, passed away Friday August 25, 2017 at Centennial Park Retirement home in North Platte.

Betty was born on January 24, 1925 in Spaulding, NE to Frank and Anna (Rothleutner) Bernt.  She grew up on a farm outside of Spaulding and graduated from Spaulding Academy.  After high school she attended Business College in Omaha and worked for MGM in Omaha.  She married Lester C. Peterson on June 2, 1947 in Omaha.  The couple lived in Omaha until 1958 when they moved to North Platte where she worked at St. Mary’s Hospital doing clerical work.  She later worked at Great Plains Health until her retirement.  When her sons were in Boy Scouts in the 1960s she was a Troop Mother.  She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she contributed much of her time, as well as volunteering with RSVP.

Betty is survived by 3 children, Gary (Jocile) Peterson of Akron, CO, Dave Peterson of Lincoln, and John “Smiley” (Becky) Peterson of Stapleton; 12 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; sister Mary Kay (Bernard) Fairbanks of Spaulding, NE; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Lester in 1992; daughter Joan Mulinix; and brother Jerome Bernt.

Memorials are suggested to RSVP and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.  Christian Wake Services will be 7:00 p.m. Tuesday August 29, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday August 30, 2017 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Josh Brown as celebrant.  Burial will follow at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery.  Visitation will be from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. Monday August 28, 2017 and from 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Tuesday August 29, 2017 at Adams and Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.

 

Jack Dean Bond, 80, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha.

Jack was born July 30, 1937, to George and Lela Alberta (Van Deusen) Bond in Syracuse, Missouri. He grew up in Kansas City, Missouri, graduating from Northeast High School in 1954. After high school, Jack joined the United States Air Force Reserve. He was called to active duty in 1961, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant before his honorable discharge in 1962.

On March 15, 1958, Jack was united in marriage to Sandra K. Grazier. Jack and Sandra made their home in Kansas City then relocated to North Platte in 1970. Jack retired as General Manager of Central Nebraska Packing Company. Jack, along with three partners, also founded Animal Spectrum, a company that formulated and produced specialized diets for exotic animals. He was an active member of the AAZPA.

After retiring, Jack traveled extensively, visiting all 50 states and numerous countries. He especially enjoyed spending time with his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was a member and deacon of the First Christian Church, as well as a member of the V.F.W. Post #1504, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion, Eagle’s #2839, B.P.O. Elks #985 and Coyotes. Jack never met a stranger and was a charitable person, always willing to lend a helping hand. He will be greatly missed.

Jack is survived by his wife, Sandra, of North Platte; daughters, Victoria Cady, of North Platte, and Cassandra (Terry) Leet, of Torrington, Wyoming; brothers, Van (Alice) Bond, of Prineville, Oregon, Gary Bond and David (Dana) Bond, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Ronald (Jeannie) Bond, of Carolina Beach, North Carolina; sisters, Ruth Moran and Wanda Decker, of Kansas City, Missouri; grandchildren, Rachel (Aaron) Finken, Megan Fausnaugh, Leneé (Aurelio) Godina, Micaela (Tyler) Papousek, Emily Cady, Matthew (Megan) Leet and Kaitlyn Leet; seven great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was preceded in death by his daughter, Cynthia Fausnaugh; his parents, George and Lela Bond; sisters, Virginia Jamison and Carol Baccala; and son-in-law, Robert Cady.

Funeral Service will be 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at the First Christian Church with Pastor Jan Ekstedt officiating. Visitation will be Monday 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. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Memorials are suggested to the First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ (220 North Vine Street, North Platte, NE, 69101).

Chuck Johnson, of North Platte, NE, died at Great Plains Health on Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at the age of 71.

Chuck was born in North Platte on June 10, 1946, to Edwin Albin and Wilhelmina Elizabeth Lange Johnson. He grew up in North Platte and graduated from high school in 1965. He first went to work as a lineman then hired on with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1968, working in the Car Department. Chuck worked until 1993 when he took a disability.

On August 12, 1967, Chuck married Diane Lynn Epler in North Platte. They had raised three children, Steven, Stacey and Tami, and had just celebrated their 50th anniversary. When the boys were younger, Chuck coached them in Little League and their team won two state championships. As they got older, Chuck enjoyed watching them play Legion Baseball, and when his grandsons were old enough, they too played baseball. But baseball wasn’t his only sport, Chuck loved golfing with Stacey and Pete and watching the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Royals.

Most importantly, Chuck loved his family and dog, Yogi. He was a devoted husband and a kind, loving father and grandfather. His favorite place was simply being with his family. He will be missed so much.

Chuck leaves behind his wife, Diane, of North Platte; sons, Steven (Tracy) Johnson and Stacey (Tiffany) Johnson, of North Platte; daughter, Tami (Demian) Bongle, of Whitefish Bay, WI; 10 grandchildren, Trevor, Jordie, Madison, Cooper, Carter, Alex, Maggie, Carsen, Taylor and Daniel; sisters, Helen (Bill) Haney, of Tryon, NE, and Charlene (Floyd) Danczak, of Johnstown, CO; brothers, Roy Pounder, of Illinois, Richard Pounder, of Colorado and Larry Johnson, of North Platte; sisters-in-law, Betty Olson, of Lincoln, NE, and Linda Janecek, of North Platte; brothers-in-law, Jeff Olson and Robert (Michelle) Epler, all of North Platte; as well as several nieces, nephews and other family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Wilhelmina Johnson; and sister, Alice Pounder.

Funeral Service will be 2 p.m. Monday, August 28, 2017, at the First Assembly of God Church. Burial will follow in the North Platte Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1 to 6 p.m. on Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a memorial. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Virginia Mary Josephine Margritz, 81, of Lexington, passed away peacefully Aug. 21, 2017, at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege.

Virginia was born on June 25, 1936, at Julesburg, Colorado, the second of three children born to Joseph A. and Katherine V. (Kukla) Schmitt. When the children were young they made their home in Grant, until 1951, at which time they moved to Julesburg, Colorado. In 1954, the family moved to Missouri before settling to Lexington.

As a young girl, Virginia was introduced to her love of riding horses by her older brother, Donnie. Special memories riding the countryside together were formed that lasted a lifetime.

Virginia received her primary education from Grant and Julesburg. She then attended parochial school at St. Patrick’s High School in Sidney, graduating with the class of 1954. Her formative years in Catholic school is where Virginia dedicated her life as a servant to her Lord, and a true “Prayer Warrior” she became. During her senior year she met her future husband, Gerald Allen Margritz of Lexington. After high school, she pursued nursing school in Kansas City, Missouri.

Virginia introduced her sister, Donna to Gerald’s brother, Leo. The two sisters married brothers, and many special memories were made raising their families together in the rural Lexington and Overton areas. Virginia and Gerald were united in marriage on June 23, 1955, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, and to this union eight children were born, Pam, Randy, David, Mark, Joyce, Janet, Patty and Jody.

The family made their home on the family farm eight miles east, and a mile north of Lexington. Caring for every need of her large family was her entire focus when the children were young. Countless meals were lovingly prepared, and needless to say Mom wore many hats that included nurse when accidents happened playing with siblings, school tutor, family counselor when life experiences occurred, disciplinarian when teenagers needed direction, encouraging advisor throughout many years of sports, and of course laundry attendant, to name a few. All were done with love, and respect to reach the goal of raising a Christian family.

On Nov. 11, 1989, Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry. After Jerry’s passing, the farming operation was passed down to sons, Randy and Dave, and Virginia moved into Lexington. After moving into town, Virginia’s caring ways for children continued as a school cook at Pershing Elementary until her retirement. For the past four years, due to her failing health she began to make her home at the Christian Homes Care Community in Holdrege to be near her daughters.

After grandchildren and great-grandchildren arrived, they became the highlight of her life. And, in return they adored the ground Grandma Ginger walked on. On a daily basis her entire family and many friends were in her prayers. She was a longtime member of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, where she taught first communion class for more than 10 years, and served as a member of the Altar Society.

Besides her parents and husband, Jerry, she was preceded in death by her sister, Donna Margritz and her husband, Leo; sister-in-law, Catherine Mavetz; and brother-in-law, Charles Margritz.

She leaves to celebrate her life her eight children, Pam Burchett of Bastrop, Texas; Randy (Patti) Margritz of rural Lexington, David (Barb) Margritz of Lexington, Mark (Gloria) Margritz of New Braunfels, Texas, Joyce (Rodney) Cornell of Elm Creek, Janet Fiene of Holdrege, Patty (Bruce) Kohtz of Kearney and Jody (Ryan) Bauer of Holdrege; 17 grandchildren, Eric, Nathan, and Jake Burchett, Lucas Margritz, Thomas (Zuerela) Margritz, Josh (Sandy) Margritz, Katie (Erik) Niver, Audra and Aiden Margritz, Jerilyn (Tim) Kliewer, Claire Cornell, Emma and Cole Fiene, Austin Hilkemann, Jordyn and Chase Koht and Blare Bauer; six great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald (Lucille) Schmitt of Red Feather Lakes, Colorado; sister-in-law, Julene Margritz of Lexington; brother-in-law, Frank (Janet) Mavetz of Canton, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Memorials are suggested to the St. Ann’s Catholic Church or the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington. Online condolences may be shared at nelsonbauerfh.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington, with Fathers Paul Colling and Jose Chavez as co-celebrants. Burial will be at the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery in Lexington, following the services. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 24, at St. Ann’s Catholic Church with a wake service at 7 p.m. guided by Sister Mary Ann Flax. Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of arrangements.

Eddie McClain, age 74 of North Platte, passed away August 19, 2017 at Bryan West in Lincoln, after a short battle with very rare and aggressive Epstein Barr Virus associated lymphoproliferative disorder (T-Cell lymphoma).

He was born April 7, 1943 at North Platte to Elmer E. and Eva (Gifford) McClain, Sr. Eddie graduated from McPherson County High School in 1962 and later served in the Nebraska National Guard. On January 8, 1965 he was united in marriage to Carolyn M. McKain at North Platte. To that marriage they welcomed and raised Duane and Vicki. In 1967, he bought his first cattle truck and began his livestock order buying business that he continued until his death. Eddie built his business on integrity and honesty. His family and customers were his priority. He had countless customers and none were more important than the other. He and Carolyn enjoyed rodeoing and team roping for over 30 years. After roping they took up golfing. They would golf at Lake Maloney Golf Course 2-3 times a week. Eddie and Carolyn did everything socially together. They have a very special marriage and relationship. He especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and develop. He was known for his infectious smile and sense of humor. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Buffalo Bill Rodeo Committee, Nebraska State Rodeo Association, and the Lake Maloney Roping Club. He and Carolyn were members of the Committee that put on the NSRA Finals at North Platte for several years. Eddie touched so many lives with all of his business and activities.

Survivors include his loving wife, Carolyn and son, Duane (Kendi) McClain of North Platte, daughter, Vicki McClain of Lancaster, TX, grandchildren, Kortney (C.J. O’Conner) McGaughy, Bart McGaughy, Slade and Hayden McClain, three sisters, Lauretta (Ollie) Valentine of Kearney, Evelyn (Clarence) Correll of Gering, Donna (Leroy) Daly of Tryon, brother-in-law, Ron (Pam) McKain, North Platte, two sister-in-laws Nadean (Gerald) Chandler, Keystone, and Janelle McKain, Gretna, numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Roy McClain, father and mother-in-law, Chuck and Elsie McKain, brother-in-law, George McKain, and nephews Bart Daly and Luke McKain.

A celebration of Eddie’s life will be 3:00 pm Friday, September 1, 2017 at the First United Methodist Church. A gathering of friends will be immediately following at the Wild West Arena Pavilion. You are encouraged to attend either or both. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the First United Methodist Church Building Fund or to Lake Maloney Golf Course. Visitation will be from 1 to 7 pm, Thursday, August 24, and Friday, August 25, with the family receiving friends Thursday 5-7 at Carpenter Memorial Chapel which is in care of arrangements. Online condolences maybe shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.