WILLIAM "Bill" LEWIS, 84, of Imperial, NE, passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, in Lincoln, NE.

Bill was born on February 6, 1939, in Plymouth, ID, to Edward and Esther (Ekstrum) Lewis. He graduated from West High School in Denver, CO.

Bill married Genindle "Gen" Pulliam on October 20, 1960, at the Church of Christ in Newport, AR, while Bill was serving in the Navy. The couple was blessed with three children: Dalene, Douglas, and Jeff. They made their home in Olathe, KS, on the Naval Base. After his discharge, they made their home in Denver to be closer to family before moving to Boulder and, later, Missoula, MT. Bill worked as a customer engineer at IBM for many years before feeling the call to the ministry. He served as a preacher for many years, with a notable aspect of his ministry devoted to serving as a prison chaplain.

Bill always wanted to help people if he was able. He loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He also had a great appreciation for watching the sunset and gazing at the stars. Bill leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith and family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Langley; brother, Arnold Lewis; and brother-in-law Dean Teter.

Bill is survived by his wife, Gen of Imperial; daughter, Dalene (Bob) Rogers of Haigler; sons, Douglas Lewis of Littleton, CO and Jeff (Angela) Lewis of Imperial; grandchildren, Kaycee, Garrett, Ashton, Sean, Will, John, and Carleigh; siblings, Leonard (Jean) Lewis of Missoula, MT and Nancy Teter of Westminster, CO.

A memorial has been established in Bill's memory for the Adventures in Missions (AIM) program at Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Church of Christ in Imperial, with Dan Kafka officiating. Interment will be in the Palisade Cemetery.

Visitation will be Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704493522691.jpeg" alt="Bill Lewis" />
 <figcaption>Bill Lewis</figcaption>
 </figure>WILLIAM "Bill" LEWIS, 84, of Imperial, NE, passed away Monday, January 1, 2024, in Lincoln, NE.Bill was born on February 6, 1939, in Plymouth, ID, to Edward and Esther (Ekstrum) Lewis. He graduated from West High School in Denver, CO.Bill married Genindle "Gen" Pulliam on October 20, 1960, at the Church of Christ in Newport, AR, while Bill was serving in the Navy. The couple was blessed with three children: Dalene, Douglas, and Jeff. They made their home in Olathe, KS, on the Naval Base. After his discharge, they made their home in Denver to be closer to family before moving to Boulder and, later, Missoula, MT. Bill worked as a customer engineer at IBM for many years before feeling the call to the ministry. He served as a preacher for many years, with a notable aspect of his ministry devoted to serving as a prison chaplain.Bill always wanted to help people if he was able. He loved the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He also had a great appreciation for watching the sunset and gazing at the stars. Bill leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith and family.He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Virginia Langley; brother, Arnold Lewis; and brother-in-law Dean Teter.Bill is survived by his wife, Gen of Imperial; daughter, Dalene (Bob) Rogers of Haigler; sons, Douglas Lewis of Littleton, CO and Jeff (Angela) Lewis of Imperial; grandchildren, Kaycee, Garrett, Ashton, Sean, Will, John, and Carleigh; siblings, Leonard (Jean) Lewis of Missoula, MT and Nancy Teter of Westminster, CO.A memorial has been established in Bill's memory for the Adventures in Missions (AIM) program at Sunset International Bible Institute in Lubbock, TX. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024, at 10:00 am at the Church of Christ in Imperial, with Dan Kafka officiating. Interment will be in the Palisade Cemetery.Visitation will be Thursday at 7:00 pm at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.

William Lewis (1939-2024)

Martin Robert Armstrong, legendary lineman, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, said “Enough” on December 31, 2023, when he refused to deviate from his long ago decided end-of-life wishes despite significant pressure from the attending physicians. With his own voice, the decision was his and his alone and he never wavered. His youngest son Wayne and daughter-in-law Jolanta Armstrong never left his side.

Martin was born on July 31, 1940, in Lewellen, Nebraska, the son of Bud and Elaine Armstrong.&nbsp; Bud, Elaine, Martin, Jaunita, Billy, and Marilyn moved about 30 miles down the road to Ogallala in the early '50s. As an 8th grader, Martin’s family moved to New Mexico and Martin graduated from Albuquerque High in 1959, becoming a lifelong proud and loyal Bulldog. Martin joined the IBEW as an apprentice lineman in 1959 and has been a Local 611 member ever since. He received his 60-year certificate and pin in 2019, missing out on 65 by less than a year.

On July 28, 1962, Martin married the love of his life, Maida Lindley Blackman, the pride of Hurley, NM.&nbsp; Martin and Maida, two small-town kids longing for a little more space, moved the family just outside of Albuquerque to Peralta, NM in 1973.&nbsp; Constantly traveling, Martin rose up the ranks as a journeyman lineman, foreman, and superintendent. Hoping to spend a little more time at home, he even lasted 4 years in an office at the Union Hall as an Assistant Business Agent.&nbsp; Tired of working for others, Martin founded his own high-voltage power line construction business, New Mexico Pole Line (NMPL) in 1977.&nbsp; In 1996, after his children were grown, he and Maida moved to Silver City, New Mexico, where he continued running his business and Maida could be closer to her family. He never retired; he simply ran out of qualified people to man the projects.&nbsp; In 2019, 42 years after its formation, NMPL built its last power line.

Martin will be remembered for his utter fearlessness in every situation he encountered with the exception of being without his wife, who passed tragically in 2017. Having lived through the untimely death of his oldest son Vance in 1985, outliving Maida was simply too much. He mostly abandoned the only hobbies he ever had, which included a love of Texas Hold’em poker and flying his single-engine Piper Cherokee 235. When possible, he took great joy in catching up with surviving friends from Nebraska and New Mexico. He particularly enjoyed hearing from any and all of the apprentice linemen he trained and mentored over the years, which made him feel as if he contributed to keeping the trade alive.

Martin is survived by a large and thriving family, including his daughter, Dana, son, Wayne, daughter-in-law Jolanta, grandchildren Leah and Natalie, sister, Marilyn, brother Bill, and numerous nieces, and nephews.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his son, Vance, father, Bud, mother, Elaine, sister, Jaunita, and wife, Maida. &nbsp;

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala, Nebraska, and East Lawn Palms Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona, will help implement Martin’s final arrangements.&nbsp; Per his specific instructions, there will be no formal services. Martin’s remains will be combined with Maida’s and will rest at Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen, Nebraska.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704408456780.png" alt="Martin Armstrong" />
 <figcaption>Martin Armstrong</figcaption>
 </figure>Martin Robert Armstrong, legendary lineman, beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, said “Enough” on December 31, 2023, when he refused to deviate from his long ago decided end-of-life wishes despite significant pressure from the attending physicians. With his own voice, the decision was his and his alone and he never wavered. His youngest son Wayne and daughter-in-law Jolanta Armstrong never left his side.Martin was born on July 31, 1940, in Lewellen, Nebraska, the son of Bud and Elaine Armstrong.&nbsp; Bud, Elaine, Martin, Jaunita, Billy, and Marilyn moved about 30 miles down the road to Ogallala in the early '50s. As an 8th grader, Martin’s family moved to New Mexico and Martin graduated from Albuquerque High in 1959, becoming a lifelong proud and loyal Bulldog. Martin joined the IBEW as an apprentice lineman in 1959 and has been a Local 611 member ever since. He received his 60-year certificate and pin in 2019, missing out on 65 by less than a year.On July 28, 1962, Martin married the love of his life, Maida Lindley Blackman, the pride of Hurley, NM.&nbsp; Martin and Maida, two small-town kids longing for a little more space, moved the family just outside of Albuquerque to Peralta, NM in 1973.&nbsp; Constantly traveling, Martin rose up the ranks as a journeyman lineman, foreman, and superintendent. Hoping to spend a little more time at home, he even lasted 4 years in an office at the Union Hall as an Assistant Business Agent.&nbsp; Tired of working for others, Martin founded his own high-voltage power line construction business, New Mexico Pole Line (NMPL) in 1977.&nbsp; In 1996, after his children were grown, he and Maida moved to Silver City, New Mexico, where he continued running his business and Maida could be closer to her family. He never retired; he simply ran out of qualified people to man the projects.&nbsp; In 2019, 42 years after its formation, NMPL built its last power line.Martin will be remembered for his utter fearlessness in every situation he encountered with the exception of being without his wife, who passed tragically in 2017. Having lived through the untimely death of his oldest son Vance in 1985, outliving Maida was simply too much. He mostly abandoned the only hobbies he ever had, which included a love of Texas Hold’em poker and flying his single-engine Piper Cherokee 235. When possible, he took great joy in catching up with surviving friends from Nebraska and New Mexico. He particularly enjoyed hearing from any and all of the apprentice linemen he trained and mentored over the years, which made him feel as if he contributed to keeping the trade alive.Martin is survived by a large and thriving family, including his daughter, Dana, son, Wayne, daughter-in-law Jolanta, grandchildren Leah and Natalie, sister, Marilyn, brother Bill, and numerous nieces, and nephews.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his son, Vance, father, Bud, mother, Elaine, sister, Jaunita, and wife, Maida. &nbsp;Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala, Nebraska, and East Lawn Palms Mortuary in Tucson, Arizona, will help implement Martin’s final arrangements.&nbsp; Per his specific instructions, there will be no formal services. Martin’s remains will be combined with Maida’s and will rest at Ash Hollow Cemetery in Lewellen, Nebraska.

Martin Armstrong (1940-2023)

Dale R. Kyser, 71, of Oshkosh passed away December 29, 2023, at Regional West Garden County Hospital in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/oshkosh">Oshkosh, Nebraska</a>.

Dale’s funeral service will be held on January 9, 2024, at the Tiger Den in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/lewellen">Lewellen, Nebraska</a>, at 10:00am MST, with public viewing at 9:00am. A private burial will be on January 11, 2024, at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, south of Crookston.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations of Oshkosh is serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the family to be used to a charity or scholarship of their choice at a later date.

Dale Ray Kyser was born on Juiy 29, 1952, to his parents Roy and Lucille Kyser of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/hay-springs">Hay Springs, Nebraska</a>. He was the sixth child in a family of one brother and four sisters. He spent his life in Hay Springs, Chadron, Torrington (Wyoming), Ainsworth, Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River (Wyoming). Dale was baptized December 1959 at the First United Methodist Church in Hay Springs and was raised in a Christian home. His childhood and teen years were spent in the Hay Springs school system. He participated in a variety of sports all year round. At a young age he learned how to hunt and fish, and how to play the accordion and piano.

Dale graduated from Hay Springs High School in May 1970 and went to college at Chadron State College, running on the CSC track team. He was a member of the CSC Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At CSC he earned his Bachelor of Science in K-12 Education and later a Masters in Guidance Counseling. His first teaching job was in Ainsworth, followed by positions in Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River.

On November 15, 1972, Dale lost his left leg above the knee in a PTO accident south of Hay Springs. After that he coached summer basketball camps in Chicago and Nashville, giving motivational talks and sharing his love of the sport with players at all levels. While teaching, Dale pursued a career in coaching basketball, cross country, and track. He was awarded the Wyoming Coaches Association 40 Years of Service Award in 2014-2015. He also shared his passion for hunting with many kids and adults as a Hunter Safety instructor.

Dale married his wife of 50 years, Carol Jane Riege, on June 24, 1973, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crookston. Two daughters were born to this union, Cheryl Kaye in 1980 and Carrie Lynn in 1984. His daughters grew up in Garden County, tagging along on adventures with their dad to Lake McConaughy, the goose pit, and anywhere else their 1978 Chevy Blazer would take them.

Dale had interests in hunting and fishing, farming and ranching, sports, and pets. He respected all facets of nature: the scenery, the wildlife, and the seasons. Hunting and fishing were his life-long passions, and he especially enjoyed when he could share those times in nature with others. Dale admired the farming and ranching ways of life, playing a part in haying, harvesting, riding and breaking horses, and fixing fence. Sports were a daily part of Dale’s life, whether it was sledding down the schoolhouse hill as a kid, water skiing with his artificial leg, teaching physical education, participating in high school sports, coaching students, target shooting, or watching televised events. He understood the dynamics of sports and the enrichment that athletics could bring to people at all levels. For pets, Dale always had a dog by his side and kitties around to entertain him and Carol. He passed the love of all his interests to his daughters and the many high school students he met as a guidance counselor and coach over the years.

Dale is survived by: his wife Carol of Oshkosh; daughters Cheryl Kyser Rolf (Jon Rolf) of Wood River and Carrie Kyser Weeks (Matt Weeks) of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/idaho/lewiston">Lewiston, Idaho</a>; granddaughter Chloe Weeks of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/idaho/lewiston">Lewiston, Idaho</a>; sisters Doris (Elwin) Lawrence of Hay Springs, Bea (Bill) Dinkel of North Platte, Dorothy Kenning of Wichita, Kansas, Evelyn (Jim) Hougland of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/illinois/rockford-area">Rockford, Illinois</a>; brother Keith (Ellen) Kyser of Hay Springs; mother-in-law Alice Riege of Cherry County; sister-in-law Kristi Colburn of Valentine; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; numerous teachers, administrators, and coaches; great hunting and fishing buddies; and countless friends.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704382252996.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Dale R. Kyser, 71, of Oshkosh passed away December 29, 2023, at Regional West Garden County Hospital in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/oshkosh">Oshkosh, Nebraska</a>.Dale’s funeral service will be held on January 9, 2024, at the Tiger Den in&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/lewellen">Lewellen, Nebraska</a>, at 10:00am MST, with public viewing at 9:00am. A private burial will be on January 11, 2024, at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, south of Crookston.Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations of Oshkosh is serving the family.In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the family to be used to a charity or scholarship of their choice at a later date.Dale Ray Kyser was born on Juiy 29, 1952, to his parents Roy and Lucille Kyser of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/nebraska/hay-springs">Hay Springs, Nebraska</a>. He was the sixth child in a family of one brother and four sisters. He spent his life in Hay Springs, Chadron, Torrington (Wyoming), Ainsworth, Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River (Wyoming). Dale was baptized December 1959 at the First United Methodist Church in Hay Springs and was raised in a Christian home. His childhood and teen years were spent in the Hay Springs school system. He participated in a variety of sports all year round. At a young age he learned how to hunt and fish, and how to play the accordion and piano.Dale graduated from Hay Springs High School in May 1970 and went to college at Chadron State College, running on the CSC track team. He was a member of the CSC Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At CSC he earned his Bachelor of Science in K-12 Education and later a Masters in Guidance Counseling. His first teaching job was in Ainsworth, followed by positions in Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River.On November 15, 1972, Dale lost his left leg above the knee in a PTO accident south of Hay Springs. After that he coached summer basketball camps in Chicago and Nashville, giving motivational talks and sharing his love of the sport with players at all levels. While teaching, Dale pursued a career in coaching basketball, cross country, and track. He was awarded the Wyoming Coaches Association 40 Years of Service Award in 2014-2015. He also shared his passion for hunting with many kids and adults as a Hunter Safety instructor.Dale married his wife of 50 years, Carol Jane Riege, on June 24, 1973, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crookston. Two daughters were born to this union, Cheryl Kaye in 1980 and Carrie Lynn in 1984. His daughters grew up in Garden County, tagging along on adventures with their dad to Lake McConaughy, the goose pit, and anywhere else their 1978 Chevy Blazer would take them.Dale had interests in hunting and fishing, farming and ranching, sports, and pets. He respected all facets of nature: the scenery, the wildlife, and the seasons. Hunting and fishing were his life-long passions, and he especially enjoyed when he could share those times in nature with others. Dale admired the farming and ranching ways of life, playing a part in haying, harvesting, riding and breaking horses, and fixing fence. Sports were a daily part of Dale’s life, whether it was sledding down the schoolhouse hill as a kid, water skiing with his artificial leg, teaching physical education, participating in high school sports, coaching students, target shooting, or watching televised events. He understood the dynamics of sports and the enrichment that athletics could bring to people at all levels. For pets, Dale always had a dog by his side and kitties around to entertain him and Carol. He passed the love of all his interests to his daughters and the many high school students he met as a guidance counselor and coach over the years.Dale is survived by: his wife Carol of Oshkosh; daughters Cheryl Kyser Rolf (Jon Rolf) of Wood River and Carrie Kyser Weeks (Matt Weeks) of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/idaho/lewiston">Lewiston, Idaho</a>; granddaughter Chloe Weeks of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/idaho/lewiston">Lewiston, Idaho</a>; sisters Doris (Elwin) Lawrence of Hay Springs, Bea (Bill) Dinkel of North Platte, Dorothy Kenning of Wichita, Kansas, Evelyn (Jim) Hougland of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/local/illinois/rockford-area">Rockford, Illinois</a>; brother Keith (Ellen) Kyser of Hay Springs; mother-in-law Alice Riege of Cherry County; sister-in-law Kristi Colburn of Valentine; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; numerous teachers, administrators, and coaches; great hunting and fishing buddies; and countless friends.

Dale R. Kyser (1952 - 2023)

Emil Weyerts, 95, of Gurley, passed away Monday evening, January 1, 2024 at his home.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at the Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church near Lodgepole with Pastor Leon "Bud" Gillespie officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Weyerts Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the church.

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Homes in Oshkosh and Chappell is serving the Weyerts family.

Memorials can be made to the Weyerts Lutheran Church or to the Gurley Fire Department.

Emil Harm Weyerts was born February 26, 1928, on the family farm in rural Cheyenne County to Henry and Louise (Folster) Weyerts.&nbsp; He was baptized and confirmed at Weyerts Church. He started repairing watches and clocks while attending District 80 school in the 1930’s.&nbsp; He continued helping his father with the farm, blacksmith shop and his carpenter work and began to do autobody and painting work there.&nbsp; He was drafted into the army in 1951 and served his time.

Emil married E’Laine Reichman on May 10, 1953, in Chappell and they moved to Gurley.&nbsp; They bought 4 lots, moved a house in, built and started the autobody shop in Gurley.

Emil enjoyed antique cars, starting the Trailblazer antique car club in 1962, Maytag washing machines, serving on the National Maytag Collectors Club Board of Directors, manufacturing parts for the antiques and small engines Emil and Eli collected, and going dancing every Saturday night and some Sunday afternoons.

He served 45 years on the Gurley Fire Department and Rescue Unit, with 20 years as Assistant Chief, 27 years on the village council serving as mayor for 14 years, and several years on the Votech College auto body school advisory board.&nbsp; He was a member of the Weyerts American Legion and the Elks.

He is survived by his wife, E’Laine of Gurley; his children, Eli Weyerts and Edith (Delane) Hutcheson; grandchildren, Jeremy (Maren) Harms and their children, William, Brittany, Greta, and Nora, Brandon (Nikki) Harms and their children, Dennis, Levi and Regan, Caleb (Jordan) Weyerts, Brianna (Zac) Jones and their son, Felix, and Levi Weyerts; and many other extended family members and friends.

Emil was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Katherine and Marie; and brother, Walter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704381019753.jpeg" alt="Emil Weyerts" />
 <figcaption>Emil Weyerts</figcaption>
 </figure>Emil Weyerts, 95, of Gurley, passed away Monday evening, January 1, 2024 at his home.Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at the Weyerts Immanuel Lutheran Church near Lodgepole with Pastor Leon "Bud" Gillespie officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Weyerts Cemetery.Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the church.Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Homes in Oshkosh and Chappell is serving the Weyerts family.Memorials can be made to the Weyerts Lutheran Church or to the Gurley Fire Department.Emil Harm Weyerts was born February 26, 1928, on the family farm in rural Cheyenne County to Henry and Louise (Folster) Weyerts.&nbsp; He was baptized and confirmed at Weyerts Church. He started repairing watches and clocks while attending District 80 school in the 1930’s.&nbsp; He continued helping his father with the farm, blacksmith shop and his carpenter work and began to do autobody and painting work there.&nbsp; He was drafted into the army in 1951 and served his time.Emil married E’Laine Reichman on May 10, 1953, in Chappell and they moved to Gurley.&nbsp; They bought 4 lots, moved a house in, built and started the autobody shop in Gurley.Emil enjoyed antique cars, starting the Trailblazer antique car club in 1962, Maytag washing machines, serving on the National Maytag Collectors Club Board of Directors, manufacturing parts for the antiques and small engines Emil and Eli collected, and going dancing every Saturday night and some Sunday afternoons.He served 45 years on the Gurley Fire Department and Rescue Unit, with 20 years as Assistant Chief, 27 years on the village council serving as mayor for 14 years, and several years on the Votech College auto body school advisory board.&nbsp; He was a member of the Weyerts American Legion and the Elks.He is survived by his wife, E’Laine of Gurley; his children, Eli Weyerts and Edith (Delane) Hutcheson; grandchildren, Jeremy (Maren) Harms and their children, William, Brittany, Greta, and Nora, Brandon (Nikki) Harms and their children, Dennis, Levi and Regan, Caleb (Jordan) Weyerts, Brianna (Zac) Jones and their son, Felix, and Levi Weyerts; and many other extended family members and friends.Emil was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Katherine and Marie; and brother, Walter.

Emil Weyerts (1928-2024)

&nbsp; Leonard W. Smith was born April 9, 1945, in Denver, Colorado, to Leonard W. and Mary Lee (Park) Smith, Sr. He passed away in Imperial, Nebraska, December 26, 2023.

He attended Catholic schools in Denver and graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in 1963.

In May of 1964 Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was trained and served as a photo lab specialist as a part of the Second Battalion of Military Intelligence. He served in Great Britain and Germany.

Following his military service, he and his wife Christine who he met and married in Scotland moved to his hometown of Denver. To this union a son David P.S. Smith was born. Following a divorce Leonard continued to live in Denver and hold various jobs. While driving for Yellow Cab he met driver Julie Chandler. They married in 1975. They had one son Nathan prior to moving to Imperial, Nebraska. Two more children were born, Matthew and Sarah. The children were raised in Imperial and Leonard and Julie continued living there until his death.

Leonard had various interests and various occupations throughout his life. He sold photography equipment, drove a cab and moved to Imperial to work for the natural gas company. In 1989 the couple bought The Colonial Kitchen, a donut shop and restaurant, which was much appreciated for its excellent donuts and baked goods. Following the sale of the “donut barn” Leonard worked several jobs until he became an over-the-road trucker until he retired in 2010. Leonard was an avid and lifelong learner. He intensely studied a variety of subjects including photography, aquarium fish, gardening, bread baking, bird watching, British and American history, and genealogy. His latest field of study was forests and mycology. He bought books on all these subjects and other interests. He enjoyed social media, and his Facebook friends in Turkey, Russia, and other nations and around the U.S.

He was preceded in death by his parents and recently his sister Therese. Leonard is survived by his wife Julie, brothers Michael and Frank of Washington State, sons David (Elizabeth) of Old Fort, Tennessee, Nathan (Nancy) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Matthew (Vicki) of Grant, Nebraska, and his daughter Sarah (Lance) Chandler-Butler of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grandchildren Marc, Alex, Mike, Mark, Will, Ethan, Elijah and Eliana.

A Celebration of Life to honor Leonard will be held at a later date in the spring.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be made to the National Audubon Society or a conservation organization of your choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704217470961.jpeg" alt="Leonard W. Smith" />
 <figcaption>Leonard W. Smith</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp; Leonard W. Smith was born April 9, 1945, in Denver, Colorado, to Leonard W. and Mary Lee (Park) Smith, Sr. He passed away in Imperial, Nebraska, December 26, 2023.He attended Catholic schools in Denver and graduated from Regis Jesuit High School in 1963.In May of 1964 Leonard enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was trained and served as a photo lab specialist as a part of the Second Battalion of Military Intelligence. He served in Great Britain and Germany.Following his military service, he and his wife Christine who he met and married in Scotland moved to his hometown of Denver. To this union a son David P.S. Smith was born. Following a divorce Leonard continued to live in Denver and hold various jobs. While driving for Yellow Cab he met driver Julie Chandler. They married in 1975. They had one son Nathan prior to moving to Imperial, Nebraska. Two more children were born, Matthew and Sarah. The children were raised in Imperial and Leonard and Julie continued living there until his death.Leonard had various interests and various occupations throughout his life. He sold photography equipment, drove a cab and moved to Imperial to work for the natural gas company. In 1989 the couple bought The Colonial Kitchen, a donut shop and restaurant, which was much appreciated for its excellent donuts and baked goods. Following the sale of the “donut barn” Leonard worked several jobs until he became an over-the-road trucker until he retired in 2010. Leonard was an avid and lifelong learner. He intensely studied a variety of subjects including photography, aquarium fish, gardening, bread baking, bird watching, British and American history, and genealogy. His latest field of study was forests and mycology. He bought books on all these subjects and other interests. He enjoyed social media, and his Facebook friends in Turkey, Russia, and other nations and around the U.S.He was preceded in death by his parents and recently his sister Therese. Leonard is survived by his wife Julie, brothers Michael and Frank of Washington State, sons David (Elizabeth) of Old Fort, Tennessee, Nathan (Nancy) of Ankeny, Iowa, and Matthew (Vicki) of Grant, Nebraska, and his daughter Sarah (Lance) Chandler-Butler of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and grandchildren Marc, Alex, Mike, Mark, Will, Ethan, Elijah and Eliana.A Celebration of Life to honor Leonard will be held at a later date in the spring.&nbsp; Memorial contributions may be made to the National Audubon Society or a conservation organization of your choice.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Leonard W. Smith (1945-2023)

Dale R. Kyser, 71, of Oshkosh passed away December 29, 2023, at Regional West Garden County Hospital in Oshkosh, Nebraska.

Dale’s funeral service will be held on January 9, 2024, at the Tiger Den in Lewellen, Nebraska, at 10:00am MST, with public viewing at 9:00am. A private burial will be on January 11, 2024, at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, south of Crookston.

Dale Ray Kyser was born on July 29, 1952, to his parents Roy and Lucille Kyser of Hay Springs, Nebraska. He was the sixth child in a family of one brother and four sisters. He spent his life in Hay Springs, Chadron, Torrington (Wyoming), Ainsworth, Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River (Wyoming). Dale was baptized in December 1959 at the First United Methodist Church in Hay Springs and was raised in a Christian home. His childhood and teen years were spent in the Hay Springs school system. He participated in a variety of sports all year round. At a young age he learned how to hunt and fish, and how to play the accordion and piano.

Dale is survived by: his wife Carol of Oshkosh; daughters Cheryl Kyser Rolf (Jon Rolf) of Wood River and Carrie Kyser Weeks (Matt Weeks) of Lewiston, Idaho; granddaughter Chloe Weeks of Lewiston, Idaho; sisters Doris (Elwin) Lawrence of Hay Springs, Bea (Bill) Dinkel of North Platte, Dorothy Kenning of Wichita, Kansas, Evelyn (Jim) Hougland of Rockford, Illinois; brother Keith (Ellen) Kyser of Hay Springs; mother-in-law Alice Riege of Cherry County; sister-in-law Kristi Colburn of Valentine; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; numerous teachers, administrators, and coaches; great hunting and fishing buddies; and countless friends.

Family preceding Dale in death are: his parents; father-in-law Leonard Riege of Crookston; and brothers-in-law Keith Colburn of Valentine and Robert Kenning of Crawford.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704217017704.jpeg" alt="Dale Kyser" />
 <figcaption>Dale Kyser</figcaption>
 </figure>Dale R. Kyser, 71, of Oshkosh passed away December 29, 2023, at Regional West Garden County Hospital in Oshkosh, Nebraska.Dale’s funeral service will be held on January 9, 2024, at the Tiger Den in Lewellen, Nebraska, at 10:00am MST, with public viewing at 9:00am. A private burial will be on January 11, 2024, at the Zion Lutheran Cemetery, south of Crookston.Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations of Oshkosh is serving the family.In lieu of flowers, please consider a monetary donation to the family to be used to a charity or scholarship of their choice at a later date.Dale Ray Kyser was born on July 29, 1952, to his parents Roy and Lucille Kyser of Hay Springs, Nebraska. He was the sixth child in a family of one brother and four sisters. He spent his life in Hay Springs, Chadron, Torrington (Wyoming), Ainsworth, Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River (Wyoming). Dale was baptized in December 1959 at the First United Methodist Church in Hay Springs and was raised in a Christian home. His childhood and teen years were spent in the Hay Springs school system. He participated in a variety of sports all year round. At a young age he learned how to hunt and fish, and how to play the accordion and piano.Dale graduated from Hay Springs High School in May 1970 and went to college at Chadron State College, running on the CSC track team. He was a member of the CSC Fellowship of Christian Athletes. At CSC he earned his Bachelor of Science in K-12 Education and later a Masters in Guidance Counseling. His first teaching job was in Ainsworth, followed by positions in Brule, Oshkosh, Valentine, and Green River.On November 15, 1972, Dale lost his left leg above the knee in a PTO accident south of Hay Springs. After that he coached summer basketball camps in Chicago and Nashville, giving motivational talks and sharing his love of the sport with players at all levels. While teaching, Dale pursued a career in coaching basketball, cross country, and track. He was awarded the Wyoming Coaches Association 40 Years of Service Award in 2014-2015. He also shared his passion for hunting with many kids and adults as a Hunter Safety instructor.Dale married his wife of 50 years, Carol Jane Riege, on June 24, 1973, at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church in Crookston. Two daughters were born to this union, Cheryl Kaye in 1980 and Carrie Lynn in 1984. His daughters grew up in Garden County, tagging along on adventures with their dad to Lake McConaughy, the goose pit, and anywhere else their 1978 Chevy Blazer would take them.Dale had interests in hunting and fishing, farming and ranching, sports, and pets. He respected all facets of nature: the scenery, the wildlife, and the seasons. Hunting and fishing were his life-long passions, and he especially enjoyed when he could share those times in nature with others. Dale admired the farming and ranching ways of life, playing a part in haying, harvesting, riding and breaking horses, and fixing fence. Sports were a daily part of Dale’s life, whether it was sledding down the schoolhouse hill as a kid, water skiing with his artificial leg, teaching physical education, participating in high school sports, coaching students, target shooting, or watching televised events. He understood the dynamics of sports and the enrichment that athletics could bring to people at all levels. For pets, Dale always had a dog by his side and kitties around to entertain him and Carol. He passed the love of all his interests to his daughters and the many high school students he met as a guidance counselor and coach over the years.Dale is survived by: his wife Carol of Oshkosh; daughters Cheryl Kyser Rolf (Jon Rolf) of Wood River and Carrie Kyser Weeks (Matt Weeks) of Lewiston, Idaho; granddaughter Chloe Weeks of Lewiston, Idaho; sisters Doris (Elwin) Lawrence of Hay Springs, Bea (Bill) Dinkel of North Platte, Dorothy Kenning of Wichita, Kansas, Evelyn (Jim) Hougland of Rockford, Illinois; brother Keith (Ellen) Kyser of Hay Springs; mother-in-law Alice Riege of Cherry County; sister-in-law Kristi Colburn of Valentine; many nieces, nephews, and extended family; numerous teachers, administrators, and coaches; great hunting and fishing buddies; and countless friends.Family preceding Dale in death are: his parents; father-in-law Leonard Riege of Crookston; and brothers-in-law Keith Colburn of Valentine and Robert Kenning of Crawford.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Dale Kyser (1952-2023)

Kathleen Cabela, 75, of Chappell passed away Friday afternoon, December 29, 2023 in Julesburg.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Berea Lutheran Church near Chappell with Pastor Scotty Ray officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Chappell Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the club house of the Chappell Golf Course after the burial.

Visitation will be held 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Thursday at the Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home in Chappell.&nbsp;

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Chappell is serving the Cabela family.

Memorials in Kathie’s name can be made to the Berea Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.

She was born in Lewellen, Nebraska, to Eldon and Genene (Olson) Carlson on July 15, 1948, and grew up on a farm between Oshkosh and Chappell with her brothers, Max and Doug.&nbsp; She attended a one-room schoolhouse until eighth grade, and graduated from Chappell High School in 1966.&nbsp; After high school, Kathie attended Saint Luke’s Presbyterian in Denver, Colorado where she trained in radiology.

She returned to Nebraska and married her first husband Roger Stutzman on June 6, 1968, and they raised two boys, Jason and Tyler. Kathie was later married to Jerry Cabela on October 4, 1997 in Chappell. After their marriage, Kathie could be found working in the furniture store, decorating their farmhouse, and spending time with Jerry enjoying the local restaurants. She faithfully attended Berea Lutheran Church for nearly all of her life and was proud to have played the organ there for 50 years.

Kathie loved Elvis Presley, racing cars, cheerleading, houseplants, decorating and cleaning, dressing up, caring for the elderly, and working hard especially with the family wheat harvest.&nbsp; Somehow, her sun tea tasted better than all others.&nbsp; She was proud of her Swedish heritage, of her kids, grandkids, and stepfamily, and was fiercely protective and encouraging of her family. She loved spending time with her brothers, partying with her many friends and was especially close with her cousins, Lana and Jane McFee.&nbsp;

Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father Keith Wright, and her granddaughter Ava Stutzman.

She is survived by her two brothers, Max (Ann) of Longmont, CO and Doug (Tonia) of Chappell; her children, Jason (Krista) Stutzman of Fort Collins, CO; Tyler (Candy) Stutzman of Wichita, KS; and grandchildren Nate, Olivia, Josh, Rachel, Maya, Zane, and Maddox, and her step-children Mike (Jessica) Cabela of Chappell, NE; Pat (Stacy) Cabela of Kearney, NE; and step-grandchildren Ben, Catelyn (CJ), Jackson, Jayden, Tysen; and step-great grandson Jerry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704232854740.jpeg" alt="Kathie Cabela" />
 <figcaption>Kathie Cabela</figcaption>
 </figure>Kathleen Cabela, 75, of Chappell passed away Friday afternoon, December 29, 2023 in Julesburg.Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 5, 2024 at Berea Lutheran Church near Chappell with Pastor Scotty Ray officiating.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Chappell Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at the club house of the Chappell Golf Course after the burial.Visitation will be held 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm Thursday at the Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home in Chappell.&nbsp;Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Chappell is serving the Cabela family.Memorials in Kathie’s name can be made to the Berea Lutheran Church or the donor’s choice.She was born in Lewellen, Nebraska, to Eldon and Genene (Olson) Carlson on July 15, 1948, and grew up on a farm between Oshkosh and Chappell with her brothers, Max and Doug.&nbsp; She attended a one-room schoolhouse until eighth grade, and graduated from Chappell High School in 1966.&nbsp; After high school, Kathie attended Saint Luke’s Presbyterian in Denver, Colorado where she trained in radiology.She returned to Nebraska and married her first husband Roger Stutzman on June 6, 1968, and they raised two boys, Jason and Tyler. Kathie was later married to Jerry Cabela on October 4, 1997 in Chappell. After their marriage, Kathie could be found working in the furniture store, decorating their farmhouse, and spending time with Jerry enjoying the local restaurants. She faithfully attended Berea Lutheran Church for nearly all of her life and was proud to have played the organ there for 50 years.Kathie loved Elvis Presley, racing cars, cheerleading, houseplants, decorating and cleaning, dressing up, caring for the elderly, and working hard especially with the family wheat harvest.&nbsp; Somehow, her sun tea tasted better than all others.&nbsp; She was proud of her Swedish heritage, of her kids, grandkids, and stepfamily, and was fiercely protective and encouraging of her family. She loved spending time with her brothers, partying with her many friends and was especially close with her cousins, Lana and Jane McFee.&nbsp;Kathie was preceded in death by her parents, her step-father Keith Wright, and her granddaughter Ava Stutzman.She is survived by her two brothers, Max (Ann) of Longmont, CO and Doug (Tonia) of Chappell; her children, Jason (Krista) Stutzman of Fort Collins, CO; Tyler (Candy) Stutzman of Wichita, KS; and grandchildren Nate, Olivia, Josh, Rachel, Maya, Zane, and Maddox, and her step-children Mike (Jessica) Cabela of Chappell, NE; Pat (Stacy) Cabela of Kearney, NE; and step-grandchildren Ben, Catelyn (CJ), Jackson, Jayden, Tysen; and step-great grandson Jerry.

Kathleen Cabela (1948-2023)

Janice Spear, 92, of Ogallala, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 29, 2023, surrounded by her children and loved ones.

Jan was born on December 28, 1931, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Lewis and Rosalind (Hahn) McLane. She grew up in Falmouth, Massachusetts. After graduating high school, she attended Colby Junior College in New London, New Hampshire. After graduating, she worked as a secretary at MIT before deciding to head out on a new adventure that took her to Denver, Colorado.

In Denver, she met a handsome former sailor named Gene Spear. The two were married during a blizzard on February 19, 1955, in Ogallala, Nebraska. They would remain in Gene's hometown of Ogallala where they raised their family. They were the loving parents of six children: Tony, Steven, Mary, Christine, Diane, and Philip.

Jan converted to Catholicism when she moved to Denver and remained a devoted and faithful Catholic for the rest of her life. Her faith was central in her life, and she always turned to God first in times of worry or grief.

Growing up in Cape Cod, she went to the beach often and continued to enjoy going to the beach, camping, and boat rides at Lake McConaughy. But her favorite thing to do was to play cards. Pitch and Skat were her favorites and she seemed to always have a lucky hand. She was known in later years to profess that she wasn't sure if she remembered how to play but then would end up winning all the money.

Jan loved to watch football, with the Nebraska Cornhuskers as her favorite. She was a true fan no matter what the record, no matter what the score. And she didn't just watch the game; she always followed up the following week by watching Big Red Wrap-Up to see if she agreed with their analysis of the game.

Jan loved to travel, and it didn't matter the distance, whether it was to McCook or Massachusetts. She just wanted to be part of the action and didn't want to miss a thing. On the day of her granddaughter's wedding, she had fallen and was taken to get stitches. She missed the wedding ceremony but was able to make it to the reception and did not let a few stitches keep her from getting out on that dance floor.

Jan never met a stranger. She was always interested in meeting new people and truly cared about what they had to say. She would greet people and animals alike with her beautiful smile. Since her childhood, she always had family pets and had many favorites, including her cat Licorice, who was able to be with her when she went to the assisted living facility in her final two years.

Jan had such a large, loving heart with room for everyone. She gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. She had so much kindness and compassion for the less fortunate.

She spent the last two years of her life in the assisted living facility in Ogallala, Nebraska. She was strong in making that decision for herself, and once there, she thrived. During her time there, she met many new friends and had wonderful caregivers. So, this wonderful, sweet, kind, generous, beautiful woman - a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, Grammy, Great Grammy, and Aunt will be so sorely missed on this earth. We will keep you forever in our hearts.

Jan is survived by her five children, Tony (Doris) Spear of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Mary (Kevin) Kuxhausen of Mitchell, Nebraska; Christine Meyer and special friend Roger Banderet of Ogallala, Nebraska, Diane Stevenson of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Philip (Melissa) Spear of Lincoln, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Lindsay Kuxhausen, Amara (Cobus) Block, Callie (Scott) Braley, and Capri Meyer; one great-granddaughter, Caroline Block; sisters-in-law, Nancy McLane, Sue Wacker of McCook, Nebraska and Corrine (Carl) Splitt of Tucson, Arizona; brother-in-law, Mike (Denise) Spear of Pompano Beach, Florida; and nieces and nephews.

Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her infant son, Steven; her parents, Lewis and Rosalind McLane; and her brother, Robert McLane.

A memorial has been established in Jan's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.

Funeral Mass will be on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10 am at the St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.

Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 pm until 5 pm at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Rosary and Wake Service will begin at 5 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.

Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704216056563.jpeg" alt="Janice Spear" />
 <figcaption>Janice Spear</figcaption>
 </figure>Janice Spear, 92, of Ogallala, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, December 29, 2023, surrounded by her children and loved ones.Jan was born on December 28, 1931, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, to Lewis and Rosalind (Hahn) McLane. She grew up in Falmouth, Massachusetts. After graduating high school, she attended Colby Junior College in New London, New Hampshire. After graduating, she worked as a secretary at MIT before deciding to head out on a new adventure that took her to Denver, Colorado.In Denver, she met a handsome former sailor named Gene Spear. The two were married during a blizzard on February 19, 1955, in Ogallala, Nebraska. They would remain in Gene's hometown of Ogallala where they raised their family. They were the loving parents of six children: Tony, Steven, Mary, Christine, Diane, and Philip.Jan converted to Catholicism when she moved to Denver and remained a devoted and faithful Catholic for the rest of her life. Her faith was central in her life, and she always turned to God first in times of worry or grief.Growing up in Cape Cod, she went to the beach often and continued to enjoy going to the beach, camping, and boat rides at Lake McConaughy. But her favorite thing to do was to play cards. Pitch and Skat were her favorites and she seemed to always have a lucky hand. She was known in later years to profess that she wasn't sure if she remembered how to play but then would end up winning all the money.Jan loved to watch football, with the Nebraska Cornhuskers as her favorite. She was a true fan no matter what the record, no matter what the score. And she didn't just watch the game; she always followed up the following week by watching Big Red Wrap-Up to see if she agreed with their analysis of the game.Jan loved to travel, and it didn't matter the distance, whether it was to McCook or Massachusetts. She just wanted to be part of the action and didn't want to miss a thing. On the day of her granddaughter's wedding, she had fallen and was taken to get stitches. She missed the wedding ceremony but was able to make it to the reception and did not let a few stitches keep her from getting out on that dance floor.Jan never met a stranger. She was always interested in meeting new people and truly cared about what they had to say. She would greet people and animals alike with her beautiful smile. Since her childhood, she always had family pets and had many favorites, including her cat Licorice, who was able to be with her when she went to the assisted living facility in her final two years.Jan had such a large, loving heart with room for everyone. She gave everyone the benefit of the doubt. She had so much kindness and compassion for the less fortunate.She spent the last two years of her life in the assisted living facility in Ogallala, Nebraska. She was strong in making that decision for herself, and once there, she thrived. During her time there, she met many new friends and had wonderful caregivers. So, this wonderful, sweet, kind, generous, beautiful woman - a Daughter, Sister, Wife, Mom, Grammy, Great Grammy, and Aunt will be so sorely missed on this earth. We will keep you forever in our hearts.Jan is survived by her five children, Tony (Doris) Spear of Cheyenne, Wyoming; Mary (Kevin) Kuxhausen of Mitchell, Nebraska; Christine Meyer and special friend Roger Banderet of Ogallala, Nebraska, Diane Stevenson of Ogallala, Nebraska, and Philip (Melissa) Spear of Lincoln, Nebraska; four grandchildren, Lindsay Kuxhausen, Amara (Cobus) Block, Callie (Scott) Braley, and Capri Meyer; one great-granddaughter, Caroline Block; sisters-in-law, Nancy McLane, Sue Wacker of McCook, Nebraska and Corrine (Carl) Splitt of Tucson, Arizona; brother-in-law, Mike (Denise) Spear of Pompano Beach, Florida; and nieces and nephews.Jan was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her infant son, Steven; her parents, Lewis and Rosalind McLane; and her brother, Robert McLane.A memorial has been established in Jan's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com, where the Mass will be streamed live.Funeral Mass will be on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10 am at the St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ogallala with Fr Bryan Ernest as Celebrant. Interment will be in the Ogallala Cemetery.Visitation will be on Thursday from 2 pm until 5 pm at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home in Ogallala. Rosary and Wake Service will begin at 5 pm on Thursday at the funeral home.Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

Janice Spear (1931-2023)

COUNTIS MAE "CONNIE" REYNOLDS, 77 of Venango, NE, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at UC Health Hospital in Highlands Ranch, CO.

Connie was born in Denver, CO, to George J. and Florence H (Colvin) Streno. She graduated from East High School in Denver with the class of 1964.

On February 21, 1966, Connie married Gene "Wayne" Reynolds in New Mexico. Wayne was serving in the military at the time, which took the family to the Philippines on more than one occasion, Baltimore, San Diego and Denver, which was always home base. The couple made their home in Aurora following Wayne's discharge, later moving to Holyoke in 1986.

Connie worked at the Prairie Vista Care Center, in Holyoke, CO, for 12 years, during that time she and Wayne moved from Holyoke to Venango, NE, in the Fall of 1991. During these later years Connie and Wayne enjoyed going to Colorado Rockies and Avalanche games, along with driving to Cheyenne on Sunday morning for breakfast.

Connie was all about her family. She was deeply devoted to Wayne and adored her grandchildren. She loved to crotchet, and most everyone had a special blanket at some point that Connie made for them. She was also a devoted lover of animals, particularly her cats. Connie always looked forward to a good Dairy Queen strawberry shake with family. She was a steadying presence and the matriarch of her family. Her memory will always be treasured by family and friends, along with the many things she left behind, like her afghans and famous spaghetti sauce recipe.

Survivors include her daughters, Gina (Mick) Strand, of Wauneta; Roxane Reynolds (Rodney Lousberg), of Venango; grandchildren, James &amp; Paige Strand, and their children Mae and Micah; Tessa (Travis) Rhodes and their children Macie, Kendall, and Sawyer; Ryan (Jessica) Dizmang and their children, Mia &amp; Noah; Rebecca (Sam) Munderloh and their children, Brock &amp; Mattie; Zachary (Bree Ann) Dizmang and their children, Aria &amp; Oaklee; Nicole Strand (Evan Houdersheldt); a sister, Janet (Bobby) Cruz of Salem MO; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, in-laws Walter and Juanita Reynolds, sister Helen, brother Henry, sister Jeanette, sister in law Simone, brother in law Rob.

A memorial has been established in Connie's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.

Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venango with Pastor Kurt Hatteburg officiating. Inurnment will be in the Venango Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704215494658.jpeg" alt="Connie Reynolds" />
 <figcaption>Connie Reynolds</figcaption>
 </figure>COUNTIS MAE "CONNIE" REYNOLDS, 77 of Venango, NE, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at UC Health Hospital in Highlands Ranch, CO.Connie was born in Denver, CO, to George J. and Florence H (Colvin) Streno. She graduated from East High School in Denver with the class of 1964.On February 21, 1966, Connie married Gene "Wayne" Reynolds in New Mexico. Wayne was serving in the military at the time, which took the family to the Philippines on more than one occasion, Baltimore, San Diego and Denver, which was always home base. The couple made their home in Aurora following Wayne's discharge, later moving to Holyoke in 1986.Connie worked at the Prairie Vista Care Center, in Holyoke, CO, for 12 years, during that time she and Wayne moved from Holyoke to Venango, NE, in the Fall of 1991. During these later years Connie and Wayne enjoyed going to Colorado Rockies and Avalanche games, along with driving to Cheyenne on Sunday morning for breakfast.Connie was all about her family. She was deeply devoted to Wayne and adored her grandchildren. She loved to crotchet, and most everyone had a special blanket at some point that Connie made for them. She was also a devoted lover of animals, particularly her cats. Connie always looked forward to a good Dairy Queen strawberry shake with family. She was a steadying presence and the matriarch of her family. Her memory will always be treasured by family and friends, along with the many things she left behind, like her afghans and famous spaghetti sauce recipe.Survivors include her daughters, Gina (Mick) Strand, of Wauneta; Roxane Reynolds (Rodney Lousberg), of Venango; grandchildren, James &amp; Paige Strand, and their children Mae and Micah; Tessa (Travis) Rhodes and their children Macie, Kendall, and Sawyer; Ryan (Jessica) Dizmang and their children, Mia &amp; Noah; Rebecca (Sam) Munderloh and their children, Brock &amp; Mattie; Zachary (Bree Ann) Dizmang and their children, Aria &amp; Oaklee; Nicole Strand (Evan Houdersheldt); a sister, Janet (Bobby) Cruz of Salem MO; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.Preceding her in death were her husband, her parents, in-laws Walter and Juanita Reynolds, sister Helen, brother Henry, sister Jeanette, sister in law Simone, brother in law Rob.A memorial has been established in Connie's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com.Memorial services will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 2:00 PM at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Venango with Pastor Kurt Hatteburg officiating. Inurnment will be in the Venango Cemetery.Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.

Connie Reynolds (1946-2023)

Jennifer Rebecca (Becky) Grady Frye of Kearney, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital, in Kearney, Nebraska

Becky was born November 26, 1972, in North Platte, Nebraska to Debbie and Jack Grady.

Becky is survived by her husband of 18 years, Jimmy Frye, Kearney, NE; her father, Jack L. (Cindy) Grady, Kearney, NE.; sister, Jessi (Jay) Lukassen, Lincoln, NE.; mother-in-law Joan Allen, of OshKosh, NE., sister- in- law’s, Diane (Pat) Thelander, Oshkosh, NE., and Sue Leach, Interior, South Dakota; brother-in-law, Barry (Karen) Frye, Ogallala, NE.; stepbrothers, Chad Hartsfield, Florida and Christopher (Jen) Hartsfield, North Carolina.

Becky is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.

Becky was preceded in death by her mother, Debbie Merritt Grady, and grandparents on both sides of the family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in the Harvest Room from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

A Memorial Fund will be established in Becky’s Name and can be dropped off at or mailed to Draucker Funeral Home at Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street, P.O. Box 296, Ogallala, NE 69153. Please make all memorials out to the Frye family.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Online&nbsp;condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.

Jennifer Rebecca (Becky) Grady Frye of Kearney, Nebraska departed this life on Monday, January 1, 2024, at Good Samaritan Hospital, in Kearney, NebraskaBecky was born November 26, 1972, in North Platte, Nebraska to Debbie and Jack Grady.Becky is survived by her husband of 18 years, Jimmy Frye, Kearney, NE; her father, Jack L. (Cindy) Grady, Kearney, NE.; sister, Jessi (Jay) Lukassen, Lincoln, NE.; mother-in-law Joan Allen, of OshKosh, NE., sister- in- law’s, Diane (Pat) Thelander, Oshkosh, NE., and Sue Leach, Interior, South Dakota; brother-in-law, Barry (Karen) Frye, Ogallala, NE.; stepbrothers, Chad Hartsfield, Florida and Christopher (Jen) Hartsfield, North Carolina.Becky is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, family, and friends.Becky was preceded in death by her mother, Debbie Merritt Grady, and grandparents on both sides of the family.A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 6, 2024, at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds in the Harvest Room from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.A Memorial Fund will be established in Becky’s Name and can be dropped off at or mailed to Draucker Funeral Home at Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street, P.O. Box 296, Ogallala, NE 69153. Please make all memorials out to the Frye family.Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.Online&nbsp;condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.

Jennifer "Becky" Frye (1972-2024)

Robert James Pierce entered his eternal home in heaven on Sunday, December 31, 2023.&nbsp;

He was born on December 13, 1939, in Chicago, IL, and was baptized on March 3, 1940, at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago.&nbsp; He confirmed his Christian faith on March 29, 1953, at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Robert married Bonita (Beck) on May 22, 1976, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Snyder, Nebraska.&nbsp; They were blessed with three daughters.

Pastor Pierce impacted many lives in his 53 years of preaching and loved sharing the good news of Jesus with those around him.&nbsp; He attended Concordia College, in Milwaukee, WI, and Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, IN.&nbsp; He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO in May 1966.&nbsp; His vicarage year was spent at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN.&nbsp; On June 26, 1966, he was ordained in his home congregation, Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago. &nbsp;Pastor Pierce served Immanuel Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Churches in Schuyler, NE from July 1966 to January 1984.&nbsp; He served as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waco, NE from February 5, 1984, to May 1996.&nbsp; Pastor Pierce was installed as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ogallala, NE in June 1996 and retired in July 2019. &nbsp;

Pastor Pierce was the circuit counselor of the Nebraska Western Sandhills District for several years. He also served as the vacancy pastor at Lutheran churches in the area over his years of ministry.&nbsp; He was active in the Ogallala Kiwanis Club and the Ogallala Garden Club.&nbsp; Over the years, Robert enjoyed bowling, playing with model trains, attending his daughters’ activities, gardening, watching football, reading, telling jokes, taking naps, visiting with people, reading cartoons, and playing with his grandchildren.&nbsp;

Robert is survived by his wife Bonita; children Michelle Degenhardt of Cypress, TX, and Kristina (Justin) Schilke of Houston, TX; grandchildren Ashlyn and Caleb Degenhardt and Beckett and Laura Schilke.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Pierce; son-in-law, Ryon Degenhardt; his sister, Carol Wunder; and his parents, Glenden and Bessie Pierce.&nbsp;

Visitation will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.

A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Nebraska on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Albert Bader officiating.

Internment will take place in St. John’s Cemetery.

&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials to LCMS Mission Central (Iowa/Nebraska Districts) 40755 Co Hwy E16, Mapleton, IA 51034&nbsp;&nbsp; and Concordia Seminary 801 Seminary Pl, St. Louis, MO 63105.

Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com

The service will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704214930678.jpeg" alt="Rev. Robert Pierce" />
 <figcaption>Rev. Robert Pierce</figcaption>
 </figure>Robert James Pierce entered his eternal home in heaven on Sunday, December 31, 2023.&nbsp;He was born on December 13, 1939, in Chicago, IL, and was baptized on March 3, 1940, at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago.&nbsp; He confirmed his Christian faith on March 29, 1953, at Chatham Fields Lutheran Church.&nbsp; Robert married Bonita (Beck) on May 22, 1976, at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Snyder, Nebraska.&nbsp; They were blessed with three daughters.Pastor Pierce impacted many lives in his 53 years of preaching and loved sharing the good news of Jesus with those around him.&nbsp; He attended Concordia College, in Milwaukee, WI, and Concordia Senior College in Ft. Wayne, IN.&nbsp; He graduated from Concordia Seminary, St. Louis, MO in May 1966.&nbsp; His vicarage year was spent at Trinity Lutheran Church, Sauk Rapids, MN.&nbsp; On June 26, 1966, he was ordained in his home congregation, Chatham Fields Lutheran Church in Chicago. &nbsp;Pastor Pierce served Immanuel Lutheran and Trinity Lutheran Churches in Schuyler, NE from July 1966 to January 1984.&nbsp; He served as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Waco, NE from February 5, 1984, to May 1996.&nbsp; Pastor Pierce was installed as pastor of St. John’s Lutheran Church, Ogallala, NE in June 1996 and retired in July 2019. &nbsp;Pastor Pierce was the circuit counselor of the Nebraska Western Sandhills District for several years. He also served as the vacancy pastor at Lutheran churches in the area over his years of ministry.&nbsp; He was active in the Ogallala Kiwanis Club and the Ogallala Garden Club.&nbsp; Over the years, Robert enjoyed bowling, playing with model trains, attending his daughters’ activities, gardening, watching football, reading, telling jokes, taking naps, visiting with people, reading cartoons, and playing with his grandchildren.&nbsp;Robert is survived by his wife Bonita; children Michelle Degenhardt of Cypress, TX, and Kristina (Justin) Schilke of Houston, TX; grandchildren Ashlyn and Caleb Degenhardt and Beckett and Laura Schilke.&nbsp; &nbsp;He was preceded in death by his daughter, Laura Pierce; son-in-law, Ryon Degenhardt; his sister, Carol Wunder; and his parents, Glenden and Bessie Pierce.&nbsp;Visitation will be held Thursday, January 4, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, NE from 1:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.A funeral service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Ogallala, Nebraska on Friday, January 5, 2024, at 10:00 A.M. with Rev. Albert Bader officiating.Internment will take place in St. John’s Cemetery.&nbsp;In lieu of flowers, suggested memorials to LCMS Mission Central (Iowa/Nebraska Districts) 40755 Co Hwy E16, Mapleton, IA 51034&nbsp;&nbsp; and Concordia Seminary 801 Seminary Pl, St. Louis, MO 63105.Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.comThe service will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com.Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Robert J. Pierce (1939-2023)

Christine “Chris” Mathews, age 53, of Lincoln, NE passed away December 27, 2023, at her home in Lincoln.

Christine Ann (Willenberg) Mathews was born July 14, 1970, in Ogallala, NE to Paul R. and Donna M. (Vance) Willenberg. Chris attended school in Thedford, Arthur, and Lewellen, graduating from Lewellen High School in 1988. After high school, Chris attended Sidney Aviation Mechanic School, later moving to Lincoln.

Chris was united in marriage on November 18, 2002, to Curtis “Curt” Mathews. The couple made their home in Lincoln. Chris worked in the Food Service business. Chris enjoyed horses and guns.

Chris is survived by her husband Curt of Lincoln, her parents Paul and Donna Willenberg of Oshkosh, brother Jeff Willenberg of McCook, sister Debra Rosenblum of Grant, Aunts Sharon Vance of Broken Bow and Maryann Vik of Noble, OK, and Uncle Bruce Willenberg of Noble, OK.

Chris was preceded in death by a brother Brad Willenberg in 2021, and her grandparents.

Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10:30 am at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family or BPOE Broken Bow Elks Lodge 1688. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 3rd&nbsp;from 9:30 am to service time at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Words of encouragement may be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.govierbrothers.com/">www.govierbrothers.com</a>.

Christine “Chris” Mathews, age 53, of Lincoln, NE passed away December 27, 2023, at her home in Lincoln.Christine Ann (Willenberg) Mathews was born July 14, 1970, in Ogallala, NE to Paul R. and Donna M. (Vance) Willenberg. Chris attended school in Thedford, Arthur, and Lewellen, graduating from Lewellen High School in 1988. After high school, Chris attended Sidney Aviation Mechanic School, later moving to Lincoln.Chris was united in marriage on November 18, 2002, to Curtis “Curt” Mathews. The couple made their home in Lincoln. Chris worked in the Food Service business. Chris enjoyed horses and guns.Chris is survived by her husband Curt of Lincoln, her parents Paul and Donna Willenberg of Oshkosh, brother Jeff Willenberg of McCook, sister Debra Rosenblum of Grant, Aunts Sharon Vance of Broken Bow and Maryann Vik of Noble, OK, and Uncle Bruce Willenberg of Noble, OK.Chris was preceded in death by a brother Brad Willenberg in 2021, and her grandparents.Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 10:30 am at Govier Brothers Chapel in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Broken Bow Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Family or BPOE Broken Bow Elks Lodge 1688. A visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 3rd&nbsp;from 9:30 am to service time at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary are in charge of arrangements. Words of encouragement may be left at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.govierbrothers.com/">www.govierbrothers.com</a>.

Chris Mathews (1970-2023)

Doris Jean Berglund, 96, long time resident of Lewellen, passed away at Linden Court in North Platte Nebraska on December 21, 2023 with her family at her side.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation.&nbsp; The family is honoring Doris’ wish for cremation.&nbsp;

Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Berglund family.

Doris was born in Lewellen, Nebraska on December 2, 1927. The youngest of three children born to James and Mabel (Nash) Copley.

On February 1st, 1947 she was united in marriage to Gilbert James Berglund and were blessed with four Children. James, Jeanette, Joy and Jacki.&nbsp;

Doris loved yardwork until she couldn’t any longer and loved spending time with her children and families. She looked forward to her paper every day and working on her puzzles.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Ida Kleist; brother, Kenneth Copley; son James Berglund and son-in-law Ray Walter.

Doris Jean Berglund, 96, long time resident of Lewellen, passed away at Linden Court in North Platte Nebraska on December 21, 2023 with her family at her side.A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. There will be no viewing or visitation.&nbsp; The family is honoring Doris’ wish for cremation.&nbsp;Holechek-Bondegard Funeral Home and Cremations in Oshkosh is serving the Berglund family.Doris was born in Lewellen, Nebraska on December 2, 1927. The youngest of three children born to James and Mabel (Nash) Copley.On February 1st, 1947 she was united in marriage to Gilbert James Berglund and were blessed with four Children. James, Jeanette, Joy and Jacki.&nbsp;Doris loved yardwork until she couldn’t any longer and loved spending time with her children and families. She looked forward to her paper every day and working on her puzzles.Doris is preceded in death by her parents; husband; sister, Ida Kleist; brother, Kenneth Copley; son James Berglund and son-in-law Ray Walter.

Doris J Berglund (1927-2023)

SHIRLEY MARIE EASTWOOD, 82, of Brule, NE, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO.

Shirley Marie Eastwood, daughter of the late Jay W. and Marie G. (Stone) Goold, was born on January 13, 1941, in Brule, NE.

Shirley was raised and attended school in Brule, graduating from Brule High School in 1958. She earned her bachelor's degree from Kearney State Teacher's College in 1973. Shirley taught in Paxton Public Schools from 1961 to 1964 and Brule and South Platte Public Schools from 1964 to 2002. Her passion was teaching, but she also enjoyed reading, writing poetry, walking, hiking, and teaching Sunday school. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as a member of St. John's LWML and the local Garden Club.

She was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on June 22, 1942. She confessed her baptismal faith in the rite of Confirmation on April 11, 1954, in St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule was admitted to the altar to receive the medicine of immortality, Christ's life-giving body and blood. On December 24, 2023, Shirley, at the age of 82 years, fell asleep in Jesus. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our sister Shirley.

She is survived by her two children: a son, Terry Eastwood of Greeley, CO, and daughter, Traci (Kevin) Knapp of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson, Enzo Knapp; brother; sister, Carol A. Talcott (Milton) of Lincoln, NE.

She is predeceased by her parents and brothers, Gerald D. Goold and Louis J. Goold.

A memorial has been established in Shirley's memory to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.

Services will be held on January 2, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule, with Rev. Jon Dickmander officiating. Interment will be in the Brule Cemetery.

Memorial Book signing with family receiving friends will be on January 1, 2024, from 2 PM until 5 PM at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703870463488.jpeg" alt="Shirley Eastwood" />
 <figcaption>Shirley Eastwood</figcaption>
 </figure>SHIRLEY MARIE EASTWOOD, 82, of Brule, NE, passed away Sunday, December 24, 2023, at UC Health Poudre Valley Hospital in Fort Collins, CO.Shirley Marie Eastwood, daughter of the late Jay W. and Marie G. (Stone) Goold, was born on January 13, 1941, in Brule, NE.Shirley was raised and attended school in Brule, graduating from Brule High School in 1958. She earned her bachelor's degree from Kearney State Teacher's College in 1973. Shirley taught in Paxton Public Schools from 1961 to 1964 and Brule and South Platte Public Schools from 1964 to 2002. Her passion was teaching, but she also enjoyed reading, writing poetry, walking, hiking, and teaching Sunday school. She was a lifelong member of St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church, as well as a member of St. John's LWML and the local Garden Club.She was baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit on June 22, 1942. She confessed her baptismal faith in the rite of Confirmation on April 11, 1954, in St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule was admitted to the altar to receive the medicine of immortality, Christ's life-giving body and blood. On December 24, 2023, Shirley, at the age of 82 years, fell asleep in Jesus. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord. We give thanks to God our Father through Jesus Christ, our Lord, for our sister Shirley.She is survived by her two children: a son, Terry Eastwood of Greeley, CO, and daughter, Traci (Kevin) Knapp of Colorado Springs, CO; grandson, Enzo Knapp; brother; sister, Carol A. Talcott (Milton) of Lincoln, NE.She is predeceased by her parents and brothers, Gerald D. Goold and Louis J. Goold.A memorial has been established in Shirley's memory to St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule. Condolences may be shared at prairiehillsfuneralhome.com.Services will be held on January 2, 2024, at 10:30 AM at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule, with Rev. Jon Dickmander officiating. Interment will be in the Brule Cemetery.Memorial Book signing with family receiving friends will be on January 1, 2024, from 2 PM until 5 PM at St. John's Ev. Lutheran Church in Brule.Prairie Hills Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.

Shirley Marie Eastwood (1941-2023)

Grant Eugene Fuller, 75, of Madrid, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 23, 2023, at his home.

Grant was born on February 6, 1948, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Oress S. and Betty Jean (Cunningham) Fuller. He grew up in Wallace, Nebraska. At a very young age, he began working and learning the carpentry trade with his dad and farming with his grandfather. He graduated from Wallace High School in 1966 and went on to Kearney State College.

In the spring of 1969, one of his roommates helped arrange a blind date in Lincoln with a student nurse, Karen Eileen Spracklen. It soon became apparent that Karen was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Grant decided to get his military service out of the way and signed up for the draft just before the draft lottery came out. He was inducted into the US Army on September 22, 1969, and was sent to Vietnam on April 13, 1970. Grant was discharged from the Army on April 26, 1971, with the rank of E5.

On May 16, 1971, he married Karen Spracklen in Valentine. The couple made their home on his grandparents' farm north of Elsie. He returned to college in the fall, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in December 1972. Their union was blessed with four beautiful daughters, and he was outnumbered from that point on. In the summer of 1988, they purchased a home in Madrid, where he lived the rest of his life and continued farming - raising wheat, corn, and cattle.

Grant was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He attended all of their sporting, speech, and music events that he could. He was very generous and would have given any of his family and friends the shirt off his back if they needed it. He never met a stranger, and his laugh and personality were known for miles around.

Grant loved to hunt and fish whenever the chance presented itself. He was also a big fan of the Beatles, with some of his very favorite songs being "Yellow Submarine", and more recently, after watching grandsons' baseball games, "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.

Grant was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Club and American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW. He was a proud patriot and loved his country deeply.

Grant was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oress and Stella (Strawder) Fuller, Charlie and Ellen (Pelton) Cunningham; his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roberto Salinas, Lowell and Evelyn Spracklen, Marvin and Ardis Spracklen, LuVerne Forsch, and Roger Studeny.

Grant is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen of Madrid; his daughters, Michelle and Steve Snyder of Grant, Becky and DJ Dannar of Elsie, Tonia Fuller and Ross Moody of Madrid, Kendra and Garrett Dyck of Parkville, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Hailey &amp; Erik Snyder; Alex Schmailzl, Jasmine Shelden, &amp; Jorja Dannar; Paige, Colt, and Joe Franklin; and Amelia Dyck; one great-granddaughter, Nirvana Shelden; one sister, Carolyn Salinas of Arvada, Colorado; one nephew, Michael Wright of Arvada, Colorado; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elsie Forsch, Doris Studeny, Luree &amp; Jim Smith, Verle &amp; Mary Spracklen; along with numerous cousins and countless friends.

A memorial has been established in his memory, with the intent to support local veteran causes. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.

Services will be held on January 3, 2024, at 10 AM at the Elsie Methodist Church with Pastor Bill Williams officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Madrid Cemetery.

Visitation will be on January 2, 2024, from 3 PM until 6 PM at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/1/1704215635928.jpeg" alt="Grant Fuller" />
 <figcaption>Grant Fuller</figcaption>
 </figure>Grant Eugene Fuller, 75, of Madrid, passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 23, 2023, at his home.Grant was born on February 6, 1948, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to Oress S. and Betty Jean (Cunningham) Fuller. He grew up in Wallace, Nebraska. At a very young age, he began working and learning the carpentry trade with his dad and farming with his grandfather. He graduated from Wallace High School in 1966 and went on to Kearney State College.In the spring of 1969, one of his roommates helped arrange a blind date in Lincoln with a student nurse, Karen Eileen Spracklen. It soon became apparent that Karen was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. Grant decided to get his military service out of the way and signed up for the draft just before the draft lottery came out. He was inducted into the US Army on September 22, 1969, and was sent to Vietnam on April 13, 1970. Grant was discharged from the Army on April 26, 1971, with the rank of E5.On May 16, 1971, he married Karen Spracklen in Valentine. The couple made their home on his grandparents' farm north of Elsie. He returned to college in the fall, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in December 1972. Their union was blessed with four beautiful daughters, and he was outnumbered from that point on. In the summer of 1988, they purchased a home in Madrid, where he lived the rest of his life and continued farming - raising wheat, corn, and cattle.Grant was very involved in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He attended all of their sporting, speech, and music events that he could. He was very generous and would have given any of his family and friends the shirt off his back if they needed it. He never met a stranger, and his laugh and personality were known for miles around.Grant loved to hunt and fish whenever the chance presented itself. He was also a big fan of the Beatles, with some of his very favorite songs being "Yellow Submarine", and more recently, after watching grandsons' baseball games, "Centerfield" by John Fogerty.Grant was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church. He was also a longtime member of the Elks Club and American Legion and a lifetime member of the VFW. He was a proud patriot and loved his country deeply.Grant was preceded in death by his grandparents, Oress and Stella (Strawder) Fuller, Charlie and Ellen (Pelton) Cunningham; his parents; brothers and sisters-in-law, Roberto Salinas, Lowell and Evelyn Spracklen, Marvin and Ardis Spracklen, LuVerne Forsch, and Roger Studeny.Grant is survived by his wife of 52 years, Karen of Madrid; his daughters, Michelle and Steve Snyder of Grant, Becky and DJ Dannar of Elsie, Tonia Fuller and Ross Moody of Madrid, Kendra and Garrett Dyck of Parkville, Missouri; nine grandchildren, Hailey &amp; Erik Snyder; Alex Schmailzl, Jasmine Shelden, &amp; Jorja Dannar; Paige, Colt, and Joe Franklin; and Amelia Dyck; one great-granddaughter, Nirvana Shelden; one sister, Carolyn Salinas of Arvada, Colorado; one nephew, Michael Wright of Arvada, Colorado; sisters and brothers-in-law, Elsie Forsch, Doris Studeny, Luree &amp; Jim Smith, Verle &amp; Mary Spracklen; along with numerous cousins and countless friends.A memorial has been established in his memory, with the intent to support local veteran causes. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.Services will be held on January 3, 2024, at 10 AM at the Elsie Methodist Church with Pastor Bill Williams officiating. Interment with Military Honors will be in the Madrid Cemetery.Visitation will be on January 2, 2024, from 3 PM until 6 PM at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.

Grant Fuller (1948-2023)

Bart James Brown, 62 of Ogallala, NE passed away at his home Monday, December 25th, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.

Bart was born June 6, 1961, in Denver, CO to Carroll and Arlene (Suggs) Brown. Bart attended schools in Jefferson County, CO.

He had many occupations in his life, he was self-taught as he was a very fast learner and it all just stuck. Bart was a drummer and had a band, he played at multiple events over the years throughout Nebraska and Colorado.

While he lived in Colorado, he owned his own fencing company. After moving to Ogallala, he worked in the farming business and later as a landscaper for a large estate.&nbsp;

His true love was motorcycles, and that love was preferably a Harley; he learned to build, repair, and paint them; his specialty was flames, which he is well known for.

He is preceded in death by his father Carroll Brown and his brother Bret Brown.

Bart is survived by his two daughters Lindsey Brown of Ogallala, NE, and Whitney (Billy Rapp) Brown of Grand Island, NE; stepson Zachary Warner of Pueblo, CO; his mother Arlene Christie of Littleton, CO; sister Brenda (Richard) Ferrari of Craig, CO; his life partner and caretaker until his death, Carla Brown of Ogallala, NE, lifelong friend “ a brother of choice,” Jon Myers of CA; two Grandsons,&nbsp; Cameron of Douglas, WY, and Grayson of Grand Island, NE and granddaughter Tayleigh of Denver, CO; and many nieces and nephews; all who loved him deeply and will miss him.

Draucker Funeral Home in Ogallala, NE, is entrusted with the arrangements.

Online&nbsp;condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703870298129.jpeg" alt="Bart Brown" />
 <figcaption>Bart Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Bart James Brown, 62 of Ogallala, NE passed away at his home Monday, December 25th, 2023 after a long battle with cancer.Bart was born June 6, 1961, in Denver, CO to Carroll and Arlene (Suggs) Brown. Bart attended schools in Jefferson County, CO.He had many occupations in his life, he was self-taught as he was a very fast learner and it all just stuck. Bart was a drummer and had a band, he played at multiple events over the years throughout Nebraska and Colorado.While he lived in Colorado, he owned his own fencing company. After moving to Ogallala, he worked in the farming business and later as a landscaper for a large estate.&nbsp;His true love was motorcycles, and that love was preferably a Harley; he learned to build, repair, and paint them; his specialty was flames, which he is well known for.He is preceded in death by his father Carroll Brown and his brother Bret Brown.Bart is survived by his two daughters Lindsey Brown of Ogallala, NE, and Whitney (Billy Rapp) Brown of Grand Island, NE; stepson Zachary Warner of Pueblo, CO; his mother Arlene Christie of Littleton, CO; sister Brenda (Richard) Ferrari of Craig, CO; his life partner and caretaker until his death, Carla Brown of Ogallala, NE, lifelong friend “ a brother of choice,” Jon Myers of CA; two Grandsons,&nbsp; Cameron of Douglas, WY, and Grayson of Grand Island, NE and granddaughter Tayleigh of Denver, CO; and many nieces and nephews; all who loved him deeply and will miss him.Services are pending at this time.Draucker Funeral Home in Ogallala, NE, is entrusted with the arrangements.Online&nbsp;condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com

Bart J. Brown (1961-2023)

Wallace resident Verlaine "Vee" Weir passed away in the company of family while at Great Plains Health in North Platte on December 27, 2023, at the age of 86.

Verlaine, the daughter of Herbert and Eunice Hasenauer, was born on March 1, 1937, in Lincoln County, Nebraska. &nbsp;She grew up in Wallace and graduated from Wallace High School. &nbsp;Just out of high school, Verlaine married Bob Fhuere. &nbsp;Since he was serving in the Air Force they were stationed in Germany and Japan, then came stateside and lived in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Iowa and eventually back to Nebraska. &nbsp;In 1974 they settled south of Wallace. &nbsp;

In 1978, Vee found herself raising four children on her own following a family hardship. &nbsp;During that year she, along with her sister, brother-in-law and parents, bought the Wallace Café and operated it as the well known Fat Sisters Café. &nbsp;Vee worked 7 days a week to provide for her children. &nbsp;After they sold the café, Vee worked for Wallace Public Schools; she was a bus driver and secretary.

In December of 1983, Vee married Edward Weir and they were together until his death in 2009.&nbsp; They raised foster children and hosed foreign exchange students. After 22 years, Vee retired fro the school district, then she and Ed were able to travel to numerous countries to visit their exchange students (and families) that they hosted over the years.&nbsp;

 Vee was a member of the Wallace Methodist Church, Methodist Women and the Wallace Quilt Club. &nbsp;She enjoyed quilting, sewing and crafting. &nbsp;Vee and Ed even sold her crafts and his woodwork at Americana Plus in Holdrege.

Vee was a good wife, a dedicated mother and loving grandmother. &nbsp;She loved her extended family and looked forward to the monthly lunches in North Platte with her cousins. &nbsp;Vee and her close family and friends also started a week of sewing in her cabin at Johnson Lake. &nbsp;

Vee's home was always open and she had food for everyone. &nbsp;She was a woman of faith who always believed in the good of others. &nbsp;Vee would always say, "It's going to be a good day today."&nbsp;

Along with her husband, Ed, Vee was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and John Kilgore; brother Clinton Hasenauer; her children, Kurt Fhuere, William "Mac" McMurray and Michelle "Misha" Ryan; and grandson, Will McMurray.

Vee is survived by her children, Corey (Rebecca) Fhuere of Jefferson, OR, Cherie (Gavin) McClintock of Elsie and Vickie (Dave) Todd of Sherrard, IL, stepchildren, Kevin (Deanna) Weir of Phillips, NE, Brian (Cheryl) Weir of Omaha and Stacey Weir-Deitrick of Dallas, TX, and daughters, Wendy (Troy) Grothman of Venango, NE, Tonyia (Michael) Miller of North Platte and Rita (Duane) Kirch of Lewellen; daughter-in-law, Susie McMurray of Castle Rock, CO; her brother, Leonard (Joan) Hasenauer of Amarillo, TX; sister, Lee Hunziker of Davenport, IA; sister-in-law, Mary Hasenauer of Wallace; her loving neighbors, Rick and Diane Bryant; her exchange students, Argie, Carlos, Kelly, &nbsp;Iraima, Adriana, Peta, Diana and Juliana; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and other family.

Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Wallace Methodist Church, which will be live streaming the service.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Morning View Cemetery at Wallace.&nbsp; 

Visitation is 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. The family will be present from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Wallace Methodist Church.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703870055909.jpeg" alt="Verlaine Weir" />
 <figcaption>Verlaine Weir</figcaption>
 </figure>Wallace resident Verlaine "Vee" Weir passed away in the company of family while at Great Plains Health in North Platte on December 27, 2023, at the age of 86.Verlaine, the daughter of Herbert and Eunice Hasenauer, was born on March 1, 1937, in Lincoln County, Nebraska. &nbsp;She grew up in Wallace and graduated from Wallace High School. &nbsp;Just out of high school, Verlaine married Bob Fhuere. &nbsp;Since he was serving in the Air Force they were stationed in Germany and Japan, then came stateside and lived in Colorado, Idaho, Washington, Iowa and eventually back to Nebraska. &nbsp;In 1974 they settled south of Wallace. &nbsp;In 1978, Vee found herself raising four children on her own following a family hardship. &nbsp;During that year she, along with her sister, brother-in-law and parents, bought the Wallace Café and operated it as the well known Fat Sisters Café. &nbsp;Vee worked 7 days a week to provide for her children. &nbsp;After they sold the café, Vee worked for Wallace Public Schools; she was a bus driver and secretary.In December of 1983, Vee married Edward Weir and they were together until his death in 2009.&nbsp; They raised foster children and hosed foreign exchange students. After 22 years, Vee retired fro the school district, then she and Ed were able to travel to numerous countries to visit their exchange students (and families) that they hosted over the years.&nbsp; Vee was a member of the Wallace Methodist Church, Methodist Women and the Wallace Quilt Club. &nbsp;She enjoyed quilting, sewing and crafting. &nbsp;Vee and Ed even sold her crafts and his woodwork at Americana Plus in Holdrege.Vee was a good wife, a dedicated mother and loving grandmother. &nbsp;She loved her extended family and looked forward to the monthly lunches in North Platte with her cousins. &nbsp;Vee and her close family and friends also started a week of sewing in her cabin at Johnson Lake. &nbsp;Vee's home was always open and she had food for everyone. &nbsp;She was a woman of faith who always believed in the good of others. &nbsp;Vee would always say, "It's going to be a good day today."&nbsp;Along with her husband, Ed, Vee was preceded in death by her parents; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette and John Kilgore; brother Clinton Hasenauer; her children, Kurt Fhuere, William "Mac" McMurray and Michelle "Misha" Ryan; and grandson, Will McMurray.Vee is survived by her children, Corey (Rebecca) Fhuere of Jefferson, OR, Cherie (Gavin) McClintock of Elsie and Vickie (Dave) Todd of Sherrard, IL, stepchildren, Kevin (Deanna) Weir of Phillips, NE, Brian (Cheryl) Weir of Omaha and Stacey Weir-Deitrick of Dallas, TX, and daughters, Wendy (Troy) Grothman of Venango, NE, Tonyia (Michael) Miller of North Platte and Rita (Duane) Kirch of Lewellen; daughter-in-law, Susie McMurray of Castle Rock, CO; her brother, Leonard (Joan) Hasenauer of Amarillo, TX; sister, Lee Hunziker of Davenport, IA; sister-in-law, Mary Hasenauer of Wallace; her loving neighbors, Rick and Diane Bryant; her exchange students, Argie, Carlos, Kelly, &nbsp;Iraima, Adriana, Peta, Diana and Juliana; as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins and other family.Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2024 at the Wallace Methodist Church, which will be live streaming the service.&nbsp; Burial will follow in the Morning View Cemetery at Wallace.&nbsp; Visitation is 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at Odean Colonial Chapel at C &amp; Sycamore in North Platte, which is in charge of arrangements. The family will be present from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.&nbsp; Memorials are suggested to the Wallace Methodist Church.

Verlaine Weir (1937-2023)

On December 26, 2023, Tommy Jefferson Fisher, Jr., passed away at his home in Hershey, NE. &nbsp;Born to Tommy and Norma (James) Fisher, Sr. in North Platte, he was the sixth of eleven children.

Tommy attended school in North Platte and on November 24, 1969, he was united in marriage to Barbara Freeman. &nbsp;From this marriage, he accepted two boys as his own: Mike and Jerry. &nbsp;Tommy worked briefly for the Union Pacific Railroad from 1969 to 1971. &nbsp;Upon his leaving the railroad, he began a long career as a heavy equipment operator in construction, once in a while, helping his son, Mike, transport and set mobile homes. &nbsp;Tommy retired in 1986 due to medical complications but never quit his passion as a “junk dealer”. &nbsp;He was known to attend all the auctions and garage sales he could and often sold items that most people considered to be junk. &nbsp;He was a mechanical man, occasionally fixing vehicles for others; he even built his own boat, one that is still functional today. &nbsp;On this boat, he loved to take people out for fishing trips; he and Barb spent 26 winter years in Texas, fishing. &nbsp;Tommy was a jolly man and had a wonderful heart, treating others how he hoped to be treated.

Those that survive Tommy include his wife, Barbara of Hershey, NE; son, Mike (Sheila) Sneed of North Platte; grandchildren, Amy Sneed of North Platte, Scott (Chandra) Sneed of North Platte; great grandchildren, Austin (fiancé, Kylie) Sneed, Jillian Sneed, and Emily Sneed; great great grandchildren, Bowen and Barrett; siblings, Lois Reeves, Martha (Don) Hubert, Earl (Rae) Fisher, Joe (Cheryl) Fisher, all of North Platte; several nieces and nephews and other family.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Tommy and Norma; son, Jerry; great granddaughter, Isabella (Dizzy) Sneed; siblings, David, Anard, Leo, Evelyn, Jerry, and Ira.

The family asks that memorials be made out to Children’s Hospital and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.

A funeral service will be held 10 AM on Tuesday, January 2, 2023, at Grace Community Bible Church with Pastor Mike Wing officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be at McCain Cemetery in Stapleton. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 12 PM to 4 PM on Monday, January 1, 2023, at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home. &nbsp;Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/12/1703776463676.jpeg" alt="Tommy Fisher, Jr." />
 <figcaption>Tommy Fisher, Jr.</figcaption>
 </figure>On December 26, 2023, Tommy Jefferson Fisher, Jr., passed away at his home in Hershey, NE. &nbsp;Born to Tommy and Norma (James) Fisher, Sr. in North Platte, he was the sixth of eleven children.Tommy attended school in North Platte and on November 24, 1969, he was united in marriage to Barbara Freeman. &nbsp;From this marriage, he accepted two boys as his own: Mike and Jerry. &nbsp;Tommy worked briefly for the Union Pacific Railroad from 1969 to 1971. &nbsp;Upon his leaving the railroad, he began a long career as a heavy equipment operator in construction, once in a while, helping his son, Mike, transport and set mobile homes. &nbsp;Tommy retired in 1986 due to medical complications but never quit his passion as a “junk dealer”. &nbsp;He was known to attend all the auctions and garage sales he could and often sold items that most people considered to be junk. &nbsp;He was a mechanical man, occasionally fixing vehicles for others; he even built his own boat, one that is still functional today. &nbsp;On this boat, he loved to take people out for fishing trips; he and Barb spent 26 winter years in Texas, fishing. &nbsp;Tommy was a jolly man and had a wonderful heart, treating others how he hoped to be treated.Those that survive Tommy include his wife, Barbara of Hershey, NE; son, Mike (Sheila) Sneed of North Platte; grandchildren, Amy Sneed of North Platte, Scott (Chandra) Sneed of North Platte; great grandchildren, Austin (fiancé, Kylie) Sneed, Jillian Sneed, and Emily Sneed; great great grandchildren, Bowen and Barrett; siblings, Lois Reeves, Martha (Don) Hubert, Earl (Rae) Fisher, Joe (Cheryl) Fisher, all of North Platte; several nieces and nephews and other family.Preceding him in death are his parents, Tommy and Norma; son, Jerry; great granddaughter, Isabella (Dizzy) Sneed; siblings, David, Anard, Leo, Evelyn, Jerry, and Ira.The family asks that memorials be made out to Children’s Hospital and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com.A funeral service will be held 10 AM on Tuesday, January 2, 2023, at Grace Community Bible Church with Pastor Mike Wing officiating. &nbsp;Burial will be at McCain Cemetery in Stapleton. &nbsp;Visitation will be from 12 PM to 4 PM on Monday, January 1, 2023, at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home. &nbsp;Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Obituaries