John "Gene" E. Slattery, age 90, of Paxton, Nebraska died Friday, August 25th, 2023 at Hill Top Estates&nbsp; in Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Gene was born March 26th, 1933 to John and Margaret (Hassenstab) Slattery in Julesburg, Colorado. He graduated from St. Patrick's High School in North Platte, Nebraska. Gene married Anne Schmidt on June 28th, 1958 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Julesburg, Colorado. To this union, three children were born. The couple resided on their family farm north of Roscoe, Nebraska for 64 years. During this time, Gene worked diligently farming his land. He also enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard in the fall of 1959.&nbsp;

During his pre-teen and teen years, Gene was known as "the kid who sold his shirt for the North Platte Canteen in the World War II years". The story begins with the sale of two goats that destroyed his mother's cherry trees. When asked what he was going to do with the ten dollars he received, he announced he was going to give it to the Canteen in North Platte in honor of his sister Evelyn, who was in the waves in California. This sparked an idea in the crowd and they asked what else he could give to the Canteen. He replied, "All I have is the shirt on my back." This sparked an idea that lasted for the next six years. He earned money from auctions and special events in the tri-state area and gave the proceeds to the Canteen. Gene earned thousands of dollars for the Canteen and became nationally and internationally know for his efforts.

Gene was a man of&nbsp; few words, was but always eager to learn more about his passions- which was "the farm". He was a man of faith, a man dedicated to his family, and a man who always went out of his way to be courteous and kind to others.&nbsp;

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Larry; sisters Evelyn Kleinow and Helen Slattery; and two nephews, Scott Slattery and Kenneth Grasz.

He is survived by wife Anne; his sons Dr. Michael (Gale) Slattery of Indianola, Nebraska and David (Toni) Slattery of North Platte, Nebraska; his daughter Johnna (Michael) Arensdorf of North Platte, Nebraska; his grandchildren Michael (Chelsie) Slattery of Indianola, Nebraska, James Slattery of Gordon, Nebraska, Emily Slattery of Lincoln, Nebraska, Amanda (Will) Slattery Engell of McCook, Nebraska, Jordan (Ariane) Arensdorf of Kearney, Nebraska, Jared (Mandy) Arensdorf of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kari Slattery of Columbus, Nebraska, and Katie, Jessica, and Julie Slattery of Lincoln, Nebraska; nieces Joyce Kohler of North Platte, Nebraska, Helen Hackney of McCook, Nebraska, and Shannon Slattery of California; nephew Dick Grasz of East Sandusky, Ohio; sister-in-law Mary Slattery of California; and 4 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Nebraska on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 2:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. MST.

Rosary will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. MST in St. Luke's&nbsp; Catholic Church in Ogallala, Nebraska with&nbsp; Mass of the Christian Burial&nbsp; following at 10:30 A.M. MST with Father Bryan Ernest officiating.

Interment will follow at the Ogallala Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Catholic School in Ogallala, Nebraska or North Platte Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund in North Platte, Nebraska.

Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala, Nebraska has been entrusted with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693239584285.jpeg" alt="Gene Slattery" />
 <figcaption>Gene Slattery</figcaption>
 </figure>John "Gene" E. Slattery, age 90, of Paxton, Nebraska died Friday, August 25th, 2023 at Hill Top Estates&nbsp; in Gothenburg, Nebraska.Gene was born March 26th, 1933 to John and Margaret (Hassenstab) Slattery in Julesburg, Colorado. He graduated from St. Patrick's High School in North Platte, Nebraska. Gene married Anne Schmidt on June 28th, 1958 at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Julesburg, Colorado. To this union, three children were born. The couple resided on their family farm north of Roscoe, Nebraska for 64 years. During this time, Gene worked diligently farming his land. He also enlisted in the Nebraska National Guard in the fall of 1959.&nbsp;During his pre-teen and teen years, Gene was known as "the kid who sold his shirt for the North Platte Canteen in the World War II years". The story begins with the sale of two goats that destroyed his mother's cherry trees. When asked what he was going to do with the ten dollars he received, he announced he was going to give it to the Canteen in North Platte in honor of his sister Evelyn, who was in the waves in California. This sparked an idea in the crowd and they asked what else he could give to the Canteen. He replied, "All I have is the shirt on my back." This sparked an idea that lasted for the next six years. He earned money from auctions and special events in the tri-state area and gave the proceeds to the Canteen. Gene earned thousands of dollars for the Canteen and became nationally and internationally know for his efforts.Gene was a man of&nbsp; few words, was but always eager to learn more about his passions- which was "the farm". He was a man of faith, a man dedicated to his family, and a man who always went out of his way to be courteous and kind to others.&nbsp;He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother Larry; sisters Evelyn Kleinow and Helen Slattery; and two nephews, Scott Slattery and Kenneth Grasz.He is survived by wife Anne; his sons Dr. Michael (Gale) Slattery of Indianola, Nebraska and David (Toni) Slattery of North Platte, Nebraska; his daughter Johnna (Michael) Arensdorf of North Platte, Nebraska; his grandchildren Michael (Chelsie) Slattery of Indianola, Nebraska, James Slattery of Gordon, Nebraska, Emily Slattery of Lincoln, Nebraska, Amanda (Will) Slattery Engell of McCook, Nebraska, Jordan (Ariane) Arensdorf of Kearney, Nebraska, Jared (Mandy) Arensdorf of Lincoln, Nebraska, Kari Slattery of Columbus, Nebraska, and Katie, Jessica, and Julie Slattery of Lincoln, Nebraska; nieces Joyce Kohler of North Platte, Nebraska, Helen Hackney of McCook, Nebraska, and Shannon Slattery of California; nephew Dick Grasz of East Sandusky, Ohio; sister-in-law Mary Slattery of California; and 4 great grandchildren.Visitation will be held at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Nebraska on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 from 2:00 p.m.to 5:00 p.m. MST.Rosary will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. MST in St. Luke's&nbsp; Catholic Church in Ogallala, Nebraska with&nbsp; Mass of the Christian Burial&nbsp; following at 10:30 A.M. MST with Father Bryan Ernest officiating.Interment will follow at the Ogallala Cemetery.Memorials are suggested to St. Luke's Catholic School in Ogallala, Nebraska or North Platte Catholic Schools Scholarship Fund in North Platte, Nebraska.Services will be live streamed at www.drauckerfh.com. Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala, Nebraska has been entrusted with arrangements.

John "Gene" E. Slattery  (1933-2023)

Marian Lucille (Bakewell) Lanka, born March 31, 1932, went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 91. She was the oldest child of Myron and Velna (Bay) Bakewell.

Marian grew up on the farm west of Stapleton, Nebraska along with her two sisters, Judy and Arlene. &nbsp;She attended Nesbit grade school and Baker Rural High at Stapleton. &nbsp;She wed Elton C. Lanka in Stapleton, Nebraska on August 5, 1951 in a double wedding ceremony with Elton’s sister Lorna Lanka and Laron Wright, at the Presbyterian Church in Stapleton. &nbsp;They lived in a baled hay house on the Lanka ranch north of Stapleton. &nbsp;She taught at the Cody Lake school for several years. &nbsp;In 1960 they moved with their four children into a new house that viewed Cody Lake. &nbsp;Marian helped with much of the ranch; working cattle, calving, and haying, along with raising the children. &nbsp;Going to Sunday School and church was the Sunday priority. &nbsp;Marian was a mail carrier for the north route out of Stapleton for 32 years. &nbsp;She loved helping with school where a daughter taught and then helping to homeschool a number of great-grandchildren for the past 20 plus years.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Velna Bakewell; husband, Elton; brother-in-law, Frank Lanka; step-mother, Wilma (Foight) Bakewell; son-in-law, Mike Pollnow; and step sister-in-law, Beth Foight.

She is survived by daughters, Diane (Cecil Lee) Wonch of Gandy, NE, Vanessa (George) Grimsley of Blanchard, OK, Sue Pollnow of Eaton, CO; and son Rex (Bethany) Lanka of Stapleton, NE; sisters, Judy (Clarence) Lanka of Stapleton, NE, Arlene (Tom) Collins of Shawnee, KS; sisters-in-law, Lorna Lane of Kearney, NE, Connie Krusinowski of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Kenneth E. (Margie) Lanka of Lincoln, NE; step-sister, Darla Parker of North Platte, NE; step-brother, Lyle Foight of Paxton, NE; 10 grandchildren, Travi (D’Arcy) Rambali of McCook, NE, Angie (Daniel) Hoppe of, Stapleton, NE, Lee (DanDee) Wonch of Arnold, NE, Amanda (Mike) Fletcher of Arnold, NE, Adam (Melani) Wonch of Gandy, NE, Josh Nelson of Urbandale, IA, Ranae (DJ) Selmeyer of Lansing, MI, Samantha (Chris) Ewing of Mt. Pleasant, TN, Owen (Kim) Johnson, Eaton, CO, Luke (Maggie) Johnson of Gering, NE, 32 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her great smile and many acts of kindness.

Memorials are suggested in her name. &nbsp;Online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. CST on Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Gandy Community Bible Church, Gandy, NE, with Pastor Lee Wonch officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow the service at Loup Valley Cemetery, Stapleton, NE. &nbsp;Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST on Thursday at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, NE. &nbsp;

The service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com for those unable to attend. &nbsp;Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693242577979.jpeg" alt="Marian Lanka" />
 <figcaption>Marian Lanka</figcaption>
 </figure>Marian Lucille (Bakewell) Lanka, born March 31, 1932, went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 91. She was the oldest child of Myron and Velna (Bay) Bakewell.Marian grew up on the farm west of Stapleton, Nebraska along with her two sisters, Judy and Arlene. &nbsp;She attended Nesbit grade school and Baker Rural High at Stapleton. &nbsp;She wed Elton C. Lanka in Stapleton, Nebraska on August 5, 1951 in a double wedding ceremony with Elton’s sister Lorna Lanka and Laron Wright, at the Presbyterian Church in Stapleton. &nbsp;They lived in a baled hay house on the Lanka ranch north of Stapleton. &nbsp;She taught at the Cody Lake school for several years. &nbsp;In 1960 they moved with their four children into a new house that viewed Cody Lake. &nbsp;Marian helped with much of the ranch; working cattle, calving, and haying, along with raising the children. &nbsp;Going to Sunday School and church was the Sunday priority. &nbsp;Marian was a mail carrier for the north route out of Stapleton for 32 years. &nbsp;She loved helping with school where a daughter taught and then helping to homeschool a number of great-grandchildren for the past 20 plus years.She is preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Velna Bakewell; husband, Elton; brother-in-law, Frank Lanka; step-mother, Wilma (Foight) Bakewell; son-in-law, Mike Pollnow; and step sister-in-law, Beth Foight.She is survived by daughters, Diane (Cecil Lee) Wonch of Gandy, NE, Vanessa (George) Grimsley of Blanchard, OK, Sue Pollnow of Eaton, CO; and son Rex (Bethany) Lanka of Stapleton, NE; sisters, Judy (Clarence) Lanka of Stapleton, NE, Arlene (Tom) Collins of Shawnee, KS; sisters-in-law, Lorna Lane of Kearney, NE, Connie Krusinowski of Omaha, NE; brother-in-law, Kenneth E. (Margie) Lanka of Lincoln, NE; step-sister, Darla Parker of North Platte, NE; step-brother, Lyle Foight of Paxton, NE; 10 grandchildren, Travi (D’Arcy) Rambali of McCook, NE, Angie (Daniel) Hoppe of, Stapleton, NE, Lee (DanDee) Wonch of Arnold, NE, Amanda (Mike) Fletcher of Arnold, NE, Adam (Melani) Wonch of Gandy, NE, Josh Nelson of Urbandale, IA, Ranae (DJ) Selmeyer of Lansing, MI, Samantha (Chris) Ewing of Mt. Pleasant, TN, Owen (Kim) Johnson, Eaton, CO, Luke (Maggie) Johnson of Gering, NE, 32 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her great smile and many acts of kindness.Memorials are suggested in her name. &nbsp;Online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.comFuneral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. CST on Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Gandy Community Bible Church, Gandy, NE, with Pastor Lee Wonch officiating. &nbsp;Burial will follow the service at Loup Valley Cemetery, Stapleton, NE. &nbsp;Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. CST on Thursday at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, NE. &nbsp;The service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com for those unable to attend. &nbsp;Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Marian Lucille Lanka  (1932-2023)

Roy Irven Lunkwitz, age 61, of Ogallala, Nebraska died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.

Roy was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on August 21, 1962 to his loving parents, Irven Clarence Lunkwitz and Iris Loraine Loebig.&nbsp; Roy lived in and attended Keystone School until the 8th grade when he started school in Ogallala and graduated in 1981.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Roy's early years were marked with deep curiosity and an innate talent for understanding how things worked, a trait that would define his life's passions.&nbsp; Toy's inquisitive nature led him to a love for hunting, fishing and motorcycles.&nbsp; These outdoor pursuits became not only hobbies, but avenues for him to connect with nature and the world around him.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In his journey through life, Roy's family remained his guiding light.&nbsp; He married his beloved Aimee Dawn Gage on September 20, 1997, and they had 25 years and 11 months filled with love, laughter and shared dreams.&nbsp; Roy's dedication to Aimee was unwavering.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As a father, Roy embraced his role with boundless love and devotion.&nbsp; He leaves behind a legacy of children who were blessed to call him dad.&nbsp; Roy was also a cherished Papa to his grandchildren and found immense joy in watching and listening to their laughter and fun curiosities about life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Aimee Lunkwitz; two sons Jacob (Allyssa) Lunkwitz and Zachary Lunkwitz; and one daughter Emilee Lunkwitz; two brothers Richard Harms and Wayne Lunkwitz; two sisters Gayle (Rex) Thorne and Geraline Ashley; three grandchildren Mitzi, Ethan, and Jaden Lunkwitz; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Roy is preceded in death by both his parents and an infant sister.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Nebraska.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Ogallala in Ogallala Nebraska at 10:00 a.m. MST with Rev. Albert Bader officiating.

Inurnment will follow at 1:30 p.m. MST in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.

Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the "Watch Live" button.

Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693238803737.jpeg" alt="Roy Lunkwitz" />
 <figcaption>Roy Lunkwitz</figcaption>
 </figure>Roy Irven Lunkwitz, age 61, of Ogallala, Nebraska died on Wednesday, August 23, 2023 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska.Roy was born in Ogallala, Nebraska on August 21, 1962 to his loving parents, Irven Clarence Lunkwitz and Iris Loraine Loebig.&nbsp; Roy lived in and attended Keystone School until the 8th grade when he started school in Ogallala and graduated in 1981.&nbsp;&nbsp;Roy's early years were marked with deep curiosity and an innate talent for understanding how things worked, a trait that would define his life's passions.&nbsp; Toy's inquisitive nature led him to a love for hunting, fishing and motorcycles.&nbsp; These outdoor pursuits became not only hobbies, but avenues for him to connect with nature and the world around him.&nbsp;&nbsp;In his journey through life, Roy's family remained his guiding light.&nbsp; He married his beloved Aimee Dawn Gage on September 20, 1997, and they had 25 years and 11 months filled with love, laughter and shared dreams.&nbsp; Roy's dedication to Aimee was unwavering.&nbsp;&nbsp;As a father, Roy embraced his role with boundless love and devotion.&nbsp; He leaves behind a legacy of children who were blessed to call him dad.&nbsp; Roy was also a cherished Papa to his grandchildren and found immense joy in watching and listening to their laughter and fun curiosities about life.He is survived by his loving wife, Aimee Lunkwitz; two sons Jacob (Allyssa) Lunkwitz and Zachary Lunkwitz; and one daughter Emilee Lunkwitz; two brothers Richard Harms and Wayne Lunkwitz; two sisters Gayle (Rex) Thorne and Geraline Ashley; three grandchildren Mitzi, Ethan, and Jaden Lunkwitz; along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.Roy is preceded in death by both his parents and an infant sister.Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. MST at Draucker Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, Nebraska.Memorial Services will be held on Friday, September 1, 2023 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church of Ogallala in Ogallala Nebraska at 10:00 a.m. MST with Rev. Albert Bader officiating.Inurnment will follow at 1:30 p.m. MST in St. John's Lutheran Cemetery.Online condolences may be left at www.drauckerfh.com.&nbsp; Services will be live-streamed at www.drauckerfh.com by clicking the "Watch Live" button.Draucker Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements.

Roy Irven Lunkwitz  (1962-2023)

Chad Anthony Brown, age 48, of Hershey, Nebraska passed away on August 24, 2023 in North Platte, Nebraska.

Chad was born to Marijo and William Brown on January 17, 1975 in North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp; He attended Saint Patrick's High School and graduated in 1993.&nbsp; Chad was born and raised on his family ranch and enjoyed every minute of it.&nbsp; He was a loving man who loved his animals and family.&nbsp; Chad married his loving wife, Lisa, and loved being able to go hunting with their hunting dogs.&nbsp; Chad also enjoyed being able to gather cattle early in the morning with his wife.&nbsp; Chad loved his family and was always there at family events, even if he had worked a long day at the ranch.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time trapping, fishing, hunting, and being a dad.&nbsp; If you met Chad, he spent half of his life talking about his children, nephews, and nieces.

Chad is survived by his wife, Lisa; two children, Makayla (Chris Counce) and Alex; his parents, William and Marijo Brown; three sisters, Julie (Adam) Wilhelmson and their three children, Emma, Grace, and Kaden, Kylie (Dave) Buettner and their two children, Sophia and Jaxson, and Emily (Trent) Allison and their three children, Trey, Kelsie and Caleb.

Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy and William Brown and L.L. and Edith Hubka; great uncles and aunt, Joe Brown, Don Brown, Bob Brown and Sylvia Brown.

A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences and live stream of the services can be seen at www.adamsswanson.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in&nbsp; North Platte, NE with the Rev. Jonathon Sorenson as celebrant.&nbsp; Christian Wake Services will be at 7:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, NE with Deacon Mark Lister leading the rosary.&nbsp; The register book signing will be Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte has been entrusted with the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1693241535349.jpeg" alt="Chad Brown" />
 <figcaption>Chad Brown</figcaption>
 </figure>Chad Anthony Brown, age 48, of Hershey, Nebraska passed away on August 24, 2023 in North Platte, Nebraska.Chad was born to Marijo and William Brown on January 17, 1975 in North Platte, Nebraska.&nbsp; He attended Saint Patrick's High School and graduated in 1993.&nbsp; Chad was born and raised on his family ranch and enjoyed every minute of it.&nbsp; He was a loving man who loved his animals and family.&nbsp; Chad married his loving wife, Lisa, and loved being able to go hunting with their hunting dogs.&nbsp; Chad also enjoyed being able to gather cattle early in the morning with his wife.&nbsp; Chad loved his family and was always there at family events, even if he had worked a long day at the ranch.&nbsp; He enjoyed spending time trapping, fishing, hunting, and being a dad.&nbsp; If you met Chad, he spent half of his life talking about his children, nephews, and nieces.Chad is survived by his wife, Lisa; two children, Makayla (Chris Counce) and Alex; his parents, William and Marijo Brown; three sisters, Julie (Adam) Wilhelmson and their three children, Emma, Grace, and Kaden, Kylie (Dave) Buettner and their two children, Sophia and Jaxson, and Emily (Trent) Allison and their three children, Trey, Kelsie and Caleb.Chad was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy and William Brown and L.L. and Edith Hubka; great uncles and aunt, Joe Brown, Don Brown, Bob Brown and Sylvia Brown.A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences and live stream of the services can be seen at www.adamsswanson.com.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. CST on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in&nbsp; North Platte, NE with the Rev. Jonathon Sorenson as celebrant.&nbsp; Christian Wake Services will be at 7:00 p.m. CST on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 at Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte, NE with Deacon Mark Lister leading the rosary.&nbsp; The register book signing will be Tuesday from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.&nbsp; Adams &amp; Swanson Funeral Home in North Platte has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Obituaries