U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current
Inez Elberta Murphy
Inez Elberta Murphy, 69, of North Platte died Aug. 17, 2004, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
She was born July 11, 1935, to Albert and Ethel Horn Engle in Ovid, Colo. She grew up in the North Platte area, where she attended school and graduated from North Platte High School in 1953.
On June 11, 1953, she married Donald D. Murphy in North Platte. He preceded her in death Oct. 29, 2003. The couple resided in North Platte all their married lives, and celebrated their 50th anniversary in June 2003. Inez was a member of the First Lutheran Church, the Eagles Club and the Moose Club.
Survivors include daughter Kathleen Ann (Rod) Hardenbergh of Omaha; sons Kerry Deane (Connie) Murphy of North Platte and Kelly John (Becky) Murphy of Lincoln; sister Bettie (Niles) Alger of Kingsville, Texas; brother John (Joyce) Engle of North Platte; several nieces and nephews, including niece Sheryl (Allen) Janas of North Platte; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, daughter Karin Susan Murphy and sister Dolly Engle.
A memorial has been established.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Aug. 20 at the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in North Platte with the Rev. Nathan Wadewitz officiating. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Mary Margaret Barnes
Mary Margaret Barnes, 55, of North Platte died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
Mary was born July 16, 1949, at North Platte to Frank Otto Reeves and Dorothy Margaret Bollwitt. She grew up in North Platte, graduating in 1967, and worked at Brown-Harano Studio.
She married John Clayton Barnes July 22, 1967, at North Platte. They lived in Omaha, Fremont and Lincoln before returning to North Platte in 1970. She was a stay-at-home mother and was active in the Lincoln County Extension Club and the DAV Auxiliary until her stroke in 2002, and in Widows’ Mite.
She was a dear daughter and a wonderful mother-in-law.
Mary was baptized in the Berean Fundamental Church.
Survivors include daughter Cathy (Donald) Marlin of Cozad; sons John Carl Barnes, Tom (Tammy) Barnes and Ron Barnes all of North Platte and William Barnes of Lincoln; mother Dorothy (Herbert Leslie) Shirley of North Platte; sister Linda Lemmert of McCook; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and uncle Ernest Bollwitt of North Platte.
She was preceded in death by her husband, her father and brother Franklin Eugene Bollwitt.
Services were Aug. 16 at the North Platte Berean Church with Pastor Bob Teeters officiating. Burial was in Fort McPherson National Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the American Diabetes Association.
Odean Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Charles Edward Nisley
Charles Edward Nisley, 74, of North Platte died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at his home in North Platte.
He was born Jan. 26, 1930, in North Platte to Paul William and Gertrude Marie Bolhlen Nisley. On Feb. 15, 1958, he married Barbara June Orchard at Las Vegas.
He joined the U.S. Army while attending school at North Platte High School in February 1947. After basic training at Fort Ord, Calif., and Fort Benning, Ga., Charles was transferred to Japan for duty with the 11th Airborne Division. In 1950 he was assigned to the 7th Division. In 1952 he returned to the States and was stationed at Fort Winfield Scott, Calif.
In 1954 he was reassigned to Fort MacArthur, Calif., and in May 1959 he was assigned to headquarters in Europe. In May 1964, Charles was assigned to Rock Island Arsenal, Ill. In May 1967, he retired with the rank of master sergeant. While in Korea he participated in six campaigns and was awarded numerous awards and decorations.
Upon retiring from the Army he resided in Davenport, Iowa, and then returned to North Platte in 1983.
Charles loved working in the yard with his beloved dog John Wayne Duke.
He was a life member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 2839 and was a member of Post 1504 of the VFW since 1983. He was also a former member of Moose Lodge No. 551 and the American Legion.
Survivors include his wife Barbara of North Platte; daughter Tammy (Ronald) Snider of Colorado Springs, Colo.; sons Michael Nisley of Menlo Park, Calif., Dan (Marsha) Nisley of Des Moines, Iowa, Tim (Annette) Nisley of Hanceville, Ala., and Dana Nisley of Irving, Texas; sisters Pat McCarty of Omaha, Diana Henry of North Platte, Mariette (Robert) Bradford of Modesto, Calif., and Barbara Harkins of Davenport, Iowa; brothers Paul Jr (Carolyn) Nisley of Colorado Springs, Colo., James Nisley of Madison, Wis., and Robert Nisley of Seattle, Wash., six grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Services were Aug. 17 at Odean Colonial Chapel. Inurnment was at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors provided by the North Platte Veterans' Honor Guard.
Odean Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Jeffrey Dale Bierma
Jeffrey Dale Bierma, 47, of Sutherland died Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center.
He was born March 23, 1957, at Omaha to Charles Dale and Martha Mary Schimonitz Bierman. He grew up in Omaha and graduated from Northwest High School in 1975.
Jeff married Judy Gradoville Nov. 15, 1975, in Plattsmouth. They moved to western Nebraska in 1980 and to Sutherland in 1983. Jeff went to work for Gerald Gentleman Station in November 1980, where he worked as a machinist until his death.
He enjoyed rebuilding cars, playing cards with his family and playing pool in the pool league, and he was very active in outdoor activities.
Survivors include daughters Jaime (Eric) Heedum and Jackie (Jeff) Closman all of Omaha, and Jenna Bierma of Sutherland; their mother Judy Bierma of North Platte; their grandmother Lois Gradoville of Plattsmouth; three children; parents Charles and Mary Bierma of Omaha; sisters Nancy (Tim) Meyer of Omaha and Susie (Paul) Tapia of Chandler, Ariz.; brothers Clark (Denise) Bierma of Viera, Fla., Fred (Denise) Bierma of Omaha, and Wendell Bierma of Des Moines, Wash.; good friend Vickie Malone of Ogallala; and extended family.
He was preceded in death by daughter Jill Bierma.
Services were Aug. 17 at Odean Colonial Chapel with Father Art Faesser officiating. Burial was Aug. 18 in Holy Sepulcher Cemetery at Plattsmouth.
A memorial has been established to the American Cancer Society.
Odean Colonial Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
Joseph Scott "Scotty" Richards
Joseph Scott “Scotty” Richards, 78, a lifelong resident of North Platte, died Aug. 2, 2004, at his home.
He was born July 26, 1926, to Joseph S. and Ardis L. Scott Richards at North Platte. He was raised and attended school in North Platte, where he graduated from high school.
He served in the U.S. Navy from May 1944 until his discharge in June 1946. He fought in two battles in the Pacific. He fought in Iwo Jima, witnessing the raising of the flag, and also in Okinawa. He then went to Tokyo Bay on a destroyer that was accompanying the USS Missouri and witnessed the signing of the armistice in Tokyo Bay.
He married Milly Marie Arnold Feb. 16, 1947. After his discharge he hired out on the Union Pacific Railroad as a clerk for 13 years. He later sold real estate and insurance in the North Platte area for many years.
After his retirement Scotty worked at his most enjoyable job, which was tutoring children at McDaid Elementary School. He was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and Knights of Columbus, where he held an Honorary Fourth Degree. He worked and directed many men’s Cursillo meetings. He was a past athletic director for St. Patrick High School for three years.
Scotty enjoyed Nebraska football and his grandchildren’s sports.
Survivors include his wife Milly of North Platte; sons Scotty of North Platte, Michael of Omaha, Patrick (Kari) of North Platte, Steve of North Platte and Tony (Lisa) of Pueblo West, Colo.; sisters Elaine Hudson of North Carolina and Gwen (Jim) James of New Mexico; 17 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Marvin.
Christian Wake Services were Aug. 5 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial was Aug. 6 at the church with the Rev. Jack Schlaff and the Rev. Vincent Parsons as co-celebrants. Burial was at Fort McPherson National Cemetery with military honors graveside.
A memorial has been established to the McDaid Catholic Grade School.
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Margaret Elzora Fletcher
Margaret Elzora Fletcher, 94, of North Platte died July 29, 2004, at Regional West Medical Center at Scottsbluff.
She was born Nov. 24, 1909, to Frank C. and Edna J. Shinley near Stockville. She attended grade schools in Frontier and Lincoln counties and graduated from the Nebraska School of Agriculture at Curtis in 1928.
Margaret lived on various farms with her parents and worked in grocery stores in Frontier County, although she lived near Wellfleet.
She married Lester R. Fletcher April 3, 1935. He preceded her in death Jan. 24, 1970. She moved to Wallace in April 1971 and worked as second cook at the Wallace School for three years. She was a member of the Wallace Methodist Church.
Survivors include grandchildren Kathy (Rod) Santos of Las Cruses, N.M., Peggy (Darrell) Moore-Fellows of Scottsbluff and Mike McCown of Espanola, N.N.; 10 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; daughter June K. McCown; brother Carl Shinely and great-grandson David R. Moore.
Services were Aug. 6 at Wallace Methodist Church with the Rev. Jordyn Counts officiating. Burial was at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens in North Platte.
A memorial has been established to the church.
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Francis Lee Grabbing Bear-Little Bear
Francis Lee Grabbing Bear-Little Bear, 39, of North Platte, died Aug. 7, 2004.
He was born Aug. 24, 1964, in Pine Ridge S.D., to Royal and Regina Little Bear.
Survivors include his mother of North Platte; sisters LeAnn Grabbing Bear of Grand Island and Royalene Hernandez of North Platte; special cousin Juliana Munoz; children Royal Hannah of Lyman, Colo., Natasha Hannah of Omaha, Ruben Fernandez of North Platte and Rachel Packer of South Dakota; one grandson; two granddaughters; special friend Peggy Goodwin of North Platte; cousins from South Dakota Theresa Waters and family, Darrell Spotted Elk and family, Robert Red Shirt and family, Jerry Bear Shield and family; nieces Cheralee Grabbing Bear, Paige Beauvais, Belecya Munoz, Ashley Spotted Elk, Allyson and Kari Caldwell; nephews Jorius, Nicholas and Charles Grabbing Bear, Jesse Jr. and Benjamin Beauvais, Floriberto Jr., Filemon and Briano Munoz, Brandon and Jon Michael Caldwell, Darrell and Francis Spotted Elk, Robert John Bear Shield, Joseph Red Shirt, and many more; special Aunt Edna Apple; special friend Dave (Tara) Cobb, Larry Lamphear, and Lucille Carland.
He was preceded in death by his father Royal Little Bear.
Wake service was Aug. 11 at Billy Mills Hall in Pine Ridge. Funeral services were Aug. 12. Burial was at Holy Rosary Cemetery in Pine Ridge.
Carpenter Memorial Chapel of North Platte is in charge of arrangements.
Fern Dorothy Hackler
Fern Dorothy Hackler, 96, of North Platte died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at her home.
She was born Feb. 6, 1908, to Stephen E. and Elizabeth Benkosky Johnston at Wellfleet. She was raised in Wellfleet, where she attended rural grade school. She graduated from St. Patrick High School in 1930.
She married Ernest W. Hackler Nov. 19, 1930, at Wellfleet. He preceded her in death April 12, 1997. The couple lived in North Platte most of their married life.
Fern was a recipient of the Good Neighbor Award in 1967. She was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, the Altar society and the Rosary Group.
Survivors include daughters Louise (Earl) Broeder and Dorothy VanCleave both of North Platte; sons E. Joseph (Sue) Hackler and Bernard (special friend Judith Hruby) Hackler both of Cheyenne, Wyo.; sisters Betty Carlisle and Lucille Carlisle both of North Platte; 13 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; 15 step-great grandchildren; and seven step-great-great grandchildren
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister Evangeline; brother Norris; great grandson James Daniel and son-in-law Stanley Van Cleave.
Christian Wake Services will be 7 p.m. Aug. 12 at Adams and Swanson Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Aug. 13 at St. Patrick's Catholic Church with the Rev. Harold Kurtenbach as celebrant. Burial will be at Floral Lawns Memorial Gardens.
A memorial has been established to the North Platte Catholic Schools, St. Patrick Church or the TV Mass.
Adams and Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Donald E. Schaefer
Donald E. Schaefer, 86, of North Platte died May 15, 2008, at Linden Court.
Don was born Feb. 18, 1922, the oldest of six children, at Valentine to Theodore and Kathryn Howe Schaefer. Don graduated from high school at Valentine and then entered the U.S. Navy, serving during World War II.
On June 4, 1947, he married Berniece Farley in Valentine. They lived in Valentine before moving to North Platte in 1978.
Don was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a member of the St. Patrick''s Catholic Church in North Platte and the American Legion, VFW and Knights of Columbus in Valentine.
Survivors include daughters Gloria (Bob) Foster of North Platte, Carol (Ed) Peck of Lincoln and Donna (Gerald) Higgins of Valentine; sons John (Connie) of North Platte and Bill (Jackie) of Fort Towson, Okla.; eight grandchildren; two step-grandsons; 19 great-grandchildren; brothers Clem (Isabell), Lynn (Darlene) and Raymond (Ruth) Schaefer, all of Valentine; sister Ruth Ferris of Valentine; sister-in-law Shirley Farley, and brother-in-law George (Elsie) Farley.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife on Oct. 31, 1995, sister Eileen Elliott, step-grandson Michael and brother-in-law Fud Ferris.
A memorial has been established to St. Patrick''s Catholic Church or to Linden Court. Online condolences can be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com.
Services were May 20 at St. Patrick''s Catholic Church with the Rev. James Golka as celebrant. Burial was at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell with military honors.
Arrangements are with Carpenter Memorial Chapel.
James "Jim" Fredolin Lechner
James "Jim" Fredolin Lechner, 65, Buena Park, Calif., died Thursday, March 6, 2008, at his home from cancer.
He was born March 7, 1942 in Nebraska City to Fredolin T. and Lorene A. (Polston) Lechner.
Jim Lechner served in the Air Force from 1960-1964. He married Sherry Gilger May 31, 1961 in South Dakota and they have three children. They later divorced. He married Elaine Hansen Dec. 17, 1964 in Omaha, and they have two children. They were divorced in 1983.
Lechner owned and operated J&E Forklift Inc. in Stanton, Calif.
Surviving are his children: Jodi and John Cummings and Jami and Jerry Howe of Wichita, Kan., James Lechner of Arkansas, step-son Joe Best of Arkansas, Cindy and Jim Hawkswell of Irvine, Calif., and Deonna Lechner of Colorado Springs,Colo.; sisters Alice Huey and Judy and Dave Ison of Phoenix, Ariz.; brother David and Linda Lechner, Grand Ledge, Mich.; eight grandchildren; and many other family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
His body was to be cremated and a memorial service was held at Buena Park on March 9. He will be laid to rest at the Arizona Veteran's Cemetery in Phoenix, Ariz., at a later date.
Memorials are suggested to the family's choice.
