Memorial services for Sheila Green of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Friday, December 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the First Congregational Church in Crawford with Pastor Trey Brennan officiating. Burial will be at the Kimball Cemetery.

Mrs. Green passed away December 13, 2016 at the Chadron Community Hospital.

Sheila was born on September 16, 1928 in Julesburg, Colorado.

She was 88.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Rick Stetson of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Wednesday, December 28, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Chamberlain Chapel.  Burial will be in at the Crawford City Cemetery.

Mr. Stetson passed away on December 13, 2016 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

Rick was born on December 30, 1948.

He was 67.

A memorial has been established.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the family for future designation in care of Chamberlain Chapel, P.O. Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

John Robert Jones was the younger son of Wesley and Hester (Turpin) Jones, born August 11, 1943, in Stuart, NE. During John’s early years the Jones’ moved to Philadelphia, PA where Wesley was in the US Army Signal Corp during World War II. After the war they moved to Newport, NE where John started elementary school. The family’s next home was in Bassett, NE, where John graduated from Rock County High School in 1961. As a young boy, John loved to play Bowler Marbles; in fact, marbles adorned his mantel his entire life!

He developed a love and respect for eagles, which started when he and his dad observed them on the Niobrara River and later, at Lake McConaughy. Watching the eagles soar, then dive into the water to catch their prey, mesmerized John. For the entirety of his life he was an avid memorabilia collector of our national bird.

While attending Rock County High School, John participated in Mixed Chorus, Plays including both the junior and senior Class Plays for which he received Best Actor Awards, Square Dance Club, Rock County Club, Football, Basketball, Track, Student Council, Science Club and was his Annual’s Sr. Class Editor.

After working briefly in Omaha and California, he returned to Bassett, where his first daughter Collete was born. Later, having relocated to Alliance, daughters Serena and Tammy enlarged his family.

John’s work-ethic began to develop when, as a youngster, he not only delivered morning papers, but the evening editions as well. This served him well; John’s career in sales began in the insurance business, and later at the Gambles Store and for Eagle Communications in Alliance. He worked 33 years for the KCOW Radio Station, making contact with nearly every business owner in the Alliance and Hemingford areas.

On February 14th, 1986, he married Candis L. Stumf Kampbell, welcoming Candis’ children Mitch and Mandee Kampbell into his life. Mitch and Jill Kampbell, and Mandee Kampbell and Amanda Richards and their families all live in Omaha, where retirees John and Candis were in the process of moving, just prior to his latest health crisis which interrupted completion of their move into their new Omaha home.

Over the years, Candis and John especially enjoyed raising their ‘furkids’… dogs Buffee, Rozzee and Duke, who have all crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Falkee remains with Candis at their Omaha home.

Throughout his life at different times, John enjoyed golf, bowling, City League Basketball, Coed Volleyball, Coed Softball, dancing, card playing, in a Men’s Group and also in a Couple’s Group, and motorcycle riding.

John was a naturalist; his Spiritual Connection was most developed when in nature. Camping, whether at Fort Robinson, Chadron State Park or at the cabin near Newport, topped his list of favorite things to do. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting, and driving trips down West Ash and East Ash near Crawford with his father-in-law, Louis Stumf.

As a member of the Eagles Club, John spent many Saturday evenings calling Bingo. He was a lifetime member of the NRA. He also served his community as an EMT and a member of the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.

During the summer and fall seasons, John drove KCOW’s Little Red Truck in parades throughout the Panhandle. Not only did he enjoy the driving but also the music and contact with the communities.

Beginning in 2001, John experienced serious health issues, compounded with additional challenges in 2014 and 2016. Despite his declining health John continued to be positive! He chose to be optimistic, making new friends and, with his cheerful and grateful attitude, adding happiness to the lives of the doctors, nurses, pharmacists, receptionists, therapists, housekeeping and food service personnel with which he came into contact.

John’s legacy of positive perseverance, patience, kindness and love will be carried on by Candis, his wife of over 30 years, and his children Colette (Darrell Johnson), Serena (Eric Bremer), Tammy (Rocky DuBray), Mitch (Jill Kampbell),  Mandee Kampbell (Angela Richards) and their families:  his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who are Jessica Johnson and Aiden, Paige Johnson and Jason Stuart; Jon and Daniel Marquez; Shaina Brass, Seth and Trevor DuBray; Amanda and Shawn Sullivan, Eli and Tenley Kampbell; brother Jim and his wife Faye, as well as many other family and friends.

Those wishing to honor John with memorials, please contact:

• American Heart Association, 3816 Payshpere Circle, Chicago, Illinois 60674, or at https://donatenow.heart.org/
• American Lung Association, National Direct Response Headquarters, 1200 Hosford Street, Suite 101, Hudson, WI 54016-9316, or at http://www.lung.org/
• American Eagle Association, PO Box 333, Pigeon Forge, TN 37868, or at https://www.eagles.org/donate.

A Celebration of Life is planned for Saturday, July 15, 2017, 3:00 PM, at Camp Norwesca’s Chapel, Chadron State Park, casual dress. If you would like, wearing either camouflage or eagle attire, would be a tribute to John.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Robert Glen Canaday, 82, of Chadron, Nebraska, received his wings, Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at his home. Services for Bob Canaday will be held on Thursday, January 5, 2016, at Chamberlain Chapel, at 2:00 PM with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.

He was born March 19, 1934, at home near Chadron, Nebraska, to Fred and Hazel Canaday. As a child he lived on the table south of town. Later he lived in Whitney, Nebraska and finally moved to Chadron, Nebraska where he attended Chadron High School.

On February 16, 1953 he married the love of his life, Evelyn Mae Ferrel. The couple lived in Chadron for all but 4 months of their marriage.

Bob enjoyed fishing and camping with family and friends. As a young man he played in a country western band on weekends. Bob had a great sense of humor. He always had a joke or story to tell.

Bob enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family.

Survivors include: Bob Canaday, Yelm, Washington; Chris (Jim) Schommer, Sundance, Wyoming; Vicky (Mike) Wolf, Petersburg. Nebraska; Rusty (Michelle) Canaday, Sturgis, South Dakota; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by the love of his life-his wife Evelyn. His parents, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

A memorial has been established. Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, Ne 69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Harland O. Johnson, 86, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Chadron Community Hospital in Chadron, Nebraska.

Harland was born July 16, 1930 in Spencer, Nebraska to Oscar and Marguerite (Sandoz) Johnson and moved to the sandhills in Sheridan County as a young child.

Harland entered into the US Army on February 26, 1952.  He completed basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.  Corporal Johnson was stationed in France and served with the 83^rd Engineer Construction Battalion as a heavy equipment operator which included the rebuilding of roads, bridges and air strips.  He was awarded the National Defense service medal.  He was released from active duty on February 6, 1954, and then transferred to the United States Army Reserve for the next 8 years.

On May 23, 1955, Harland married Lois J. Gilliam in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.  To this union, three children were born, Douglas, Shirley and Sharon.

Harland delivered fuel for Hempel’s for several years.  On January 1, 1969 he opened Alliance Motors Unlimited and continued that business until his retirement on December 31, 1988.

Harland was a member of The American Legion for 40 years and also the Dawes County Veteran’s Honor Guard for many years in Chadron.

Harland is survived by his wife, Lois; daughters and sons-in-law Shirley (Richard) Sellman of Chadron, and Sharon (Joe) Starke of Alliance; and daughter-in-law, Dianne Johnson of Alliance.

He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jamie (Matthew) Pope of Fayetteville, NC; Kayla (Cody) Green of Lincoln; Michael (Mindie) Starke of Hay Springs; Tiffany (Don) McKain of Alliance; and great grandchildren, Elizabeth Pope, Anistyn and Evelyn Green, Tailyn, Rayden and Brecken Starke, and Cameron McKain.

He was preceded in death by his parents Oscar and Marguerite Johnson; siblings, Virgil William and Opal Marguerite Johnson; parents-in-law, Arlie and Vernona Gilliam; his son, Douglas Johnson; and great granddaughter, Adyson McKain.

Services will be held Friday, December 30^th, 2016 at 10:30 AM at the First Congregational Church located at 370 Chadron Avenue in Chadron, NE.  Pastor Russ Seger will officiate.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Nebraska Veteran’s Cemetery in Alliance.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established to the American Legion Post #12 or the Dawes County Veteran’s Honor Guard in Chadron.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Carmen Jean (Hagen) Cook of Crawford passed into eternal life on December 24, 2016.  She was the second child born to Gilbert and Faeth (Fluent) Hagen of Crawford on December 31, 1928.  After graduating as class valedictorian from Crawford High School in 1946, she attended Doane College in Crete, NE where she earned a degree in Medical Technology.  Upon completion of clinical training at Bryan Medical Center in Lincoln she moved back to Crawford to work as a lab and X-ray technician in the newly-built Crawford Memorial Hospital.  In 1950, she met and married Franklin Cook of Crawford and settled with him on the family ranch in the Squaw Mound Community southeast of Crawford.  To this marriage were born three children, Allen, Jean, and Glen.  Carmen continued to work for the Crawford Hospital for over 40 years, eventually becoming head of both the lab and X-Ray departments.  Carmen was a faithful member and supporter of Willow Creek Church until its closing, and later Open Door Church.  She was a 50-year member of the Squaw Mound Homemakers Club and an active 4-H Leader.  In later years, she volunteered at the Post Playhouse at Fort Robinson and was active in PEO.

Carmen was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Franklin, and brother Robert.  Carmen is survived by her three children: Allen and wife Leanne, Jean (Prosser) and husband Emory, and Glen and husband Todd Doleshall;  grandchildren Mariah Cook, Luke Prosser, Andrew and Noah Cook, step-granddaughters Jessie (Dereik) Hardesty, and Misty (Robert) Reid, and step-great-grandchildren Garret and Asher Hardesty, and Tatum, Tomi and Cord Reid.

A celebration of life service will be held on Carmen’s 88^th birthday, December 31, 2016, at 11:00 AM at the Open Door Church.  Memorials have been established for the Crawford Fire Department, Open Door Church, and the Ponderosa Villa.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Ronald “Ron” Aschwege of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 2:00 PM at the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crawford with Reverend James Rockhill officiating.  Burial will be at the Crawford City Cemetery.

Ron passed away on December 24, 2016 at Crestview Care Center in Chadron.

Mr. Aschwege was born on December 13, 1934 in Crawford, Nebraska.

He was 82.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Volunteer Fire Department Building Fund.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online Condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Angeline Morava of Crawford, Nebraska will be on Friday, December 30, 2016 at 10:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Crawford with Pastor Matt Parker officiating.  Burial will be at the Hemingford Cemetery.

Angeline passed away on December 26, 2016 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford.

Mrs. Morava was born on May 27, 1928 in Box Butte County, Nebraska.

She was 88.

A memorial has been established for the Harrison or Crawford Volunteer Fire Departments.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Marguerite “Margie” Hopkins entered into eternal life December 23, 2016 at her home with family at her side.

She is survived by her children, Beth Smith of Alliance, Butch Hopkins (Dee) of Cheyenne, WY and Ginger Erickson (David) of Rawlins, WY, 8 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great grandchildren.

Margie was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, George, her parents, numerous sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews.

She was a member of Holy Rosary Church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, January 2, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Cheyenne, WY.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com

Sondra S. Mees, 82, died Saturday, December 24, 2016 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center.

She was born September 13, 1934 in Alexandria, Nebraska to Gerald and Wilma (Ray) Joe.

She married Michael L. Mees July 5, 1975 in Elko, Nevada.  Together they moved from Fairbury to Alliance in 1979 where she worked at Woolrich.  She was a member of R.S.V.P. and the First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her husband, Michael Mees of Alliance; her sons, Dean (Sue) Fox and Donovan (Connie) Fox, all of Fairbury; her daughters, Pamela Watson of Greeley, CO and Theresa Armstrong of Salina, KS; her step-son, Wade (Julie) Mees of Deshler; 13 grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and 1 great great granddaughter.  She is also survived by her brother, Jim (Carla) Joe of Hebron; and her sisters, Elaine (Dwayne) Johnson of Illinois and Jackie (Jerry) Meyer of Fairbury.  She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be held at the Bates-Gould Chapel in Alliance on Friday, December 30, 2016 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.  Funeral services will be held at the Alexandria Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, Nebraska on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at 10:30 a.m.  Burial will be in the Alexandria Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in care of the family at, 521 W. 3rd Street, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Funeral services for Ed Hollstein of Hay Springs, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 2:00 PM with Reverend Paul Smith officiating at the United Methodist Church in Rushville.  Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, Nebraska. A visitation will be held on Friday, January 6, 2016 from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the Church.

Edmund William Hollstein passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Pioneer Manor nursing home in Hay Springs, Nebraska, on December 31, 2016.  He was 104 years old.

Ed was born in Hay Springs on September 28, 1912, to Will and Elsie Hollstein. He was the oldest of 10 children. He attended Hay Springs Public Schools. He was sent home crying his first day of school because he was only four years old. He had to wait until his fifth birthday to start school. During his teenage years he shined shoes, worked in a confectionary, and at Stiehl’s grocery store. He graduated from high school in 1930.

Ed and his friend, Elmo Richman rode the cattle train to Omaha and enrolled at the University of Nebraska. He later spent a year and half in Washington D.C, where he worked a government job and attended George Washington University Law School. He finished his law degree in 1938 at the University of Nebraska.

A highlight of his time in Washington D.C. was attending church and seeing President Franklin D. Roosevelt. He was so close that he could have shaken his hand. Ed was proud to be a lifelong Democrat and often said, “Once a Democrat, always a Democrat“.

Ed returned to Rushville to begin his law practice. After his service in the U.S. Army, he once again returned to his beloved Sheridan County, or “God’s country,” in his words. Ed practiced law in Rushville for over 60 years

On July 7, 1945 Ed eloped to Colorado with his bride, Marian Marcy, marrying in Kit Carson, Colorado. Together, they had four daughters, Mary Anne, Linda, Susan, and Irene.

In addition to practicing law, Ed had a love for the land and enjoyed farming and tending to his small herd of cattle.

Community was important to Ed. He was involved in Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Rushville School Board, ESU #12, Methodist Church, Chadron State College Foundation Trustee, among others.

He was proud of receiving an Honorary Doctor of Law Degree from Chadron State College.  In 2002 Ed and Marian were honored as Rushville’s citizens of the year.

Ed and Marian wanted “Education to be their Legacy” and have provided generous scholarships not only for high school students, but to adults who desire to attain a higher education.

Ed was a unique individual. He had a strong drive to succeed, a sense of humor, compassion for animals and love for family.

Ed is preceded in death by his wife, Marian; his parents, Will and Elsie; brothers, Bill and Freddy; sisters Maxine, Irene, Shela, and Shirley; son-in-law’s, Jerry Retherford and Fritz Wefso; granddaughters, Cyndi Kull and Alicia Ocken.

He is survived by his daughters, Mary Anne Wefso, of Rushville, Neb.; Linda Ocken (Dave) of Alliance, Neb., Susan Retherford of Colorado Springs, Col., and Irene Nedved of Lincoln, Neb.He is also survived by Sisters, Delored Partridge of Lincoln, NE, Delilah Coffer of Omaha, NE, and a Brother Bob (Joy) Hollstein of Mcallen, Texas.   He is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and countless extended family.

An Ed Hollstein memorial has been established or donors may give to a charity of their choice. As a tribute to Ed’s generous memory, his daughters suggest that family and friends reach out and do a kind deed for someone in need.

David Joe Summers, 55, of Cartersville, GA, passed away Monday, January 2, 2017, in Newnan, GA, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.  He was born December 20, 1961, in Rushville, NE, to Jack and Aldene (Dorshorst) Summers of Hay Springs, NE.  Dave lived in Hay Springs until moving to Syracuse, NE, in 1971.  He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1980, attended The University of Nebraska in Lincoln and later graduated from  Southeast  Community College where he received a Degree in Electronics in 1985. 
After graduating from Southeast  Community College, Dave went to work for Electronic Contracting Company of Lincoln for two years.  He then opened a restaurant in Lincoln called Bash Rip Rocks.  He ran the restaurant for three years before moving to Cartersville, GA, and began working for First Signal Inc., which brought him back into the electronics field again.  He spent seven years at First Signal, Inc. His experience there prepared him for his 20 year career at Southwestern Communication/Richardson where he went  on to receive the Southwestern Communication Sales Person of the Year award in 2012.  Dave enjoyed working for Southwestern Communication/Richardson because of his fellow employees and the friends he made in the hospitals he called upon and served. 

 
When he wasn’t at work, he taught himself to be a top-notch fix-it man taking care of his apartment complex he owned in Cartersville.  He also enjoyed playing tennis and golf as well as boating with family and friends.  Dave also looked forward to the boating trips at Table Rock Lake.  He made many trips back “home” to see his family and friends, but it was always scheduled to cheer on the Huskers at Memorial Stadium.  His most enjoyable time away from family was his yearly trip with his brother Bruce and the Colorado crew.

Dave is survived by his daughter, Brianna Summers, of Cartersville, his step-daughter, Brittany Luxon, of Boston, Massachusetts, and their mother Candy Pittard, of Cartersville, his mother, Aldene Summers of Lexington, his brother Bruce & Kathy Summers of Ft. Collins, CO, and sister LuAnn & Dan Clark of Lexington, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and aunts and uncles.  He was preceded in death by his father Jack Summers of Syracuse in 1978.

Memorial services will be held in Cartersville on Thursday, January 5, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home.  Services in his hometown of Syracuse will be heldSaturday, January 7, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Fusselman-Allen-Harvey Funeral Home.  His final burial will be in Hay Springs NE on Sunday, January 8, 2017, at the Hay Springs cemetery.

Memorials can be made in his name to the American Cancer Society or to the Syracuse High School Class of 1980 Scholarship Fund at Syracuse High School, Syracuse, NE.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com

Jerry L. Beagle, 75, passed away Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.

Jerry was born on February 24, 1941, in Alliance, Nebraska to Harry Frank and LaVaughn Elizabeth (Moore) Beagle

He was a proud graduate of Alliance High School’s Class of 1959.

After high school he worked briefly for the CB&Q railroad as a yard clerk.

In 1960, he went to work for Northwestern Bell Telephone Company as a lineman with a construction crew out of Chadron, Nebraska.

In February 1962, he went to work for the Guardian State Bank and Trust Co. at Alliance, Nebraska in the bookkeeping department. This began a career in banking that lasted for 44 years, all in Alliance.  He worked for the Abbott family for 33 years, ending as Senior Vice President of Consumer Lending. When the bank sold in 1995, he worked for the new owners, Community First Bank, until 1998, and then worked for Western Nebraska National Bank and Wells Fargo Bank until retiring in February 2006. He was a 1975 graduate of the Colorado Graduate School of Banking at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

Jerry valued the relationships he built up with his customers through the years and missed that the most upon his retirement.

He married Patricia Thomas of Hemingford on September 11, 1966.  To this union two children were born, Thomas and Kristy.

Sports were big part of Jerry’s life, and he was an avid fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and Denver Broncos.  He especially enjoyed playing golf and the camaraderie after each round in the clubhouse. His golfing claim to fame was that he had four holes-in-one during his playing days, all at Sky View Golf Course.

Jerry was a past member of the Alliance Jaycees, Alliance Area Chamber of Commerce (director), Box Butte Development Committee (director), Alliance Rotary Club (past president & treasurer) and he served as treasurer for the Panhandle Men’s Club for 44 years before retiring in 2011.

In his retirement years he enjoyed going on vacations with Patty and his lifelong best friends Dennis and Diana Christensen.

He had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good laugh.

He is survived by his wife Patty, his children Tom of Alliance, Kristy (Gene) Hanks of Kimball, and grandchildren Jessica and Beau Hanks of Kimball. He is also survived by his sister Joy Beagle of Hastings, a nephew, two nieces and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers, Tom and Jim.

His children and grandchildren were his pride and joy.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 10th at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be Monday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the United Methodist Church, Alliance Volunteer Fire Department Emergency Unit or to the American Heart Association.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.

Gerald J. “Mitch” Mitchell, 72, died Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Box Butte General Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church.  A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A time of sharing with the family will then follow at the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Sterling, Colorado on Wednesday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran School or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Lloyd Martens

March 28, 1927          Jan. 3, 2017

Lloyd Ernest Martens of Chadron, a long-time Dawes County rancher, died Tuesday, Jan. 3 at the Chadron Community Hospital at age 89. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be at 10 a.m. May 12, 2017 at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.

He was widely known for his friendliness, positive outlook, willingness to assist neighbors and leadership in solving problems.

Martens was born in Chadron on March 28, 1927 to Ernest and Louise (Staddon) Martens.  The family lived nine miles northeast of Chadron on a ranch that was homesteaded by his grandfather, Wilhelm Martens, in 1888.  The family received the Ak-Sar-Ben Pioneer Farm Award at the Dawes County Fair a century later.

After attending a rural school near the ranch, Martens was a member of the Class of 1945 at Chadron High School, but he dropped out at the end of his sophomore year to join the Navy, even though he had to wait several months until he was 17 to enlist.  After going through basic training, he was assigned to the Seabees and spent about a year serving primarily as a truck driver in the South Pacific on Okinawa and Ie Shima, a small island nearby.

Just two days after he had returned to Chadron following his discharge from the Navy in May 1946, he was invited to attend a graduation party at Chadron Prep. There he met one of the graduates, Glendene Wallingford, a native of Cherry County who had come with her sister to attend Prep. They were married 13 months later on June 7, 1947 at the Chadron Congregational Church.

The newlyweds joined his parents on the family ranch and assumed the management five years later.  Lloyd and Glendene lived on the ranch until retiring in 1993 and moving to 545 Beech Street in Chadron.  In 2014, they “downsized” and moved to Prairie Pines.

In the mid-1950s, Jarvis Peddicord of Hobart, Ind., purchased a ranch that joined the Martens ranch. For the next 25 years, the men were partners. Peddicord owned or leased the land, including the Martens property, and owned the cattle while Lloyd provided the management and labor.

For nearly 20 years, the late Jack Milligan also was involved in the operation. He was a cowboy who primarily worked with the cattle while Lloyd preferred running machinery and did most of the farming.

Martens served on the Alpha School board, the Dawes County Fair board, the Chadron Rural Fire District board and the board that was involved with laying water pipelines to homes and pastures in northern Dawes County.

Both Lloyd and Glendene were project leaders about 10 years when their daughters, Linda and Patty, were members of the Eager Beavers 4-H Club. After retiring, the couple traveled quite extensively and enjoyed fishing wherever they lived or visited.  Another favorite pastime for many years has been watching University of Nebraska volleyball on television.

In July 2016, the Martenses were inducted into the Dawes County Agricultural Hall of Fame.

Besides his wife, survivors include daughters Linda (Michael) Maglione of Casper, Wyo., and Patty (Jerry) Howell of Vail, Ariz., and grandsons Rodney (Paula) Mongold and Samuel (Brenda) Mongold, and two great-grandchildren, all of Casper.

A memorial has been established for the Dawes County Fire District. Contributions may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Online condolences can made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Funeral services for Lloyd Britton of Hot Springs, South Dakota will be held on Monday, January 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.  Burial will be at the Crawford City Cemetery.

Lloyd James Britton was born October 13, 1938, in Crawford, Nebraska to Roy and Cora Britton.  He was passed away January 2, 2017 in Fort Meade, South Dakota from mesothelioma.  Lloyd spent his childhood on various farms in Dawes County but in 1949, a few weeks after the “49 Blizzard”, the family moved to the farm which is still in the family today and this place had all of the requirements for Lloyd and his older brother Dale, especially beautiful East Ash Creek where they spent a good amount of their time.

Lloyd was very interested in foreign places, and in 1956 he enlisted in the Navy for a 4 year stint.  His job was firing the boilers in engine room which is where he came into contact with asbestos.  After his 4 years were up, he came home for about 3 years and went to work on the Minuteman missile sites in South Dakota and also helped his parents build a new porch on their shop. He then built a shop and would always have an interest in carpentry.

He missed the Navy and decided to re-enlist and make it his major career.  He served on several ships and one aircraft carrier and continued doing much of his work in the engine rooms but also became a diver where he would recover practice ammunition and also helped recover victims from shipping accidents.  Much of his time was spent in the Mediterranean Sea where he enjoyed visiting the ancient ruins of Rome and other historic places.  Letters t home were always interesting and he was faithful writing long letters to his parents.

He proudly spent 24 years in the Navy and in the last few years of his career, he lived in Alexandria, Missouri and worked as a Navy Recruiter on Keokuk, Iowa.  He retired from the Navy in the early 1980’s and went into refrigeration and worked at a cheese factory in Nauvoo, Illinois until he finally retired.

While living in Alexandria, the 1991 Mississippi flood put his home underwater and he relocated to Keokuk where he stayed until 2002 when he moved to Hot Springs, South Dakota to be nearer to his family and the VA.  He had always loved the Black Hills and enjoyed driving and hiking through them often.  One of his greatest attributed was his generous heart and he was always helping people.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Joyce, parents Roy and Cora Britton, brother-in-law Jim, and sister-in-law Kathy.

He is survived by his brother Dale (Barb), sisters Jeanine Connelly (Dave), Donna Ross, his nieces and nephews and many relatives.

A memorial has been established for the Disabled American Veterans.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Mitch Mitchell, 72, passed away Thursday, January 5, 2017 at Box Butte General Hospital in Alliance.

Gerald J. “Mitch” Mitchell was born on August 26, 1944 in Sterling, CO to Howard and Amelia (Schumann) Mitchell.  He grew up in Sterling and graduated from Sterling High School in 1962.

On October 6, 1968 he was united in marriage to Diane L. Luft in Sterling, CO.  To this union three children, Marci, Micki and Chad were born.

He began working for U-Save Grocery Store in Sterling in 1967.  In January of 1979 he and his family moved to Alliance when he was transferred here as manager.  He became the majority stockholder in 1983 and later changed the name to Shop ‘N Save and would eventually relocate to a larger building at 3rd and Cody Avenue.  He retired and sold the store in 2001 while continuing to operate a liquor store in the original Shop ‘N Save building until 2009.

Mitch was a member of Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church, a founding member of the Alliance Archery Club and Route 385 Cruisers. He especially enjoyed bow hunting and fishing with many great friends and attending car shows and receiving numerous awards with his ’57 Chevrolet.

He is survived by his wife, Diane, his children, Marci (Sean) Bixby and Micki (Clay) Messersmith all of Alliance and Chad (Tonja) Mitchell of Arvada, CO, his grandchildren,

Riley Bixby, Dani Bixby, Kaitlyn Messersmith, Shaylee Messersmith, Jenna Messersmith, Kaci Messersmith, Tayden Mitchell and Owen Mitchell. He is also survived by his sister, Joyce (Larry) Lybarger of Sterling, CO and his twin sister, Geraldine (Tom) Rose of Iliff, CO, and his sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Lillian (Kent) Hendricks and Allen (Ruth) Luft of Sterling, CO and Jim (Ginger) Luft of Littleton, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, January 10 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church with Reverend Martin T. Schnare and Reverend Richard C. Mueller officiating.  A time of visitation will be held at the funeral home on Monday, January 9 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  A time of sharing with the family will then follow at the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran Church at 7:00 p.m.  Burial will be in the Riverside Cemetery at Sterling, Colorado on Wednesday, January 11 at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Immanuel Ev. Lutheran School or to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Memorial services for Robert St. Andre of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM at the Christ Community Church in Crawford with Pastor Steve Mallery officiating.

Mr. St. Andre passed away on January 6, 2017 at his home in Crawford, Nebraska.

Robert was born July 22, 1945 in Battle Creek, Michigan.

He was 71.

A memorial has been established.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE  69337

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.