Lloyd LeRoy Serl, 86, passed away Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at his home in Alliance.

He was born August 28, 1930 in Alliance to Charles and Mildred Serl.

On February 6, 1952 he was united in marriage to Gladys Adamson in Alliance.  After her passing in 2002, he married Betty Ushio on October 4, 2005. She passed away in 2011.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War.  Following his discharge he returned to Alliance and resumed working as a meat cutter for Panhandle Packing until his retirement. He was a Golden Eagle Member of Aerie #136 of Alliance and a lifetime member of the American Legion, V.F.W. and also a member of the D.A.V.

He is survived by his sons, Lloyd Dean (Klara) Serl and LeRoy Gene Serl of Alliance, his grandchildren, Christina (Beau) Hansen of North Platte, Michelle Serl of Scottsbluff, Matthew (Delta) Serl  and Aaron Serl of Alliance, his great-grandchildren, Tyson Smith, Sean Smith, Abbygale Serl, Michael Serl, Sophie Allen and one great-great granddaughter, Elyzabeth Smith.  He is also survived by his sister, Laveta (John) Chadwick of Colorado Springs, CO and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents and his 2 wives, he was also preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Marie Serl, and his infant twin brother, Charles, Jr., and other brothers Richard and Jerry.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Burial with military honors will be in the Alliance Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday from 1-7 p.m. and Tuesday until service time at the funeral home.

Memorials may be sent in care of the family to 416 Grand Avenue, Alliance, NE  69301 for a later designation.

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

Eva R. Hernandez, 87, died Tuesday, January 24, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center.

She was born December 15, 1929 in Laredo, Texas to Francisco and Angela (Arizola) Renteria.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Rios of Aurora, CO; her sister, Connie Goss of Aurora, CO; brothers, Joe Renteria of Huntsville, MO, Frank Renteria of Terre Haute, IN and Jesse Renteria of Hill City, SD.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her son David Hernandez, sisters, Maria and Asuncion, and brothers, Manuel, Gilbert, Jesse, Jesse and Kenneth.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, February 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, January 31 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Highland Park Care Center.

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

Patricia (Hogue) de Ganahl,, wife, mother, and very special homemaker, of Lakeside, Nebraska, peacefully passed away Saturday January 28, 2017 at the age of 88.

Pat was born on July 22, 1928 in Dickenson, North Dakota.  She was the daughter of Henry M. Hogue and Anne Beres Hogue.   As Pat grew up, her family lived in North Dakota, Oregon, and Alaska.  She was a 1946 graduate of Juneau High School in Alaska.

While in Juneau, Pat met the love of her life, Charles de Ganahl.  They were united in marriage August 30, 1947.  To that union were born five children; Joe, Clay, Nancy, Christopher, and Hank.

In 1954 Pat followed her husband Chuck into the cattle ranching business.  Over the next sixty years, their journey took her to the Lazy EH Ranch near Yampa, Colorado and later the Star and Dennis Camp Ranches near Lakeside, Nebraska.  Along the way, Pat made a happy home for Chuck and the family she loved.  Our Mom made sure the family, cowboys, and hay crew, always found plenty of hot food on the table, the house was clean, the chores were done, and the kids were taught their manners.

She loved her visits and monthly bridge parties with neighbor wives and friends.  Watching and helping her grandchildren grow up became a special joy.  After 2004, Chuck and Pat spent their winters in Mesquite, Nevada.

Pat was preceded in death by Chuck, her husband of 63 years.  She is survived by her brother Duane Hogue, sisters-in-law Pat Hogue and Virginia de Ganahl Kimmel, her five children and their spouses, nine grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, six nephews, three nieces, extended family, and many friends.

Mom will rest beside our Dad, amidst the special beauty of the Nebraska Sandhills, with their favorite view of Dennis Camp.

The family will hold a memorial service in Nebraska at the Lakeside Methodist Church on July 22, 2017 at 11:00 AM.

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

A memorial service for Terry Burks, of Chadron will be conducted at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, NE. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 4 PM until 8 PM January 31, 2017 at the chapel.

Terry Leigh Burks, 68, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. Terry was born on October 2, 1948 in Chadron, Ne, daughter of the late Robert and Eleanor McHenry. She grew up on a farm just east of Chadron, attended Chadron Public Schools and graduated with a BA at Chadron State.

On July 26, 1980, she married Ray Burks of Chadron, Ne. The couple lived in Chadron and she worked in the registrar’s office at Chadron State College and retired from the business office in 2008.

Terry loved dragging Ray to all of the auctions across the country, telling him how to refinish and repair antiques. She was an accomplished seamstress and quilter who spent countless hours sewing and quilting.

Survivors include: husband, Ray Burks of Chadron, NE; son, Jeremy Burks (Spring) of  Hot Springs, SD; step-son, Darryl Burks (Pamela) of Centennial, CO; step-daughter, Deanna Burks (Mark) of Augusta, ME; brother, Mike McHenry (Jeanne) of Hot Springs, SD; 7 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren. She was also survived by many friends, if you were among them you know who you are. She will be in our hearts forever.

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Josephine E. “Jo” Davis, 82, of Ashby died Monday January 30, 2017 at North Platte.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday February 2, 2017 at 2 PM at Shepherd of the Hills Church, Hyannis, Ne.

Internment will be at Ashby Cemetary, Ashby, Ne.

Memorials can be sent to Shepherd of the Hills Church 609 N. Hwy 61 Hyannis, Ne.

Gerald (Jerry) D. Green, 65, passed away Saturday, January 28, 2017 at his home in Alliance.

He was born October 29, 1951 at Bismarck, ND to Bruce (Lee) and Louise (Axtell) Green.  Jerry grew up in McIntosh, SD where attended and graduated high school.  He then attended and graduated from the Denver Automotive and Diesel College.  In 1971, he married Georgia (Dolecheck) Geigle and they lived and raised their three kids on the farm in McIntosh until 1984.  In 1977, Jerry attended the Western College of Auctioneering in Billings, MT where later he proudly served as an instructor for eight years.  Auctioneering was his career passion spanning 35 years and he worked every facet of the auction world.  In addition to working innumerable farm and estate auctions in South Dakota he also worked at the Livestock Auction Markets in McLaughlin, SD and Mobridge, SD, and later at the Equity Co-Op Livestock Market in Stratford, WI. He sold countless vehicles through the Billings Auto Auction in Billings, MT, Mannheim Auto Auction in Maple Grove, MN and ADESA Auto Auction in Fargo, ND. He also worked the C.M. Russell Art Auction in Great Falls, MT for several years.   Jerry also farmed in South Dakota many years of his life.  He was married to Jennifer Lahren from 1990-2012 and they lived in MT, SD, and MN at different times.  Jerry moved to Alliance in 2012 from MN.

Jerry never met a stranger and would visit with anyone that crossed his path and loved to joke and tell stories. He had life- long love of muscle cars and enjoyed tinkering in his shop for hours on end.   Although he battled through many health struggles he always managed to keep joking and smiling. He was a proud father and doting grandfather to his only grandchild, Sutten.  In addition, he was a faithful friend to many.

He is survived by his children, Rick (Staci) Green of Dickinson, ND, Dixie (Will) Parkison of Alliance and Ronn Green of Billings, MT and his granddaughter, Sutten Parkison of Alliance. He is also survived by his uncle, Joe (Mary Jo) Rotter of Cheyenne, WY, his nieces, Donna (Kent ) Davis of Mullin, ID, Kelly (Arthur) Haymaker of Waukomis, OK, Renae Stewart of Alva, OK and Anita (Mike) Chandler of Paxton, NE.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Rundal Green.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in McIntosh, SD.

Condolences may be sent to the family in care of Dixie Parkison, 6991 Otoe Road Alliance, NE  69301.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Box Butte County Hill Top View 4-H Club, 415 Black Hills Ave, Alliance, NE 69301.

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

Josephine E. “Jo” Davis 82, of Ashby was taken home to heaven on Monday, January 30, 2017 in North Platte.  She was born June 16, 1934 south of Ashby on the Blaylock family ranch to Lewis and Mary (Babb) Blaylock.

Josephine was raised in and around Ashby.  Jo graduated from Ashby High School then went to Chadron State College obtaining her teaching degree.  She taught school at the Boots School south of Ashby and later at the Red Mill School north of Hyannis.

While teaching she met Leonard Davis Sr.  They married in Alliance on September 6, 1952.  They were married for 63 years.

Jo and Leonard remained on the Davis ranch north of Hyannis, where Jo faithfully served Leonard and family.  She also cooked for and took care of the Hay Field crews and later cooking for the Hyannis High School and surrounding schools for over 20 years.

Jo and Lenard went into the Ministry together and they ministered and taught to people’s spiritual and emotional needs in the Communities of Midlands, South Dakota, Arnold, Hyannis, and Ashby, Nebraska.

Jo was a faithful servant to the Lord, her husband, her kids, extended family, friends and community her whole life. If there was someone in need she was there with a helping hand and armed with a pan of cinnamon rolls and a caring heart.  Every person she ever met could probably tell you how she touched their life and how good her rolls and runzas were.  Her memory remains with all her family and friends she leaves behind.  First of all her children, Ardith (Willis) Keller of Hyannis, Leonard Jr. of North Platte, Deanna (Brandon) Thurston of Three Forks, Montana, and Jerry (Francesca) Davis of Grand Island.  10 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and special friend Jacque Jordan, Sister Mary Lou Dent, sister in law Kate Blaylock.

She is preceded in death by her husband Leonard Sr., three brothers and wives Charles and Myrtle, Lloyd and Maxine, Marvin Blaylock, Sister Gladys and husband Hilton Olsen and half sister Lily and Ken Lawson.

Memorials may be given to the Shepherd of the Hills Church Organ Fund % 609 N. Hwy. 61 Hyannis, NE.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, February 2 at 2PM. MDT. At the Shepherd of the Hills Church in Hyannis.  Burial will follow at the Ashby Cemetery.  There will be no visitation or viewing but you may stop and sign the memorial book at the Church prior to service time starting at 10AM.

Mullen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Betty E. Grant, 90, died Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center.

She was born June 3, 1926 in Box Butte County, Nebraska to Jesse and Malvory (Zobel) Watson.

Betty was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, the Extension Club and the Eagles Auxiliary.

She is survived by her husband, Lyle Grant of Alliance; her sons, Larry (Barbara) Grant of Hemingford and Lonnie (Janell) Grant of Alliance; and her daughter, Sally Olson-Jones of Broken Bow.  She is also survived by 13 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren; her brother, William Watson of Alliance; and her sisters, Malvory (James) Shankland of Hyannis and Mary Ann Blackstone of Bayard.  She was preceded in death by her parents, 1 son, 4 brothers, 3 sisters and 1 great grandchild.

Funeral services will be held Friday, February 3 at 2:00 p.m. at St. John’s United Lutheran Church.  Pastor Tim Stadem will officiate.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, February 2 from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to St. John’s United Lutheran Church or Highland Park Care Center.

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

Esther Mae Rigney, 93, passed away Monday, January 30, 2017, at Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Alliance.

Esther was born in Alliance, Nebraska on December 4, 1923, to George Alvin and Jessie Estella (Smith) Fosket.  She spent her childhood in Sioux and Morrill Counties.  She graduated with the Class of 1941 from Bayard High School.

Esther met her future husband, John Rigney, while working at the air base in Alliance.  He was a native of Staten Island, New York.  They were married in Alamogordo, New Mexico on April 2, 1945.  The couple then moved to Staten Island.  Esther took the Staten Island ferry to Manhattan to her work at the New York Stock Exchange.  They left New York and moved to Alliance in 1959.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Ellen, of Sun City, AZ and a host of nieces and nephews in Nebraska and New York. Esther was preceded in death by her husband, John, parents, George and Jessie, sisters Dorothy and Norma, brothers George, Alvin and Byron, a niece, two nephews and a grand niece.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner and Father Roy Pasala officiating. The Rosary will be at 9:15 a.m. on Saturday prior to the service. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to the Sallows Military Museum or the donor’s choice.

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

Memorial services for Joan Dawson of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.  Private family burial will be at the Hyannis Cemetery.

Joan Francis (Haggerty) was born March 26, 1937 to Charles and Edwina (Sharp) Haggerty.  She went to be with the Lord on February 2, 2017 at Crestview Care Center.

Joan grew up and attended Spalding Academy in Spalding, Nebraska where she graduated in 1954.  She then married Robert LeRoy Dawson on November 24, 1954.  To this union were born four children, Lawrence Allen, Richard Lee, Mark Eugene, and Kathy Lyn.  Robert and Joan moved from Spalding to the Sandhills in 1957.  They worked and lived on ranches in Valentine, Brownlee, Hyannis, and Whitman.  Robert passed away in 1973.  Joan continued to live and work in Hyannis until she moved to Chadron in October of 1978.  She then married Larry Lucas on December 23, 1978.  They were married for 23 years.  Joan moved to Gordon and Martin, SD for work before coming back to Chadron.

Joan always enjoyed baking and cooking, she was best known for her cream pies.  She was also a great homemaker and always made you feel at home.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Edwina Haggerty, Husband, Robert Dawson, Brother Chuck Haggerty, infant sister Helen Marie Haggerty, and ex-husband Larry Lucas.

She is survived by her children Larry (Deb) Dawson of Kilgore, NE; Rick (Becky) Dawson of Ogallala, NE, Mark (Terie) Dawson of Chadron, NE, and Kathy (Mike) Bishop of Chadron.  Step children John, Joe, Jerry, Jeff, Jim and Jackie Lucas. Grandchildren, Jessica (Andy) Coyle of Nenzel, Andy (Kasey) Dawson of Valentine, Kayla (Kyle) Helms of Holbrook, Erin Dawson of North Platte, Katy (Kelvin) Robertson of Ogallala, Casey Dawson of Ogallala, Sean Dawson of Chadron, Krysta Dawson of Chadron, NE, Steamer (Janelle) Nix of Colorado Springs, CO and Tennessee (Krista) Nix of Hay Springs.  She had 11 great grandchildren and one on the way in April.

Joan was also survived by her siblings Mike (Linda) Haggerty of Spalding, Marie (Fred) Schmietz of Spalding, Marsha Molinari of Minneapolis, and sister-in-law Beth Haggerty of Gladwyn, MI; plus numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial will be established at a later date.  Donations can 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.

Vera Ileana Sautter, 91, passed away Saturday, February 4, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center in Alliance, Nebraska.

Vera was born January 17, 1926, to Floyd Henry Pierce and Mildred Nellie Pelham Pierce at University Place (Lincoln), Nebraska.  She was a 1943 graduate of Lincoln High School.  She attended Bryan Nursing School and Wesleyan University.  She was employed at the Lincoln Telephone Company, in a Lincoln physician’s office and at the Nebraska State Capitol.  Vera met John Henry Sautter at Epworth Methodist Church in Lincoln, Vera was a high school student and John a University of Nebraska and US Army ROTC student.  John served in WWII and after the war, John and Vera were married in Lincoln, Nebraska on June 7, 1947.  They moved to Verdigre, Nebraska where John was a teacher for 10 years and Vera was a homemaker.

In 1957, they moved to Halsey, Nebraska where Vera worked as Office Manager for the Blaine/Thomas Soil Conservation District and John worked as a Soil Conservationist for the USDA.  Vera and John then moved to Stapleton in 1966 where Vera worked as the Office Manager for the Logan/McPherson Soil Conservation District and John continued in the Soil Conservation Service[SCS].  They moved to Mullen, Nebraska in 1972 where John continued with the SCS and Vera was a homemaker and worked as a clerk in the local drug store/gift shop.  She was appointed to serve the Upper Loup Natural Resources District Board replacing her husband after his passing in 1986.  Vera returned to hometown of Lincoln in 1990, joining her sister June and husband Ed.  In Lincoln, Vera was a volunteer for the Area Agency on Aging, the Heritage Gift Shop and served on the Lower Platte NRD Board.  In 2009, Vera moved to Alliance, Nebraska to be near family.

Vera and John raised four children in small communities of Nebraska.  Vera was a homemaker and mother who served her church, community and shared her Christian faith with her children.  She was a pianist, vocalist, voracious reader and bridge player.  She was devoted to serving the United Methodist Church in Sunday School, United Methodist Women and as a Lay Speaker.  Vera was a member of Eastern Star and Extension Clubs and supported her children’s activities in academics, sports, music, 4-H and scouts.  Vera came to love rural communities and the Sandhills and joined John in his hobbies of collecting antiques, camping, hunting rocks and making jewelry.  They were committed in caring for a clean and safe environment.  She was known as a sweet and kind woman and a loving wife and mother.

Vera is survived by her daughter Susan (Joseph) Tollefson of Bremerton, WA; two sons, Bill (Sandy) Sautter of Sioux City, IA and David (Cynthia) Sautter of Alliance, NE; daughter-in-law, Alberta Sautter; grandchildren Maryann Vognild, of St. Louis, MO; Lori Mazanec, Alliance, NE; John Tollefson, Bremerton, WA; Michael Sautter, Alliance, NE; John Sautter, Springfield, VA; Becca Sautter, Omaha, NE; Sarah Tollefson, Seattle, WA; Stephen Sautter, York, NE; Nathan Sautter, Louisville, KY; Elizabeth Fritzler, Alliance, NE; Christopher Sautter, Cape Girardo, MO; Matthew Sautter, Sioux City, IA; great grandchildren Keeley Mazanec, Eva Vognild, Kaelyn Mazanec, Katherine Sautter, Harper Fritzler, John (Jack) Sautter, Harvey Sautter, Jillian Sautter, Holland Fritzler, Aurelia Sautter and John Paul Sautter.

Vera was preceded in death by her husband of 39 years John Henry, her son Paul Sautter, daughter-in-law Sandra (Stull) Sautter, her parents Floyd and Mildred Pierce, brothers Dean and Earl Pierce and sisters June Moss and Maryann Starlin.

Memorial services celebrating her life will be Monday, February 13, 10:30 am MST at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, Nebraska.  Interment will be Tuesday, February 14 at 1 pm CST at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell, Nebraska, where her husband John is buried.  Memorials may be given to Youth for Christ, the United Methodist Church in Alliance or the Arbor Day Foundation.  Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Keith Dale Jacobs, 86, passed away Thursday, February 9, 2017 at Box Butte General Hospital.

He was born in Douglas, Wyoming on December 25, 1930 to Lawrence and Mae (Armbruster) Jacobs.

Keith lived most of his life in Alliance.  For many years he worked with his family in the operation of their meat locker business in Alliance.  He later worked in the rail crew transportation business.

Keith is survived by his niece, Cherie Smith of Norfolk, NE, his nephews, Cliff (Bobbi) Robinson of Torrington, WY, Justin (Cyndi) Robinson of Kaycee, WY and Craig (Tara) Robinson of Lander, WY and numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Hilda Shepard of Scottsdale, AZ.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Norma J. (Schnell-Ackerman) Jacobs, his father, his mother and step-father, Mae and Marshal Jenkins, his brothers, Ralph and Grover and his sister, Barbara Robinson.

Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Memorial services for Winnie Littrel of Chadron, NE will be held on Friday, February 17, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel with Dr. Russ Seger officiating.  Inurnment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron.

Mrs. Littrel was born on July 12, 1953 in Weed, California.

Winnie passed away on February 12, 2017 at the Chadron Community Hospital.

She was 63.

A memorial has been established for the Friends of Pets.  Donations may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, Nebraska 69337

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Charles “Chuck” Krantz 71 of Alliance passed away February 11, 2017 surrounded by loved ones.

Chuck was born on December 26^th, 1945 to Jim and Edie Krantz also of Alliance.

He graduated from Saint Agnes Academy in 1964, and went on to attend Chadron State College before enlisting in the Army.  Chuck attended and graduated from OCS and was later promoted to Captain.  He attended helicopter training school in Texas and was soon deployed to Vietnam.  While stationed there, he was highly decorated with many medals, including the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Army Commendation Medal.

Chuck was always dedicated to the sport he loved.  He not only coached wrestling he was also instrumental in starting the first US Wresting club in Alliance. He also helped promote and organize wrestling clubs throughout western Nebraska.

He served wrestling on the local, district, state and national levels.   He traveled many miles to make sure Nebraska was represented at National meetings and any kid that needed a ride could go and participate in tournaments. In 1986 Chuck took a team of wrestlers to China to wrestle.   In addition to the China trip, he was the organizer for two separate exchange trips with Germany.

He has been recognized for the many hours he dedicated to promoting and training the largest number of US Wrestling mat officials across the state. He was a Category M1 mat official for the national organization, USA Wrestling.

Awards Chuck has received include Official of the Year, District 7 Director of the Year, State Director of the Year, and Kids Director of the Year. Chuck was named the Northern Plains Regional State Chairperson of the Year in 1994. He will be inducted into the Nebraska State Wrestling Hall of Fame on June 2, 2017.

Chuck is survived by his sister Teri (Tim) O’Hearn of Tacoma, WA, Bobbi (Cliff) Robinson of Torrington, WY, Jan (Ernie) Carlson of Alliance, his sons, Wil and Charlie Krantz of Alliance, his six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Edie Krantz, and his sons Jim and Ricky Krantz.

Per his request, there will be no services. Please send memorials to PAWS, P.O. Box 117, Alliance, NE 69301.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com.  Dugan Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Janet Yvonne Jeske passed away Sunday, February 12, 2017 at Highland Park Care Center.

Janet Yvonne Thompson was born on July 24, 1936 to G.A. (Jimmy) and Wilma (Boyer) Thompson in

Alliance, Nebraska.

She attended Alliance High School where she graduated in the class of 1954. Janet then attended nursing school at Presbyterian Hospital in Denver, Colorado, graduating in 1958.

She met Dale L. Jeske and they were married on October 19, 1958. They moved to Alamo, Texas where she worked in the emergency room at McAllen General Hospital for a few years. She then went to work for H. Deane Munal M.D. in San Juan, Texas for 17 years. Following that she began working for the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo School District where she was the School Nurse Administrator until she retired in 2002. In 2004 they moved back to the Sandhills of Nebraska, close to the family ranch east of Alliance, where she was a rancher’s wife.

Survivors include her husband, Dale, her son, Dale Jeske, Jr, of Alliance, her daughter, Janelle (Neil) King of Austin, TX, her two granddaughters, Melody King in New Orleans, Louisiana and Kimberly King in Austin Texas. She is also survived by her brothers, Leonard Dale (Rhea) Thompson of Denver CO and Dennis Thompson of Alliance along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was active in the Evangelical Free Church, where she was in charge of the kitchen, The Mission

Committee & White Cross. Janet was also a volunteer at the hospital gift box.

She is the President of the Alliance Gideon Camp Auxiliary and ask that any donations be given to

“The Gideons International” to provide Bibles and Testaments to those who do not have a bible of their

own in their own language.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday February 17 at 1:30 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Alliance with burial at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance.

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

Kenny J. Preiss, 61, passed peacefully February 15, 2017 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Kenny Joe Preiss was born April 14, 1955 in Alliance to John and Betty Helen (Spracklin) Preiss, Jr.

A lifelong resident of Alliance, Kenny graduated from Alliance High School in 1973. He began his career with the Burlington Northern-Sante Fe Railroad as a conductor.  He served the last 22 years as Chairman for local United Transportation Union #934 and later retired in 2015, after 42 years of dedicated employment. His serving 5 elected terms as chairman are evident of his respected character and personal impact on others he served.

Being a people person, Kenny tremendously valued his camaraderie with his many friends through coffee visits, phone calls and personal visits at his home. He loved being outside, gardening and took great pride in his yard and flowers. He enjoyed sports and followed baseball, football and golf. Traveling the country, seeing the sights and sharing time with his wife was of most importance. Kenny was a caring husband, father and grandfather, always concerned that all were taken care of.

Kenny is survived by his wife, Carrie of 31 years of Alliance, children Kevin Preiss of Rapid City, SD, Anthony Preiss of Rogers, AK, Kelli Preiss of Bridgeport, NE, Kristopher (Marisa) Gadway of Peoria, AZ, Tiffany Gadway of Phoenix, AZ, Mother Betty Preiss, sister Juanita (Larry) McCracken and brother Terry (June) Preiss, all of Alliance and 10 grandchildren.

Kenny was preceded in death by his father, John Preiss Jr., his daughter, Amanda Preiss and his special friend Greg Reno.

Family requests that memorials be made to the Regional West Hospice, 3701 Avenue D, Suite #2204, Scottsbluff, NE 69361.

Memorial services will be Thursday, February 23 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church with Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

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

Bernice was born on May 31, 1932 in Wisconsin and died February 17, 2017 at Pioneer Manor in Hay Springs, Nebraska. She was married to David LaBelle in 1948 and had three children: Evelyn Roosa and Nancy Watkins of Florida and David LaBelle Jr. of Wisconsin. In 1959, she married William Leach of Gordon, Nebraska and had two girls, Peggy Holsinger and Melissa Junge of Arizona.

This began an adventure in the U.S. Air Force. She traveled to Spain, the Philippines, and Air Force Bases in Texas, Washington D.C., Mississippi, and Colorado, before settling in Chadron, Nebraska. She had a home with beautiful souvenirs from all of her travels.

She is preceded in death by her husband William Leach (Cork), her two brothers, Darrell and Otho Rounds Jr., and her sister June Chryst. She is survived by her five children, fourteen grandchildren, and twenty great-grandchildren.

Bernice encouraged her children to pursue education and she herself had two years of college education. She taught herself how to reupholster furniture, as well as sewing and crocheting.

She was a spit-fire on the dance floor, dancing the polka and to country music, never missing a beat! She had fun playing Keno and driving her Cadillac.

We will miss the fun loving mom and grandmother that we had for too short a time.”

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Robert (Bob) Smith, 60, of Chadron died Friday, February 17, 2017 at the Rapid City Regional Hospital in Rapid City, South Dakota. A celebration of life will be Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at 10:00 AM at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron with Pastor Steve Retzlaff officiating. Burial will be at Merriman Cemetery in Merriman, Nebraska.

Robert Larry Smith (Bob) was born December 26, 1956 to Curtis N. and Goldie G. (Huckins) Smith in Rushville, Nebraska.

Bob joined brothers James (Jim), Richard (Dick), and sister Janice (Sis). The early years of Bob’s life were spent in various homes throughout the Sandhill’s of Sheridan and Cherry County. He began his school years in Hay Springs and then attended Merriman Public school, graduating from Gordon High School in 1975. As he grew up he continued to gather friends. His mother taught him about the love of the Lord early in his life. From early in his life he developed a devotion to cars. He was the proud owner of a ’55, ’56, and ’57 Chevy. From his teen years on he worked on restoring engines and completed the restoration of several cars for himself and his brothers. He attended Sidney Tech School where we acquired training in carpentry.

All of his life he loved hunting, fishing, and anything to with automobiles. Bob married Katherine (Kay) Kadolph in Rushville on July 18, 1981. To their union were born Amy L Smith and Neil A. Smith. He loved his family and was a devoted son, brother, husband, father, and friend.

Bob used his extensive automotive knowledge as he worked for several mechanic shops and automotive businesses. From age 20 until the time of his passing he worked for Wahlstrom Ford as “Parts Bob.”

He is survived by his wife Katherine (Kay) of Chadron, Daughter Amy and Son Neil; Brothers Jim (Coffey) of Bridgeport, Dick of Merriman; Sister Jan Bruhn and her son Clint and Sonja of Chadron; Uncle Robert (Beverly) Huckins of Pierre, SD; Aunt Violet (Vi) Coon of Gordon; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Orum J. McMasters, 96, passed away on February 21, 2017 at the Western Nebraska Veterans Home.

Orum was born on May 1, 1920, to Fay B. and Zella (Case) McMasters.  He was delivered at the family home on 321 E. 4th Street, Alliance, NE.  Orum worked as a paint contractor all of his working adult life and finally retired at age 75.

On October 14, 1947, he married Marcine Peltz of Hemingford, NE.  From this union, he was blessed with two children, Pamela (McMasters) Jespersen of Omaha, NE and John McMasters of Brooklyn, NY.

Orum was drafted into the US Army on August 27, 1941 and finished his basic training on December 6, 1941—one day before Pearl Harbor.  He transferred with the 41st Infantry on December 9, 1941 to Seattle, WA and then was shipped overseas in April 1942.  He traveled to Australia on the Queen Elizabeth and then spent 32 months in New Guinea as a combat engineer.  During his time here, he laid 24 miles of pipeline stretching from the coast to a new air strip that Amelia Earhart had previously taken off on and then disappeared.  During his time overseas, his Army Infantry helped chase the Japanese off of the island.   Based off a points system, Orum was selected to return to the United States in December 1944.  He then went to Ft. Leavenworth and continued his service with Army as a combat instructor.  He was honorably discharged on August 29, 1945.

Orum was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Oma Fisher of Omaha, NE, and brother William McMaster of Denver, Colorado.  Orum leaves behind his daughter, Pam, son, John, grandson Robert (Gus) Jespersen and his wife Krista Bartz-Jespersen of Alaska and two great-grandchildren, Arlo and Lyle Jespersen.

Memorials in Orum’s name may be given to the American Legion in Alliance or to the Western Nebraska Veterans Home in Scottsbluff.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, February 28 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel with Pastor Kent Steinke officiating.  Burial will military honors will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

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