Michael Steven Rozmiarek, better known as “Pa” to most, passed away on Friday,
January 26, 2018 in Ransom, Kansas.

Born May 12, 1951 to Steven and Maxine Rozmiarek at Stapleton, NE, Pa was the
youngest of three children.  He grew up on the family farm in Logan County and
attended school in Arnold where he graduated in 1969.

He married Rose Dubs, August 17, 1971.  While working near Ogallala, NE, their
first son, Steven Paul was born.  While living and working in Lamar, NE, two more
sons were born, Joseph Henry and Theodore Michael.  Mike worked on several
ranches in Sheridan and Grant County, calling Hyannis home for many years.
While living there, he started an excavation business with his brother-in-law, Sid,
a job he truly enjoyed.  He later moved to Hemingford and Alliance, and started
a trucking business with his son, Joe.  He greatly enjoyed seeing the country from
his truck and working with his sons while trucking and farming.

Pa enjoyed spending his days outdoors almost as much as he enjoyed spending time
with his family.  He looked forward to warm fishing weather with his sons and grand-
children, and always looked forward to the annual family trap shoot each year.
He enjoyed hunting with his family and will be remembered for his penchant
for taking the long shot and his uncanny ability to make it count.  He could always
be counted on to fill a chair on card nights usually bidding with a prolonged pause
as if pondering the magnitude of his good fortune in the deal, only to break the
silence with “Awe, nope…can’t do it..pass”.

Pa maintained a thirst for knowledge his entire life.  He was an avid reader, no piece
of information went unnoticed.  Many will remember hi pausing to look at a stray
rock or an odd mineral formation along the road and the interesting conversation
that could follow.  His eclectic knowledge and wisdom will be greatly missed.

Pa is preceded in death by his parents, Steven and Maxine Rozmiarek.  He is
survived by his sister, Frances Blank and brother, Tony Rozmiarek.  Also surviving
are his sons, Steve (Starr) Rozmiarek, Joe (Holly) Rozmiarek and Ted Rozmiarek.
Grandchldren: Joseph, Christian, Taeller, Zachary, Samantha and Sophia.

Memorial services will be Saturday, February 3, 2018 at 2:00pm at the Seventh
Day Adventist Church in Alliance, NE.  Interment will be at a later date at Ball
Cemetery.  The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please take a friend fishing.

Thomas W. Ziegler, 62, passed away Tuesday, January 30, 2018 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

He was born February 25, 1955 at Frederick, OK to Thomas and Betty Jo (Ward) Ziegler.
On August 23, 1980 he was united in marriage to Karen Siefford.

Tom retired as an engineer from Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad after 30 years of
service where he was commonly called “Ziggy.”

He is survived by his son, Tommy, and his daughter, Kimberly (James) Murphy, his
grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jeremiah and Maddison Murphy, and his former wife, Karen all
of Alliance.  He is also survived by his friend, Ben, his brother, Jim Ziegler of Scottsbluff
and his sister, Susie (Steve) Hill of Walter, OK.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, February 6 at 2:00 p.m.  at the Bates-Gould Chapel
with Pastors Don Mink and James Baker officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance
Cemetery.  A reception will follow at the Indian Mission Church of God.

Memorials may be given in care of the family at 1108 Emerson Avenue, Alliance, NE  69301.

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

Alta Jeanette (Gardiner) Haslow, 85, passed away Friday, February 2, 2018, at Box Butte
General Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska.

Alta was born March 22, 1932, in Gordon Nebraska to L. Jay and Evelyn B. (DeFrance)
Gardiner. She attended elementary school at Merriman and Valentine. Before her sophomore
year, she moved with her family to Gordon, where she graduated from High School in 1950.

On August 26, 1951, she married her High School sweetheart, Richard W. “Dick” Haslow.
The two had met at age 15, while attending a Methodist Youth picnic, and after four years
of courtship, they were happily married for more than 60 years. To this union, four
children were born; Debbie in 1952, Rich in 1954, Carla in 1956, and Robbie in 1962.

Alta had many occupations, including bookkeeper, school bus driver, and ‘cowhand’ as
she assisted her husband on their small cattle ranch north of Bingham. Alta and Dick
moved to Alliance in 1968, and became instrumental in the development of the Nebraska
Boys Ranch, where Alta did everything from cooking, to laundry, to office manager.
She retired from Boys Ranch in 1997, but her love and care for so many boys will have
a lasting impact for many years to come.

Her favorite job of all was that of being a wife, mother, and homemaker. She was deeply
saddened at the loss of two of her children, Debbie at 14 months, and Rob at 19 years, to
Cystic Fibrosis. But she found great joy in spending time with the rest of her family;
her husband, her children, her four grandchildren, and her three great grandsons.
She also loved attending reunions and gatherings with her extended family, and staying
in touch with friends.

Alta joined the Methodist Church at Valentine when she was 12 years old. As a teenager,
she was a member of Jobs Daughters, and was chosen to serve as Honored Queen of
Bethel #50. She was a member of the Alliance United Methodist Church, and served
as President and Secretary for the UMW. She was a life member of Beta Sigma Phi
Sorority, a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 34, and the Fraternal Order of
Eagles Auxiliary #136. After serving in the local offices for the Eagles Auxiliary,
she served in the state offices and was elected Nebraska Madam State President in 1985.
She then advanced to the National level and served in the capacity of Grand Madam
President from August, 1992 to August, 1993. During that year, Alta visited all fifty states
in the US, and all seven Canadian provinces. In 2007, she was selected as Nebraska State
Auxiliary Mother. Many great friendships were formed and many great memories were made.

Alta and Dick loved to travel whenever and wherever they could. They also enjoyed watching
Huskers and Broncos football, and PRCA Rodeo. In her later years, she loved to do crossword
puzzles, watch game shows and ‘window shop’ on the Home Shopping Network. Alta was a
woman of strong faith and rarely missed a day doing her Bible study. Her kind heart and
beautiful smile will be missed by her family, and all who knew her.

She is survived by her children Rich (Rhonda) Haslow, and Carla (Reid) Block, all of Alliance,
one grandson, Richard Haslow of New York, NY, three granddaughters, Tammy (William) Suit
of Alliance, Lyndsey (Ben) Rauert of Kearney, and Lauren (Justin) Patterson of Wahoo, three
great-grandsons, Nathaniel, Alex and Isaac Suit of Alliance, a sister, Roberta Cozad of
Henderson, NV, a brother, Wayne (Dianne) Gardiner of Ocala, FL, and a sister-in-law
Lavone Gardiner of Gillette, WY, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents Jay and Evelyn Gardiner, her husband Richard
W. Haslow, a daughter Debra Lynne Haslow, a son Robert Jay Haslow, a brother Wallace
Gardiner, and a sister Shirley Whitney.

Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 9, 2018, at the United Methodist
Church in Alliance, with the Rev. Gideon Achi and Jeanie Sedivy officiating. A graveside
service will take place at 2:00 p.m. at the Gordon Cemetery, Gordon, Nebraska. Following
the graveside service, coffee and cookies will be served at the Gordon United Methodist
Church. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bates-Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Alliance United Methodist Church, the American Heart
Association, or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

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

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Joseph Rios Hernandez, 90, died Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at his home.

Joseph, also known as Joe, was born May 25, 1927 in Torrington, Wyoming to
Jesse Rios and Guadalupe (Mendoza) Hernandez.

Joe enjoyed working on cars and was often found working in his garage.
He was always willing to help out a neighbor.

He is survived by his daughter, Linda Rios of Aurora, CO.  He was preceded in
death by his son David Hernandez.

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

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

Marvin L. Dietrich, 89, died Monday, February 5, 2018 at Box Butte General Hospital.

He was born July 20, 1928 in Gering, Nebraska to Alex and Pauline (Zickman) Dietrich.
He attended school at Carter Canyon, Morrill, Lodgepole, Hershey and Alliance, graduating
from Alliance High School in 1946.  He then went on to attend college at Doane and the
University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

He married Elizabeth J. “Betty” Buchfinck on December 26, 1949 in Alliance.

Marv farmed with his father until 1949 and in 1950 began in the retail liquor business in
Alliance that he continued in until 1964.  During that time he also worked building houses
for Buchfinck Inc.  In 1964 he began in the wholesale liquor business that continues today.

He was a member of St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, the B.P.O. Elks, where he was Exalted
Ruler in 1961, the American Legion, the Eagles and the Panhandle Men’s Golf Club.
Marvin was a very quiet, reserved and straight forward father, having grace, dignity and class.
He enjoyed family and neighborhood parties.

He is survived by his sons, Doug Dietrich of Alliance, Mike (Gayle) Dietrich of Alliance and
John Dietrich of Gering; his brother, Willard (Karen) Dietrich of Alliance; and his sister,
Lillian Barker Hannah of Friend.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Andy Dietrich,
Ryan Dietrich, Sheri (Jon) Daniels, Lissy (Clay) Barnes, Morgan (Jess) Wimmer,
Abby (Nic) Haun and Anne Dietrich; his great grandchildren, Macey and Brady Daniels,
Brooke and William Barnes and Gwen Wimmer, all of whom were the light of his life;
and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, an
infant daughter, 2 brothers and 2 sisters.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, February 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthews
Episcopal Church.  Father Coke McClure will officiate.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church or the Panhandle Men’s Golf Club.

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

Louise Lucas, 93, passed away Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at Regional West Medical Center
in Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

She was born on September 17, 1924, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Virgil C. and Rachel E. (Mills)
Cadwalader and was named Margaret Louise.

On March 27, 1946, she was united in marriage to Paul Lucas in Ansley, Nebraska.  They moved
to Alliance later that year.  To this union were born identical twin daughters, Jeanette Kathleen
and Bernice Irlene Lucas.

Louise became member of the United Methodist Church in Ansley, Nebraska in 1936 and in
Alliance in 1946.  While living in Alliance she served as president of WSCS, president of United
Methodist Women, Noble Grand President of Rebekah Lodge #104 and District Deputy President
of Rebekah in Nebraska, president of Church Women United and secretary of the Burlington
Northern Veterans Auxiliary.  For many years she was a caterer for the Alliance Masonic Temple
and DeMolay as well as a substitute secretary for 10 years for both the United Methodist Church
and the First Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by her sister, Doris Nussbaum, of Alliance; her nephews Loren (Laura) Nussbaum
of Alliance and Eldon (Mary) Nussbaum, of Casper, Wyoming.  In addition she is survived by other
nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, and infant twin daughters.

Funeral services will be Wednesday, February 14th, at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist Church
in Alliance with Pastor Gideon Achi and Jeanie Sedivy officiating.  Following the service, burial
will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitations may be made on Tuesday, February 13th, 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, Nebraska or to a charity
of the donor’s choice.

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

Charmin Renee (Rapp) Olson, 49, went home to be with Jesus her Savior on
Monday, February 19, 2018 at Highland Park Care Center Alliance Nebraska.

She was born on February 26, 1968 in Sidney, NE to Larry and Marjorie
(Frerichs) Rapp.  Her family moved to Alliance when she was 3.  Her family
would later move to Greeley, CO, Glasgow, MT and then to Chico and Rocklin
CA. In 1991 she was married to Jeff Miner and 4 children were born to this union.
Charmin was a dedicated stay at home mom who’s life revolved around her
children.  Her eyes brightened at the mention of their names. She was so proud
of them all. Her first grandchild Isabel was born Christmas day 2016 and she
could not have been a prouder grandma. Love is not a big enough word to
describe her love for her little Bella.

At the age of 40 she began her education to become a Respiratory Therapist
which was one of her greatest achievements. After graduation she worked in
Colorado and Montana.  On March 11, 2013 she was united in marriage to
Guy L. Olson and moved to Montana.  Shortly afterwards she was diagnosed
with cancer. Charmin had a gentle loving spirit and was always concerned
for the needs of others first but was also known for her quick wit, sarcasm
and joyous laughter that filled the room.

Charmin is survived by her husband, Guy Olson, her children, Lucas Miner,
stationed in the U.S. Army in Germany, Jamie Miner, Abigail Miner and
Samuel Miner and her granddaughter, Isabel Roy all of Colfax, CA, her
step-children, Scott (Emily) Olson, Christopher Olson, Andrew Olson, Carter
Olson and Faith Olson all of Livingston, MT.  She is also survived by her parents,
Larry and Marjorie Rapp of Alliance, NE, her sister, Teresa (Brett) Boness of
Alliance and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her
sister, Vickie Keane and her grandparents.  She dearly loved and treasured her
family. We all will miss her greatly.

Funeral services will be Friday, February 23 at 1:00 p.m. at the Alliance Calvary
Assembly of God Church with Pastor Jim Settles officiating. Burial will be in the
Hemingford Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, 1-7 p.m. at the Bates-Gould
Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Regional West Hospice or the Cholangiocarcinoma
Cancer Foundation 5526 W 13400 S, # 510, Herriman, Utah

Online condolences may be left at www.batesgould.com

Well, Ed rode his last horse and bought his last new pickup! Ed J. Bignell, 91, passed
away peacefully in the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 at
Highland Park Care Center.

Edward Joseph Bignell was born July 11, 1926 in Alliance to Joe Devol and Blanch
Gwendolyn (Morris) Bignell, the 4th of six children. Growing up on the family ranch
in Morrill County, he developed a love of horses that lasted a lifetime only to be
rivaled by a yearly new pickup.

Ed graduated from Alliance High School with the class of 1944 and served in WW II
as a Radio Operator in the US Army. He met Jeannine Coder in Alliance and they
married on September 17, 1950. They were blessed with two daughters, Jill and Julie.
Life on the ranch was his dream and he loved every minute of it. Ed and his Mom loved
the Calcutta’s and rodeos and were not adverse to a good bet once in a while. In their
later years, Ed and Jeannine enjoyed wintering in New Braunfels, TX where he gathered
a new group of friends and good times.

Ed loved life and never met someone that he couldn’t talk and laugh with! His laughter
was well known around town and had friends young and old. He was one of a kind and
lived life to the fullest.

He is survived by his wife, Jeannine; daughters, Jill and Bruce Blume of Alliance and Julie
Bignell of Wylie, TX. Proud to call him Grandpa are Brent and Linda Blume, Omaha, NE,
Shannon and Jeff Aughe, Chandler, AZ, Erin Blume, Baltimore, MD, Courtney Blume,
Denver, CO, and Stephanie Bignell, Wylie, TX. Lucky great grandchildren are, Payton
and Avril Blume and their mother Lori, Bennington, NE, Mason and Brady Aughe,
Chandler, AZ and Addison and Brooklyn Bignell, Wylie, TX. He is also survived by
numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and very special, lifelong friends, Doug Crouse
and Jim Cody.

Ed was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joe and Blanch, his brother Bill Bignell
and sisters, Jeanne Schmitt, Nancy Bennett, Alice Steinruck and Betty Jo Bignell. The
family is now united again.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the United Methodist
Church with committal following at the Nebraska Veteran’s Cemetery. The family will host a
remembering time at the Eagles Club from 3-5 p.m.

Memorials are designated to East Point Horspice, C/O Brian Stephenson; Nebraska Veterans
Cemetery at Alliance Foundation, P.O. Box 902; and Highland Park Care Center Physical
Therapy Department.

“While on this ride called “Life” you have to take the good with the bad, smile when you’re sad,
love what you’ve got and remember what you had. Always forgive but never forget, learn from
your mistakes but never regret. People change, things go wrong, just remember the ride goes on!”

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

Winifred (Winnie) Jean “Kohler” Rust passed away peacefully and surrounded by her
loving family on February 22, 2018.

She was preceded to heaven by her husband Bill, parents Fred and Florence, Bill’s
parents, Hall and Irene, brother George and wife Sylvia, sister Carol, son Craig,
grandchildren Tami and Matthew and son-in-law Larry Schefcik.

She is survived by Tom (Rosella) Rust, Terry Schefcik, Julie (Dan) Oligmueller, her
sister, Shirley (Al) Hanoch, brother-in-law Bill Penaluna and many treasured
grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family members.

Winnie was born in Chadron, Nebraska to Frederick George Kohler and Florence
Mae “Putnam” Kohler on November 6, 1931.  At the age of 10 her family moved to
Alliance where Winnie grew up and graduated from Alliance High School in 1950.
Shortly thereafter, she was united in marriage on June 25, 1950 to her High School
sweetheart, William (Bill) E. Rust.  To this union were born Tom, Terry, Julie and Craig.
They spent their lives on the family farm north of Alliance.  This beautiful farmstead
has served as the heartbeat of the family.  Their loving home providing countless
gatherings full of friends and family through the years.  All who came through the
door were welcomed. No one was a stranger.

Winnie’s first love was her family.  As a very multi-talented person with many interests,
Winnie was a, homemaker, businesswoman, lifetime member of the Panhandlers Club,
a crafter, quilter, and auction enthusiast.  She also had a gift for refurbishing vintage
items and owned an antique store, the Country Attic, until her retirement.

Winnie and Bill shared many memories, including travel, camping and boating. It is also
well known that their favorite pastime was dancing under the white lights on Saturday nights.
Today, it brings peace to her loved ones knowing that they are together again dancing in the
light of Heaven.

Memorial services will be Thursday, March 1, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at the United Methodist
Church with Pastor Gideon Achi officiating.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Alliance Park Foundation for “Pillars For The Park”
or to a charity of donor’s choice.

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

Mary Lou Kline peacefully passed away Saturday, March 3, 2018 at the University of
Colorado Hospital in Aurora, CO. Her funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday,
March 8, at Faith Lutheran Church in Gering, with Rev. Richard Neugebauer officiating.
Interment will follow in West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. In lieu of flowers, the family
respectfully requests that memorials in Mary Lou’s honor be made to the family for
later designation or to Faith Lutheran Church. Visitation will be held at the Bridgman
Funeral Home in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, March 7 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Visitation
will also be held at Faith Lutheran Church in Gering on Thursday, March 8 from
1 to 2 p.m. Her obituary may be viewed online at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com
where online condolences may be left for the family.

Mary Lou was born October 28, 1943, to Ida (Gerdes) and Norval Reno in Alliance.
She was baptized into the Christian faith on March 23, 1948, and confirmed in the
Lutheran Church (MS) on March 10, 1963. Mary Lou grew up in Alliance and graduated
from AHS in 1960. On December 10, 1961, Mary Lou was united in marriage to Samuel
J. “Sam” Kline, Jr. and they were blessed with three children, Christine, Claire, and Tim.
They were residents of the Scottsbluff-Gering area since 1962.

Education was Mary Lou’s passion. She graduated from Chadron State College with a B.A.
in Elementary Education in 1984 and also received a Graduate Certificate of Specialization in
Gerontology (Study of Aging) from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in 1995. After she
got those degrees, she did not rest on her laurels, she immediately applied all those gifts in
her personal life as well as working with others. She decided that working with senior citizens
was immensely rewarding and inspirational. Along with other community members, Mary
Lou helped start several community activities to meet hundreds of seniors’ social, physical,
intellectual, and emotional needs. Mary Lou was part of the committee that started the
Fall Wellness Festival which later became the Spring Wellness Festival. Mary Lou’s energy
was endless. In spite of these roles that she played in the community, she continued to have
an actively nurturing role with her family. When Sam contracted cancer, Mary Lou devoted
her love and energy to caring for Sam for over nine years. At the same time, she continued
loving, caring, advising, and being involved with her children, grandchildren, and eventually,
her great-grandchildren. Mary Lou always shared that she received many more blessings
from her family than she was ever able to give. She felt that her great-granddaughters kept
her young and energized. She taught them to love learning and to love Jesus. To her last day,
Mary Lou was determined to be independent and to live her life to the fullest, with God’s help.

Mary Lou was a member of St. John’s and Faith Lutheran Churches where she served on
various boards and committees. True to her passion for education, she enjoyed teaching
Sunday School, Bible Class, and Vacation Bible School. Directing Vacation Bible School
and the Childrens’ Christmas Program brought her great joy.

Survivors include children, Christine (Dave) Hopp, Claire Foster, and Tim (Stacey) Kline;
grandchildren, Ashton Foster and Emily Kohut; great-granddaughters, Gracelyn and Maylyn
Foster, all of Gering; sister, Judy Ehrenberger of Westminster, CO; brothers John (Susan) Reno
of Omaha, NE, Bill (Sandi) Reno of Alliance, NE, Russ (Julie) Reno of Lincoln, NE; sister-in- law
Janice (Gerald) Goetzinger of Martin, SD; step grandchildren Hannah (Clay) Johnson of Rozet,
WY and Maggie (Ben) Fulk of Ocean Side, CA; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary Lou was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and grandson, C.J. Kohut.

Vern R. Planansky, 100, died Wednesday, March 7, 2018 at his home near Hemingford.

Vern was born November 19, 1917 in Hemingford, Nebraska to James and Sophie
(Caha) Planansky.

He married Helen C. Jezek on February 11, 1947 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in
Hemingford.

Vern was a consummate family man.  He always had time for whatever the family was
involved in.  He loved to attend auctions with his wife of 71 years, Helen.  He was always
a part of a good card game.  In his younger years he was an avid photographer.  He was
always asked if he lived his whole life on the farm and his stock answer was, “Not yet.”

He is survived by his wife, Helen Planansky of Hemingford; his children, Gary Planansky
and his girlfriend Michele of North Platte, Dennis and his wife Barbara Planansky of
North Platte, Rod and his wife Deb Planansky of Hemingford, and Christy and her
husband Steve Fischer of Omaha.  He is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great
grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Victor and Louis,
and his sister Clara.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, March 16, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at
St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Hemingford.  Father Tim Stoner will officiate.
Interment will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to the church or the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighter’s Association.

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

C. J. “Bus” Marsh, 87, passed away Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Hemingford Community
Care Center. He was born in Alliance, Nebraska on March 23, 1930 to Vern and Zora
(Richardson) Marsh. He was their fourth child and only son of eight children.

Bus worked by his father’s side as a child and teen. He then followed in his father’s
footsteps, and became a farmer and rancher residing 20 miles west of Alliance.
He served in the Army during the Korean War from 1951 to 1953 as a Field Wireman.

He married Elaine Johnson in January of 1954. Three sons and two daughters were
born from that marriage. Elaine preceded him in death.

He married Leona Berry Sulzbach on March 16, 1979. Leona preceded him in death
on January 3, 2018.

Bus is survived by his sons, David (Tammy), Bradley (Deb), and Peter (Becky) and his
daughter Melanie Marsh; eleven grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren from
his first union.  From his second union, he is survived two step-sons, Daryl (Gwen)
and Dwain (Sharon) Sulzbach and 6 grandchildren, and one step-daughter, Donna
Sulzbach.  He is also survived by five sisters, Hope McNay, Pat Langham, Ruby (Jack)
Ledger, Norma (Kerry) Hawk, and Shirley (Bill Neufeld) Brown; seven nieces and
one nephew and several grandnieces and grandnephews.

In addition to Leona and Elaine, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Denise,
his parents, and two sisters, Judy Abrams and Veda Inouye.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 19 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.
Pastor Kent Griffen will officiate.  Burial with military honors will be in the Nebraska
Veterans Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday, March 18 from
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to Regional West Hospice, 3701 Avenue D,  Scottsbluff,
Nebraska, 69361.

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

Marian (Folk) Downing of Scottsbluff, passed away peacefully on March 12, 2018 at
Heritage Estates in Gering.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend a memorial service for Marian
at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hyannis, on Friday, March 16, 2018 at
2:00 P.M., with Reverend Richard H. Neugebauer and Reverend Andrew Safarik
officiating. Cremation has taken place; there will be no viewing and final committal
will occur privately at the Cedarview Cemetery in Mullen.

Marian was born to Lewis and Inez M. (Carpenter) Folk on September 12, 1944 in
Thedford, Neb. She received her early education from Mullen Public Schools and
graduated from Mullen High School with the class of 1962.

She married Marty Dean Downing on June 3, 1962, in Mullen, Neb. Marty and Marian
made their home north of Hyannis on the family ranch. There they lived and ranched
for 46 years, and upon retirement sold their ranch and made their home in Scottsbluff, Neb.

Marian’s greatest pride was her family and one of her greatest passions included bowling.
She loved applying her creativity to life’s celebrations as a cake decorator and floral arranger.
Marian has also been dubbed a “cleaning connoisseur” as she took pride in being able to
provide clean spaces for students and staff at Hyannis Area Schools, as well as for friends
and family. In her later years, as she resiliently battled cancer, she loved being out and
about town with her furry companions, Gracie and Benji and tuning in on every Nebraska
Cornhusker football, volleyball and basketball game that she could.

Marian is survived by her children; sons James (Toni) of Crowheart, Wyo. and Tim (Bonnie)
of Dunning; daughter Mardee (JR) of Scottsbluff; grandchildren, Tyler (Rebecca) of Riverton,
Wyo. and Katelyn (Richard) of Pocatello, Ida., Taylor and Brett of Dunning, Channing of Fort
Collins, Colo., and Harrison of Scottsbluff; great-grandchild, Tinley of Riverton, Wyo; brother
Jim (Ruby) Folk of Mullen, Neb., sister Jackie (Folk) Homan of Salisbury, Mo.; a brother-in-law
and sister-in-laws, nephews, nieces and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marty Downing; brother, Lewis Don Folk; parents,
Lewis E. and Inez M. (Carpenter) Folk.

Memorials in Marian’s honor may be directed to Hospice in care of Regional West
Medical Center, or Emma’s Closet in care of Cancer Treatment Center at Regional West
Medical Center in Scottsbluff Shepard of the Hills Lutheran Church in Hyannis, or Faith
Lutheran Church in Gering.

William Ernst Vogel was born on the Vogel Family Farm January 24th, 1922 in rural
Box Butte County, NE. He passed away at his beloved farm home on March 23rd, 2018.
His parents are William H & Rosa M (Knapp) Vogel.  Being the 1st born son, he was
named after his father, and had many farm responsibilities in the large family of nine.
He attended rural school at Dist. #45 & #58, graduating 8th grade, then was needed
on the family farm.  He was one of the few remaining WWII veterans, serving in the
Army- Air Force from 1944 to 1946.

On Sept 11, 1948 he married Patricia I Jacobs at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Alliance NE.

He is survived by his 2 loving and caring daughters, Cindy (Don) Zurn and Sandy
(Tom) Todd; by four grandchildren: Curt (Becci) Zurn, Nicky (Jeff Shepard), Clint
(Cassie) Zurn, Brandi (Gregg) List; by 10 great grandchildren: Tyler Girard, Callen
, Avery & Nic Zurn, Dylan & Dani Lomon, Trevor & Will Zurn, and Gavin & Coy List.
He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Elsie and Ray Brandt, and by
many nieces, nephews; and great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Pat Vogel; his parents, grand-parents,
his siblings/spouses: Esther (Doyle) Dyer, Ruth (Paul) Morrison, Mabel (Dean) Hashman,
Pearl (Owen) Johnson, Herb (Mabel) (Betty) Vogel; nieces: Barb Lehl, Jane Wineteer,
nephew: Larry Morrison; and brother-in-law, Jimmy Jacobs, and parents-in-law.

He was a member of the United Methodist Church, and lifetime member of the American
Legion and Eagles Clubs.

Bill was an excellent farmer, taking great pride in sowing straight rows and eradicating
all weeds, including the adjoining road ditches, around telephone poles and in their
immaculate yard.  He witnessed much advancement in the farming world in his lifetime,
having begun farming with horses and picking corn by hand to having GPS driven tractors,
120’ wide field sprayers and 12- row corn heads farm his same land.  He thought the
power PTO and hydraulics were the greatest inventions.  Farming was his life, and even
after unofficially retiring, he had an active say-so in the farming operations of his land
until his death.

Besides farming, he worked for Box Butte County during the ’49 blizzard, opening roads.
He also did custom harvesting, worked for Jelinek Farms, and drove cattle truck for Christie
Trucking, along with a wide array of other odd jobs. He was a hard worker, but he
also played hard.

He had a love of baseball, having played on the Berea baseball team during the 1940-50’s.
The St. Louis Cardinals was his favorite team and he was anxiously waiting the upcoming season.

Bill Vogel loved telling stories. And you could be sure 50% of every story was true; you just
never knew which 50%.  These included many fishing and hunting stories.

Billy will be infamously remembered for his ability to stand on two cases of beer, flat footed
on one foot and using the other foot to kick out a light bulb hanging from the ceiling on a drop
cord. Sandy, along with many others was witness to this feat, losing money on a bet that was
instigated by him.

Bill was banned for life from the Prairie Winds Casino for drinking in the parking lot.
Now, everyone knows you can’t drink at that casino, and many have done just that and
got by with it. But Bill wasn’t hiding anything because that rule didn’t apply to him; he
always thought rules were for everyone else. We are pretty sure he wrote all rules.
He believed that having permission is only good for one day; you had to ask every time
you wanted to hunt on his land.  In the more recent years, he took great pride in
protecting the wildlife on his property, raising millet and sunflowers to feed them and
supplementing them with daily feeding routes year-round.

Anheuser Busch Brewing and the Yukon Jack Distillery are, we are sure, devastated by
the loss of Billy Vogel. On his 90th birthday, he received birthday greetings in the mail
from Budweiser. On the front of the bottle of Yukon Jack it is written, “The Black Sheep
of Liquors”-pretty sure they had one guy in mind with that statement.  Well, we could
go on and on, but there isn’t near enough space here.

All in all, God created this farmer, fisherman, hunter and conservationist we are laying
to rest, to do all things to perfection; to argue a point and not give in, that you collect a
quarter if you are the one that caught the first fish, and to leave a legacy like none other.
His family is almost certain he stopped in at some convenience store to grab a Budweiser
on his way to them ole Pearly Gates.

Funeral service will be held Friday, March 30th, 2018 at the United Methodist Church
at 10 am, followed by Military burial rites at the Alliance Cemetery. Memorials may be
given to Pheasants Forever-Heritage Chapter, 1039 Duncan, Alliance, NE 69301 or to
the donor’s choice.

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

Rob Richardson, 77, passed away Thursday, March 29 at his home in Alliance.

He was born Robin Norman Richardson on December 29, 1940 in Englewood, CO
to Harold “Doc” and Elizabeth (Shepherd) Richardson. While he lived in Colorado,
Rob worked in construction operating Richardson Excavating with his father.
He moved to Alliance in 1998.

He is survived by his children, Robin Scott (Teri) Salter of California, Marchon
(Mark) Schuler of Colorado Springs, CO, Lance Richardson of New Jersey,
Desiree (Jesse) Michel of Aurora, CO and Sara (Jason) Meier of Alliance and
his grandchildren, Brianna, Clayton, Gabe, Kayla, Joshua, Katen, Trevor,
Rhett, Shaydon and Izaak and his great-grandchildren, Kiara and Benjamin.
He is also survived by his good friend, Michael Sorensen of Alliance,
his nephew, Zach (Rua) Richardson Portland Or,  and his niece, Shellie
Donofrio of CA.

Rob worked in a variety of jobs in Alliance including K.L. Woods, driving truck
during beet harvest and working on cars.  He was an avid outdoorsman loving
to hunt with his grandsons and friends.  In his younger years he raced cars and
has been a fan of Top Fuel, Funny Cars and stock car racing.  Known as Papa,
he loved to watch his grandson’s race dirt bikes and would cheer loud for them
all. All who knew him would have some special story to tell you about Papa.

Memorial services will be Thursday, April 5th at 11:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould
Chapel with Reverend Don Mink officiating.

Memorials may be given in care of the family for a later designation.

Evelyn Rice age 69 of Hemingford, NE died March 24, 2018, at the Box Butte General
Hospital in Alliance, NE.

Graveside services will be held on Wednesday March 28, 2018 at 2:00 PM MST at the
Cedarview Cemetery at Mullen, NE.  A visitation will be held on Wednesday 1:00 PM
until service time at the Mullen Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to the family
at Ronda Eisenhart PO Box 421, Hemingford, NE 69348.  

Evelyn was born on August 7, 1948 to Donald  “Sandy” and Mary (Patton) Hooper at
Alliance, NE.  She graduated from Nebraska Christian High School at Central City, NE.
On November 7, 1968 Evelyn was married to Charles Coker at Rapid City, SD.  Five
children were born to this union; Ronda, Charlet, Donald, Kristy, and Lyle.
Charles died December 10, 1997.

On August 21, 1998, Evelyn was married to Lee Rice.  They made their home in
Hemingford, NE.

Evelyn liked to bake, garden and sew.  Her greatest passion was crocheting. She made
afghans for everyone in the family.

Evelyn is survived by her children; Ronda (Jim) Eisenhart of Hemingford, Charlet
(Terry) Swisher of Lincoln, Donald Coker of Lincoln, Kristy Coker of Hemingford,
and Lyle (Marie) Coker of Lincoln. Her parents Donald and Mary Hooper of Alliance.
Her siblings Sharon (Jerry) Woods of Alliance, Theresa (Jack) Woods of Alliance,
and Dan (Tara) Hooper of Merriman. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 6
step grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and 4 step great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husbands; Charles Coker and Lee Rice, her sister
Rita, nephew Lewis, and a great grandchild.

Gordon W. Smith, 81, passed away Monday, March 26, 2018 at his rural Hemingford home.

He was born in Alliance on June 20, 1936 to Alfred D. and Beulah (Wehr) Smith.  His mother
passed away when he was born.  After attending school in Hemingford he graduated from
Alliance High School in 1954.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army on September 22, 1954 joining
the Combat Engineers and serving until 1958.  He served in Germany and Fort Lewis, WA.

He married Dorothy Turnbo at Hemingford in Nov. 1959.  In March of 1960 they moved to
Golden, CO where Gordon began working at the Coors Brewery.  Four children, Kathy, Daniel,
Dennis and Douglas were born to this union.  This marriage would end in divorce with Gordon
being granted full custody of his children.  In November 1974 he met Diana Davis in Casper,
WY while visiting family there.  Following a short courtship they were married in Casper at her
parents’ house with his 4 children and her 3 children, Johnny, Monty and Lynn becoming one
family. Gordon then adopted Diana’s 3 children.  They returned to Golden and Coors Brewery.
His job changed with Coor’s and in 1995 they moved to Hemingford.

In January 1999 Gordon served as a Box Butte County Commissioner and would also drive the
VA van to Hot Springs, SD.  In 2002 he became a paid driver and did that until Oct. 2011.

He is survived by his wife, Diana, his children, Kathy Nelson of Lancaster, WI, Daniel (Krissy)
Smith of Westminster, CO, Johnny Smith of Lancaster, WI, Dennis Smith of Denver, CO, Monty
Smith of Eagle Mountain, UT, Lynn (Maurice) Smulders of Castle Rock, CO and Doug (Ashley)
Smith of Lancaster, WI along with numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.  He is also
survived by his siblings, Robert Smith of Casper, WY,  James Smith of Boise, ID, Donald Smith
of Glenrock, WY and Karen Parra of Redland, CA.

Graveside services with military honors will be Saturday, April 7 at 2:00 p.m. at the Hemingford
Cemetery with Pastor Jim West officiating.  A reception will be held at the Hemingford American
Legion following the service.

Memorials may be given to the Hemingford Congregational Church, American Legion, Hemingford
Volunteer Firefighters Association or the H.H.S. Booster Club.

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

Carey “Stretch” Hermansen, 66, of Chadron, passed into his new life on Sunday,
March 25, 2018.  Stretch’s life will be celebrated in June before he takes his last ride.
Cremation has taken place in accordance with his wishes.  The family asks that in
lieu of flowers, donations be made to Chadron Community Hospital Hospice, 825
Centennial Drive, Chadron, NE 69337.  Online condolences may be made by
visiting www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.

Stretch was devoted to his daughter, Amanda, and loved motorcycles, cars, road trips,
and living life to the fullest.  

 Stretch didn’t talk about what he did, he just did it, whether lending a hand or a
listening ear.  He worked for several years in construction, and impacted many
lives teaching construction to young men and women through Chadron Youthbuild.

Stretch leaves his daughter, Amanda Dray and her husband Adam; his mother,
Portia Hermansen; siblings, Lorraine (Harding), Monte, Ivan, Roy, Victor and Valerie
Hermansen; nieces and nephews; his AA family; his Road MC brothers; in-laws;
out-laws; and countless relatives and friends  across the country. 

Stretch’s father, Don; and sister, Denise, preceded him in death.

William Edward Ralph Krueger, 75, passed away March 20, 2018 at Rapid City Regional Hospital.

He was born January 17, 1943 in Alliance to William E.R. and Roby Eleanor (Lymath) Krueger.
Bill began working for Lore’s Dairy Farm and later at Electric Hose and Rubber/Parker Hannifin
as well as being a clerk at Mini-Mart.  He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting and fishing.
He served for a number of years in both the Oregon and Nebraska Army National Guard.

On August 7, 1981 he married Janet Reese in Martin, South Dakota.

He is survived by his children, Jennie Reese and Sherry Reese of Gordon, NE, Bill Reese of Alliance,
Kristy Hageman of Lincoln, NE and Katrina Weeks of Missouri.  He is also survived by his sisters,
Mary Olson of Rushville, NE, Ruby Hudson and Leta (Mike) Cox of Alliance and numerous
grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Janet, his son, Scott, his brothers, John, Calvin
and Fred and his brother-in-law, Roger Olson.

Memorial services will be Tuesday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel with Pastor
Kent Griffen officiating.  Burial with military honors will be at the Alliance Cemetery.

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

Gary G. “Gito” Stairs, Jr., 37, received his wings on Friday, March 30, 2018 at Box Butte
General Hospital.

Gary was born January 20, 1981 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha,
Nebraska to Gary G. and Connie (Monroe) Stairs.

At an early age, Gary had a lot of health problems, but through faith and love, he overcame
them all.  He was a miracle and blessing to many and an inspiration to all.

He enjoyed family time, the outdoors and football.  He enjoyed being around people and
loved receiving and giving attention in many ways.  If it was a simple smile or a big hug,
he loved every bit of it.  He was well known for his smiles and hugs; we couldn’t go a day
without our “Gito Hug.”  He brought sunshine to your cloudiest days.  He loved sports,
especially football.  His excitement during the game brought laughter to the room,
especially when he would watch them tackle.  He loved everyone and everything that he
came to know and left an impression on everyone.  His smile and especially his hugs
will be truly missed by all.

Gary is survived by his father, Gary G. Stairs, Sr. of Alliance; his sisters, Emma Stairs of
Alliance, Cary (Donald, Sr.) Whattler of Las Animas, CO, Shannon (Rolando) Escamilla
and Shurron (Wes) Whitwer all of Alliance; his brothers, Terry Monroe and Jonathan
(Jill) Baker all of Alliance; and many nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death
by his mother, Connie Stairs, his sister, Carol Stairs, his brother, Kyle Stairs, his aunt
Hope Baker, his uncle Daryl Monroe, his grandparents, Mark and Emma Monroe and
many other family members.

Wake services will begin on Wednesday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m. at the Indian Mission-
Church of God.  The Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, April 5 at
12:30 p.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Father Tim Stoner will officiate.
Burial will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.

We ask of everyone to join us in celebrating Gary’s life by wearing your favorite football
team’s shirt or jersey, as it was his favorite sport to watch.

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