Bernard “Bernie” Girard, 91, died Monday, April 8, 2019 at Box Butte General Hospital.

He was born in Alliance, Nebraska on February 15, 1928 at the home of his parents Francis Bernard and Helen (Newberry) Girard.  He was the second of five children.

Bernie was a 1946 graduate of St. Agnes Academy and went on to the University of Nebraska where he studied agriculture for two years.  He returned to Alliance where he married Betty Brost, they raised 9 children, have many grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.

He served in the National Guard for four years.  Bernie was the head of the service department in Newberry’s which was founded in 1888, when the store closed in 1968, he opened Bernie’s Supply in what was originally the “Tin Shop” which made from coffee cups to horse tanks.

Bernie served as Mayor of Alliance and King of Heritage Days.  He was kind, good hearted, a joker, and always wore a smile.  Loved by many, he has left a void in our hearts.

He is survived by his sons, Jeff (Anita) Girard, Dennis (Marina) Girard, Jack Girard, Andy Girard, Terry (Lori) Girard and Jason Girard; his daughters, Cindy Girard and Erin (Rhett) Shrewsbury; his brothers, Joe (Mary) Girard, James Girard and Tom Girard; and his sister, Helen Knapp; special thanks to his loving caregiver and granddaughter, Maddy Girard.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church.  Father Tim Stoner will officiate.  Inurnment with military honors will be in Calvary Cemetery.  Rosary services will be held Monday, April 22 at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Memorials may be given to PAWS, P.O. Box 117, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301, the Alliance Recreation Center (ARC), or St. Agnes Academy.

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

Shirley Elaine Koons passed away Sunday, April 13, 2019 at her home in Chadron, NE.  Shirley was born November 1, 1942 in Canon City, CO, to Gerald Allen Koons and Alta Irene Cathcart Koons.

The family moved to Las Vegas, NM in 1943, where Shirley’s dad worked for the Santa Fe Railroad.  She went all through school in Las Vegas.

Shirley’s love of animals started at a young age.  She brought home all kinds of strays, and when given her first horse, her love and talent for working with them blossomed.  Shirley was a rodeo queen and later a professional horsewoman.

She attended college in Portales, NM before marrying Tom in 1962 and moving to Ft. Collins, CO where he was studying at Colorado State University. Twins, Robin and Richard were born in 1963.  Tom, Shirley and kids moved to Watrous, NM where they joined the family Hereford cattle operation.

Shirley raised kids, was an involved ranch wife, and took pride in her horses.  After her kids were out of the house, Shirley participated in AQHA events which nurtured her passion for horse showing and made many life-long friends.  Over 20 years, she raised and showed many quarter horses.  She was recognized and honored in horsemanship circles, winning numerous awards through the years.  Shirley was a supportive mom to her kids, encouraging them through 4H and Junior Hereford activities, and hauling them to countless horse shows and rodeos.  Family remember her as eager to train and teach the next generation of horse lover.

As her horse showing days slowed down, Shirley enjoyed working with best friend Becky Sellman, who was also her niece and sister-in-law, at The Ranch House in Crawford.

After moving to town from the ranch, Shirley played bridge, attended First Congregational Church of Chadron, and continued to enjoy her horses.

Shirley is survived by older sister Lois Irene (George) Payton of Borger, TX, daughter Robin (Brent) Meeks of Taylor, NE, grandson Marshall (Katie) Meeks of St. Louis, MO, granddaughter Carlee Meeks of Taylor, NE, son Richard (Annie) Sellman of Chadron, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family members in Nebraska, Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico.  Shirley was predeceased by niece/sister-in-law Becky Sellman and her parents.

A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2pm, at the First Congregational Church of Chadron, with burial immediately following at Highland Center Cemetery.

A memorial will be established for Chadron Hospice in her name. Donations can be sent to the Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.

Robin and Richard would like to thank Shirley’s many friends who called, texted and came by to visit during this last year, as she became increasingly housebound.  Your kindness will be long remembered.

Online condolences can be made at www.chamberlainchapel.com

Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements.

Junior L. Budd, 54, passed away Friday, April 12, 2019 at his home.  He was the husband of Heidi Budd, they shared 27 years of marriage together.

Junior was born August 18, 1964 at St. Joseph Hospital in Alliance.  He was the son of Anna Newman.

He enjoyed working on cars, tinkering with anything he could, playing darts and dice, fishing and camping, listening to loud music, cruising the back roads and had a great sense of humor.  He also loved spending time with his grandchildren and dogs.

He is survived by his wife, Heidi Budd; his daughter, Angie K.; sons, Kory Budd-Rasmussen, Trevor Malewski and Elijah (Selena) Budd, all of Alliance; 8 grandsons and 4 granddaughters.  He is also survived by his mother, Anna (Robert) Fulton of Alliance; his brothers, Randy Prall of Alliance and Jim Radcliff of Crete; his in-laws, Ron (Laura) Blaquiere; sisters-in-law, Heather (Gary) Mittan, Brandi (Tim) Reinhardt, all of Great Falls, MT; 11 nieces and nephews; special friends, Doug (Tiffanie) Taylor and Phillip (Mary) Torres, all of Alliance; and his fur babies, Raskl and Chron.

Junior was preceded in death by his grandmother Beulah Dunham and his brother-in-law, Cody Blaquiere.

At his request, no formal services will be held.  Private burial services will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at 4:20 p.m. with Reverend Don Mink officiating.

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

Memorial services for Claude J. Lewis, 97 of Crawford, Nebraska will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 10:00 AM at the United Methodist Church in Crawford with Pastor Tim McCrary officiating.  Inurnment will be at the Crawford City Cemetery.

Mr. Lewis passed away on April 17, 2019 at the Ponderosa Villa in Crawford.

Claude was born on April 2, 1922 in Danville, Virginia.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Fire Department or the United Methodist Church in Crawford.  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.

Peter John Sutton was born on May 13, 1944 in Minatare, Nebraska to James Wesley Sutton and Lucresia (Lucy) Gonzales.

He lived with his parents and older brother, Andrew Sutton, in Minatare until his teenage years when he and Andrew moved to Alliance with their grandmother Rose Sutton.

Pete and Andy were blessed with another brother, William Wounded Arrow and three sisters, JoAnn Sutton, Nancy (Sutton) White Eyes and Susie Sutton-Porcupine. Pete then moved to Kearney, Nebraska to work for Rockwell.

While visiting family in Alliance, he took the phone from his cousin Teresa Alvarado while she was talking to a girlfriend.  This call turned into many dates and a wedding proposal.  Peter married the love of his life, Mary Anne Anderson on December 30, 1967.

Pete and Mary Anne had three daughters Cynthia Sutton, Cassie Jo (Sutton) Warren and Christina (Sutton) Lotton.  They also had six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Pete and his family took numerous vacations to the Black Hills in South Dakota throughout the years. Family was always the most important part of Pete’s life.  For example, when he and his wife started the annual “Sturgis Week” with the grandkids only, family gatherings for any occasion was the normal routine that you always knew Pete and Mary Anne would be at. They enjoyed their part of the gathering bringing homemade enchiladas and sometimes tamales. Everyone enjoyed the made from scratch tortillas and Mexican goodies at birthdays, anniversaries, weddings and for the yearly Wounded Knee Memorial Bike Run.

Pete’s interests over the years included watching classic black and white movies, playing chess and teaching his grandchildren how to play it.

After a 22 year career as a yard office clerk with BNSF Railroad, Pete retired.  Afterwards, if you couldn’t find Pete and Mary Anne at home, they were living it up in the town of Deadwood.

After a long, full and happy life, Peter passed away on April 18, 2019 at home with his loving wife of 51 years by his side.

Peter was preceded in death by his parents, grandmother Rose Sutton, brother Andrew Sutton, sister JoAnn Sutton, son-in-law Leslie Warren and his two great-grandsons Austin and Aaron Sutton.

Peter is survived by his wife, Mary Anne Sutton; daughters, Cynthia Sutton, Cassie (Sutton) Warren and Christina (Richard) Lotton; sisters, Nancy (Robert) White Eyes and Susie Sutton-Porcupine; brother, Bill (Sandy) Wounded Arrow; six grandchildren, Rachelle (Bill) Sutton-Corbett, Gary Jr, Eric, Zachary, Jesse and Joelyann; six great-grandchildren, Hailey, Jaxon, AnaBella, Jocelyn, Ainslee and Kru; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, April 25 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Tim Stoner officiating. Inurnment will be Calvary Cemetery.  A wake service will be Wednesday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. at the church.

The family encourages memorials be given to the Shriner’s Hospitals for Children.

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

Attachments area

Betty Loraine (Moore) Erny passed away on Good Friday April 19, 2019 at Highland Park Care Center.

Betty was born on November 23, 1931 in Gordon, Nebraska to Leo and Mabel Helen (Wamsley) Moore. She spent most of her life in the Nebraska Sandhills around Gordon and Mullen, spending her later years in Alliance.

Her special hobbies were gardening, painting, and crocheting, of which she made many lovely blankets, tablecloths, and potholders for her family.

She enjoyed being around people, always having a ready smile and friendly word for everyone.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents; her step father, Mahlin Johnson; two brothers, Bruce and Don Moore; and one sister, Colleen Wordeman.

She is survived by her children, Bob (Sue) Prentice of Alliance; Lloyd (Betti) Prentice of Mullen; Aneita Howard of Alliance; Stuart (Jenny) Prentice of Arnold; John Erny of Bayard; Chuck Erny of Alliance; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Bob (Amy) Moore of Gordon; one sister, Doris Coder of Pierre South Dakota; and many nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held Monday, June 3, 2019 at 1:00 pm at the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

L. Keith Schumacher died on April 17, 2019 in Hemingford, NE.  He was born on October 19, 1929, in his grandparents’ home in rural Hemingford, to Arthur D. Schumacher and Adele L. “Ellen” (Plahn) Schumacher.  He attended a country school near their family farm and graduated from Hemingford High School.

On August 26, 1956 he married Connie L. Dyer in Hemingford. He farmed with his parents, and later with his son and then grandson, south of Hemingford.

Keith was a lifetime member of the Hemingford United Methodist church and was active in the Methodist Men group for a number of years. He served in the Army National Guard for 9 years.  He was a pilot and very active in the Nebraska Flying Farmers organization. He and Connie flew many miles around the country attending events and touring behind the scenes at many factories and plants.  His plane also allowed him to volunteer as a Lifeline pilot transporting medical patients, in need, to treatment facilities.  Keith was an avid collector of antique Fords and tractors which led to many years competing in the Sugar Valley Rally and membership in the Rollin’ Oldies car club.

Keith is survived by his son Martin (Tricia) Schumacher and daughter Linda (Steve) Petersen, all of Hemingford, his grandchildren Justin Schumacher of Chad, Africa, Jeff (Natasha) Schumacher of Hemingford, Joelle (Sean) Wacker of Shelby, NE, and Jaimee (Titus) Cline of Frederick, MD.  Great grandchildren are Brenna, Raegan, and Wyatt Schumacher, Rachel, Rebecca, Jacob, Elliot, and Theodore Wacker, and Adele and Elva Cline.   Also surviving are two sisters, Doris Provencher and Karen Joyce.  He was preceded in death by his parents and his wife.

Memorial services will be held on Monday, April 29 at 10:30 AM at the Hemingford United Methodist Church.  Pastor Esther Achi will officiate. Interment will be held at a later date. A luncheon will be held at the Westside Event Center at Alliance following the service. Weather permitting, the family plans to give Keith one last ride in his Cabriolet.  His friends are invited to bring their old cars and help with the escort.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Hemingford United Methodist Church elevator fund.

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

Vera “Jean” Koch of Alliance joined loving arms in heaven on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the age of 85.  She died from complications of the lungs and heart. Jean was born November 17, 1933 to Alfred & Bessie (Mundt) Frost. She grew up on the family farm near Hemingford, graduating from Alliance High in 1951.

In 1954, Jean married cattle rancher Ray Koch, son of Alvin & Elsie Koch. The newlyweds made their home in a sod cabin at the family ranch in the Sandhills east of Ellsworth. They were married 52 years before Ray’s passing in 2006. Their union extended to 15 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In 2009, Jean married Gene Lewis of Alliance and added 7 beloved stepchildren, 17 step-grandchildren and 9 step-great-grandchildren. Gene Lewis passed in 2013.

In 2015, Jean married Eugene Kleve of Alliance, adding three more stepchildren and 9 more step-grandchildren. Eugene passed in 2016.

Jean is survived by a sister Shirley (Paul) Jeske of North Platte and Jean & Ray’s five daughters: Sue (Bill, now deceased) Roberts of Alliance; Joyce (Jim) Laughery of Billings, MT; Sandra (Randy-partner) Burtis, of Alliance; Kathy (Monty) Koehler of Hastings, NE; and Lesa (Derek) Schwanebeck of Ellsworth. She leaves behind 14 grandchildren and eight greatgrandchildren, plus many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and step-families.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alliance.  Jeanie Sedivy will officiate.  Burial will follow in the Bingham Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday, April 25 from 1-7 p.m. with the family present to greet friends from 4-6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to, Regional West Hospice and the Alliance Volunteer Fire Department.

Friends may view an extended obituary and leave condolences at www.batesgould.com.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Donald Dwain Adam passed away on March 21, 2019 at his home in Dallas, Texas due to complications of Alzheimer’s. During his fight with Alzheimer’s he provided information that allowed one of the primary research groups to chart his daily routine, medications, supplements, and how his body was reacting during the progress of the disease. His hope was that through the research they could provide a solution to this devastating illness and related diseases. Upon death, his body was donated to UT Southwestern Medical Center for continued research per his wishes. Dwain’s belief in teaching, mentoring, and research was his way of giving back to the community.

Dwain, as his family and friends called him, was born on May 8, 1932 to George Donald Adam and Marcella Shackelford Adam in Hyannis, Nebraska. Dwain was one of 9 children. He was preceded in death by his parents, his older sister Lois May Behm, brother-in-law Donald Behm, niece Julie Ann Trask, and sister-in-laws Kimiko and René Adam. He is survived by his wife, Connie Adam. His siblings and spouses: Wally & Connie Adam, Bob Adam, John & Anne Adam, Ted & Nann Adam, Tom & Illene Adam, Cindy & Dale Berndt, and Peggy & Jim Weber. His children and spouses: Chelanie & Mike Shiflet and Shane & LeighAnn Adam; his grandchildren: Kirsha & Jeffery Creamer, Seth, Caden and Hailey Adam; and his great grandchildren: Riley Israel, Kate and Bryson Creamer, 21 nieces and nephews.

Dwain grew up on the family ranch south of Ashby, Nebraska and graduated from Alliance High School in 1949. He was an active Future Farmers of America member during his tenure in high school. He was involved in the Masonic Order as a member of the Zion and the Scottish Rite Lodge and was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Life Time Member.

Dwain’s life long passion was flying. His first major purchase was a Piper J3. He used it fly over the ranch to check cattle, which was a way for him to fly while he worked on the family ranch. After his brother Bob came back from the military, he left the family ranch to pursue a career in aviation. Dwain held his private, commercial, instructors, and Air Transport Pilot licenses along with single engine, multi-engine, instrument, single-engine instructor, multi-engine instructor, instrument instructor, tail wheel, high performance, high-altitude ratings and more than 25 aircraft endorsements. Dwain logged over 123,000 hours of flight time. He taught, and mentored 500+ students during his career, including both of his children.

Dwain’s first full-time aviation job was working for Alan Robinson at the Gordan, Nebraska Airport where he received his helicopter rating. He then did some contract work for Brantley Helicopter before moving to Sky Harbor Air Service in Cheyenne, Wyoming in 1961. One of his key tasks was as a corporate pilot for one of Sky Harbor’s largest customers during the building and maintaining of the Minute Man Missile Silos that were used throughout the cold war.

He met his wife Connie Ilene Doyle, in Chadron, Nebraska and they married on September 1, 1963 in Maywood, Nebraska. Dwain and Connie had 2 children and celebrated 56 years of marriage.

In 1964 Sky Harbor moved Dwain to a new contract working for Colorado State University, Department of Atmospheric Science in Fort Collins, Colorado as a research pilot. Shortly after the assignment, Dr. William Marlatt, Dean of the Department of Atmospheric Science, offered him a full-time job. While working for Colorado State University, he provided support for the scientists involved in various atmospheric and geological research projects. Some of his favorite projects included working with NASA and Perdue University. While in Fort Collins he was also responsible for running Christman Airfield for Colorado State University (CSU), Department of Atmospheric Science from 1965-1976. During his tenure at Christman Airfield, he was heavily involved with the CSU Flying Club and mentored many of the club’s. He enjoyed spending time with the anyone that wanted to learn to fly or just wanted to talk about flying. Flying was his work, his hobby and the one thing he enjoyed more than anything else besides spending time with his family. He always told his children, “You should enjoy what you do as a career as you spend a major portion of your life working.”

Dwain and his family were active in the First Christian Church in Fort Collins. His faith was always steadfast and never faltered. He passed that devotion on to his children.

In 1976 Dwain and his family moved from Ft. Collins, Colorado to Gering, Nebraska. He became a partner in the Fix Based Operation (FBO) in Scottsbluff allowing him to be closer to his parents as they aged and spend more time with his children as they grew. He continued to teach flying, served as a charter and corporate pilot, and a mentor to those who wanted to pursue a career in Aviation.

In 1982, he moved back to Alliance and purchased the Fixed Base Operation. Moving back to Alliance brought him back to his hometown and closer to his parents and family while allowing him to continue to fly until he retired in April 2000. In 2013 Dwain and Connie moved to Dallas, Texas to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Throughout his life, Dwain was a pioneer in aviation, a beloved sibling, an adoring father, and a grandfather and great grandfather like no other. A true team player, he spent most of his life in the background and seldom in the lime light, except to those who loved him most. His decisions were always based on the best for the people and communities he served. He was patient, understanding and able to explain things so they were easily understandable and allowed you to remember them instinctively.

In lieu of flowers, cards, or travel we urge you to donate to your favorite charity. Dwain’s favorite organizations were: Alzheimer’s Research (http://www.eastonad.ucla.edu/index.php/donate-alzheimers-research), Scottish Rite Hospital (https://scottishritehospital.org/get-involved), and his local Scottish Rite Lodge (P.O. Box 754, Alliance, Nebraska 69301).

Memorial will be on May 26th @ 3pm at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church, 312 W 16th St, Alliance, NE 69301.

Funeral Services for Donna Jean (Moss) Gregory age 87 of Chadron, Nebraska will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday April 27, 2019 at Chamberlin Chapel in Chadron, Nebraska with Pastor Aaron Sprock officiating.  Burial will be at the Greenwood Cemetery in Chadron, Nebraska.

Donna passed away peacefully at Crest View Care Center in the early morning hours of April 24, 2019.

Donna Jean was born to George (Bud) Moss and Bess (Drullinger) Moss.  She met and married the love of her life Odey Gregory in December 1951.  To this union were born two daughters, Deana Kay and Pamela Jean.

Of all the jobs she held, child care was her calling.  She loved and nurtured babies well into her 70’s.

She is survived by her daughters, Deana (Jeff) Winkelman of Dalton, NE and Pam (Tim) Anderson of Chadron, NE; grandchildren, Randy (Hilary) Strom of Castle Rock, CO, Shawn (Julie) Grant and Justin (Laura) Anderson of Omaha, NE, Ryan (Gina) Anderson of Chicago, IL, and Lindsey (Isaac) Gonzales of Scottsbluff, NE; great-grandchildren, Emma, Ella, and Evan Strom, Conner and Brayden Grant, Kaeden, Ashtyn, Taige and Chase Anderson, and XayVian Gonzales; one brother Charles (Verle) Moss and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Donna was preceded in death by her husband, Odey, her parents, and one sister, Silvia Zuver.

A memorial has been established for the Chadron Fire Department or Pioneer Manor Nursing Home.  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.

Henry Anthony Tullo, age 68, passed away peacefully surrounded by his children on April 22nd, 2019. Memorial services will be Wednesday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.  A Celebration of Life to follow at The Gathering Spot Grill located at 213 Box Butte Ave in Alliance.

Henry was born on April 25, 1950, in New York City, NY, to Angelo and Frances Tullo. After graduating high school, Henry moved to Chadron, Nebraska to attended college and play football for Chadron State. He made his home in Chadron with his family and thoroughly enjoyed living in the Midwest.

Henry had a passion for all sports and was an avid golfer. In 2004 he was part of the infamous golf team that won the Pabst Blue Ribbon Classic tournament in Alliance. This was the highlight of his mediocre golf career and bragged about it to anyone and everyone that would listen. He was a diehard fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the NY Yankees and rarely missed either of their games on TV. Henry had many close friends that he considered family that he loved to spend time with. He loved seeing his grandchildren and bragging about them any chance he had.

Henry is survived by his children, Jim Tullo of Phoenix, AZ, Jamie Tullo of Rapid City, SD and their mother Kathy Donahue of Beulah, WY. Step children, Justin Tracy (Kaylee) of North Platte, NE, Sean Tracy of Milliken, CO, Chad Tracy (Adrianne) of Longmont, CO. Grandchildren, Markus & Maddox Tullo, Julian & Jaelah Scott, Christian & Riley Tracy (Kinsi Tracy), Helena & Bryce Tracy, Brooke, Owen & Maxaton Tracy, his brother Angelo Tullo (Annmarie) of Olympia, WA, his special friend and companion Deanna Herbert. Along with several nieces & nephews and his many foster daughters that he and his late wife Debra cared for over the years. He will be greatly missed by many including his best friends Steve & Laura Bishop, Frank & Karen Caroselli and Joey & Tammy Calamari.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Debra, and three brothers Rich, Nick and Dominick.

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

Memorial services for Greg Walgren will be held on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Hay Springs at 2:00 PM with Pastor Paul Smith officiating.

Charles Gregory Walgren was born on January 1st, 1954 to Delmer and Peggy Walgren in Gordon, Nebraska.  He passed away at the age of 65 on April 25,^, 2019 in Rapid City Regional Hospital.  Greg was raised in Hay Springs, Nebraska, graduating high school in 1972.  His love of sports led him to participate in football, basketball, and baseball.  Greg also enjoyed golfing, but his true love was always fishing and camping.  He spent his childhood summers with his family at Angostura, providing lifelong memories to many of his best friends.

Greg joined the Army in 1974, completing basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, MO, and his operating room medical technician training in Ft. Sam Houston, TX. He was stationed in Landstuhl, Germany, returning to Hay Springs in 1978 where he remained a lifelong resident.

Greg worked various jobs around the area including carpentry, farming, and working at Summerville Oil, joining in conversation with the locals who dropped by for morning coffee.  Greg met the love of his life, Annette Langford, when she returned to Hay Springs in 1989. They spent the next 30 years together,

Greg followed in his father’s footsteps, with his love for camping, fishing, hunting, woodworking, and gardening.  He particularly enjoyed grilling, deep-frying turkeys, smoking meats and cheeses, making jerky and sausage. There are few people in Hay Springs who did not enjoy tasting these culinary delights, the most famous being his home-made salsa.  He was generous with his garden bounties, making sure folks about town always had fresh veggies to enjoy.

One of the biggest joys in Greg’s life was children. He spent many hours sharing his love of fishing with his nieces, nephew, grandchildren, and countless other local children in Hay Springs.  He was a great teaser, and many of these kids are now young adults with fond memories and funny stories.

Greg was an avid, sometimes rabid, Husker fan.  He was always loyal and never waivered in his faith for their return to glory.  Greg belonged to the Boy Scouts and attended National Scout Jamboree in Farragut, Idaho in 1969. He witnessed the Apollo moon landing with 20,000 other boy scouts from across the country.  He was raised in the Methodist faith and was a member of the American Legion.

Greg was preceded in death by his father Delmer Walgren. He is survived by his wife Annette Langford, mother Peg Walgren, sister Kim (Jay), brother Brad (nieces Sarah(Adam) and Annie, nephew Bradley), step-son Everette ( Amy) Langford, step-daughter Windy (Jason) Perkins, and grandchildren Jace, Kaden, and Harper Langford and Jared, Shazlyn, and Jayden Perkins.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established with the Hay Springs Ambulance Fund. Donations may be sent to the Chamberlain Drabbles Mortuary, PO Box 443, Hay Springs, NE. 69347.

Margaret Ann “Peggy” Jones Bixler died in her sleep at home on April 27, 2019 at age 96 after a few months’ illness from lung cancer. Her lifelong positive attitude, in spite of tragedies, her phenomenal memory, and her faith contributed to her saying “I’ve had a wonderful life with no regrets”, and “When you reach the age of 96, you’re bound to get something.” She was a wonderful influence on all her family and friends. Peggy wrote this obituary: “I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 7, 1922 to Alicia Hazel (McKelvey) Jones and Raymond Streeter Jones, and moved to Bellevue, Pennsylvania when I was 2 years old. It was a happy childhood playing games with neighborhood friends, sledding, skating and learning in a great school atmosphere with caring, loving teachers. My parents were great influences on my life with morals, humor and love as ways to live. My mother used to recite Edgar Guest’s “Be Cheerful” in the mornings and I always felt happy leaving for school. “My mother was born in Crawford to Ellen Victoria and Jason Lemon McKelvey. Jason was a Civil War Veteran and he and his wife were pioneers in Crawford and parents of Brick McKelvey, lawyer & former mayor of Crawford, and Charles (wife Ann & two sons Chuck & Jack). “When I was almost 12, my mother and father and I moved to Chadron and my only sister Rae stayed in Pennsylvania to attend college. I cried when I left my teachers and friends next door, and my mother and I cried during the trip. In Chadron, I walked a mile to school with friends. We had no cafeteria, so came home for lunch with only occasional brown-bag lunches. In addition to all that walking, we played two different sports in Phys Ed. “My parents moved to the farm in Crawford prior to my senior year in high school, but I was able to stay in the dorm at Chadron Prep School, from which I graduated in 1939. During my school years I was on the swimming team, played tennis, and was in pep club and Girl Scouts. “After high school, I attended the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) and joined Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. There I was social chairman, member of the YWCA, and nominated for Nebraska Sweetheart. World War II was declared while I was at University. Most men left for the war – many that we knew. Because of the war, I switched to the Lincoln School of Commerce to continue my business training, which was my favorite subject. “My first job before university was with Ross Transfer Trucking as the accountant’s assistant. I didn’t know how to type, but learned to make daily entries in vouchers in wooden boxes. After business school, I was happily hired for my second job – civil service secretary to Master Sergeant at the Ft. Robinson Headquarters Remount Station. “I loved both jobs. At Ft. Robinson, I met my future roommate, Mary Borron, and my future sister-in-law, Phyllis Parsons (married to my brother-in-law Kenny Bixler). Later Mary and I worked in New York City where I was secretary to the Manager of Passenger Service for United Airlines. The experience was terrific, interesting, and I learned much about city life. When the war was over, my boss was promoted to the Chicago office and my roommate returned to Nebraska, so I went back also and helped my mother and dad move to Laguna Beach, CA. “Afterwards, I found a job back in Crawford for County Attorney Duke Ellington and met my future husband, John H. Bixler, a Sioux County rancher. We were married in Crawford and moved 30 miles south of Harrison. I must say it was a new experience. I had two men to cook for besides myself and my new husband – poor guys! It was a bit of a culture shock but my husband’s friends became my friends and we all spent our growing years together: playing cards, sharing meals, and letting our kids spend time together. There were many good times picnicking at Little Moon Lake (near Henry), feeding cattle, visiting with female friends, sharing stories about husbands, getting bumped out of the pickups driving over rough roads, and laughing at the men’s jokes. Sometimes we were upset over little things, but it was a good life with a good husband, five wonderful children, and being blessed with wonderful friends. “After my children were grown, I enjoyed the travel and the friends I made while working at Oregon Trail Travel Agency in Scottsbluff. Over the years I was also involved as a volunteer with 4-H, Camp Fire Girls, Boy Scouts, NAMI and the Scottsbluff Mental Health Center. “I love dancing, growing roses, reading, organizing and attending family get-togethers, visiting friends, playing board games, and traveling to new places. “Family members who died before me were my beloved husband John H. Bixler, beloved son Craig, my parents, my sister and brother-in-law Rae & Jim Hogrefe, my mother and father-in-law Delia and Harvey Bixler, my husband’s siblings LaVerna, Joan, Lorraine, and Kenny, and my special friend Phil Smith.”

Peggy is survived by two daughters, Sally Lloyd of Arizona, Susan Lynn and husband Merrill of Illinois; two sons, David of Scottsbluff, and Don and wife Roxanna of Massachusetts; daughter-in-law Joyce Bixler of South Dakota, along with 9 grandchildren, 3 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, 4 step-grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, and special friend Will Bauer. A funeral service and reception will be held at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel in Scottsbluff on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 10 am with Reverend Nona Hodder officiating. Interment will be held at the Harrison Cemetery at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com Memorials may be given to the Memorial UMC, 278 E. 2nd St, Harrison, NE 69346, or to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Robert W. Watt passed away Monday, April 29, 2019 at Box Butte General Hospital at the age of 96.

He was born to Wallace and Kathryn (Fischer) Watt on June 4, 1922 in Reading, PA.  Later on, James Campbell became his stepfather.  Bob attended and graduated from Reading, PA High School in 1942.

In January 1943 Robert entered the U.S. Army Air Corp and served until his honorable discharge in February 1946.  During that time Bob came to Alliance and was stationed at the Alliance Air Base.  It was here that he met Debrah Welton.  They were married on November 12, 1944 at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church in Alliance.  Debra passed away July 26, 2001.

Bob worked for the C.B. & Q. Railroad at Alliance from March 1946 until September 1948 when he went to work for what became Western Heritage Credit Union.  He worked there for 40 years becoming its General Manager before retiring on December 31, 1988.  He served for several years on the Nebraska Credit Union League.

Robert served as a member for 74 years and was a past officer of the Alliance American Legion Post No. 7. He was also a member of the Eagles.

As a lifelong member of the Episcopal Church he served in many capacities at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church.  His church was very important to him.

He is survived by his son, Ralph Watt of Paris, France and special friend, Marilyn Reddish.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Debrah and his parents.

Memorial services will be Friday, May 3 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Matthew’s Episcopal Church with Father Coke McClure officiating.  Inurnment will be in the church columbarium. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to St. Matthew’s Church or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

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

After a short battle with cancer, Frances Elaine (Dobry) Young, 64, passed away at her daughter’s home in Gordon, Nebraska, on Tuesday, April 23, 2019.

Frances was born in Alliance at St. Joseph’s Hospital on November 8, 1954 to Vaclav James Dobry and Rosemarie (Loch) Dobry. She was the fourth of five children. Frances attended high school in Alliance, Nebraska, and graduated in 1973.

While still in high school she met Lawrence “Speedy” Gonzalez and were married in 1972. This marriage brought forth two daughters, Nikki Rene and Sabrina Marie. The marriage was dissolved later, but they remained friends.

Frances worked at jobs around Alliance, including Dairy Queen, A&W, and Pollock’s Texaco. After her divorce she found a job on a ranch in Cherry County, McGinley Ranch. She and her two daughters moved to the ranch for a few years. During this time, she met her current husband and married in September 1991. After working at the ranch, the three moved into Gordon and she started working for the Gordon/Rushville Public School system as a cook at the elementary school. She continued her career in the school system at the high school in Gordon. She worked as a custodian the high school for 24 years, until retiring in 2013. Throughout her time at the high school she got to see a lot of students and children of the former students come and go. She was always trying to keep them out of trouble or be a listening ear. She also enjoyed working with the teachers at the school, she was always fixing things for them or doing what she could, so they didn’t have to wait for things to get done.

In her free time, Frances enjoyed being outside either planting flowers or just fixing things around the house. Her love for the outdoors started at a young age when she used to help her dad on the family ranch. She had many skills which were mostly self-taught, she could change oil in a vehicle to plumbing.

Frances is survived by her Daughter Sabrina Gonzalez (Gordon, NE); Husband Roger Young (Gordon, NE); brother: Bruce (Patricia) Dobry (Alliance, NE); sisters: Diana Dobry (Alliance, NE), Kristina (Larry) Zindel (Moweaqua, IL), Marcella (Gary) Kreiling (Minatare, NE). Sister-in-laws Evelyn Thornburgh, Margaret Edwards, and Margaret Hinkley. Brother-in-laws James and Doug Young. Nephews: Walker (Ashely), Dobry, and Justin (Jenny), Zindel, Nieces: Mindy (Mark) Masse, Katy (Vinay) Pamnani, Melissa (Chris) Lally, and Heather (Aaron) Rutz. Great nephew Mason Masse. Great nieces: Elliana and Brailey Dobry, and Annora Rutz. Uncle and Aunt Harold and Mary Jo Loch of Harrison, AR.

She was preceded in death by her parents James and Rosemarie Dobry, daughter Nikki Gonzalez, grandparents Paul and Chloe Loch, and uncle and aunt Harlan and Joann Loch.

Memorial services will be held Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gordon City Auditorium.  Pastor Russ Seger will officiate.  Inurnment will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorials may be given in care of the family for a later designation to, Sabrina Gonzalez, 313 Maple Ave., Gordon, NE, 69343.

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

Briar Lynn Stuart daughter of Tyler and Christina (Dietz) Stuart was born on April 6, 2019 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and was transported to Saint Luke’s Presbyterian hospital in Denver, Colorado on April 8th. Briar was baptized on April 28th. She entered into heaven on April 28th, 2019 with her parents by her side.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Mount Calvary Lutheran Church in Bayard with Reverend George Naylor officiating. Burial will follow at the Bayard Cemetery. Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Briar is survived by her parents Tyler and Christina Stuart; Siblings: Hayden and Landon Stuart; Grandparents Kevin and Robin Stuart, Robert and Rhonda Schneider, and Clay and Mary Dietz; Aunt Amber Stuart (James Mendonza); Uncle Derek (Bobbie) Stuart and Uncle Chad (Tarina) Dietz; Great Grandparents Butch and Betty Duncan; Great Grandma Jackie Goroski; Great Grandparents Billy and Dianne Dietz; Great Grandpa Carl Schneider; and cousins, extended family members and friends.

Briar was preceded in death by her Great Grandparents Bill and Mary Stuart, Great Grandpa Leonard Goroski, Great Grandma Catherine Schneider, Great Uncle Larry Schneider, Cousin Riley Schneider, and Great Uncle Jim Billingsley.

Memorials may be made in care of the family for a designation at a later date.

Memorial services for Sasha Gartner of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 10:00 AM at First Baptist Church in Chadron with Pastor Aaron Sprock officiating.

Sasha M. Gartner was born April 6, 1987 in Chadron, Nebraska to Charles and Sharon Gartner.  She went to become a special angel on May 2, 2019 at age 32 years, 27 days.  She is survived by her children Ana, Ami, and Dayton from Chadron whom she loved and cared for.

Sasha attended Trunk Butte School from kindergarten through eighth grade.  She attended high school at Chadron High.  Sasha worked at Safeway and McDonalds.

She is also survived by her parents, Charles and Sharon Gartner of Chadron; brothers Daniel (Kristy) Gartner of Dalton, NE, and Joshua Gartner of Chadron, NE; Uncles, Don Lovenburg of Enders, NE, Bill (Ellen) Gartner of Crawford, NE, and Mike Gartner of Grant, NE; aunts Audrey (Danny) Martin of Grant, NE, and Janice Beek of Holyoke, CO; grandparents Harvey Lovenburg and Katy Miyamoto of Grant, NE; longtime friend Jonathan Lame, and many cousins and friends.

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.

Helen C. Planansky, 94, died Friday, May 3, 2019 at Box Butte General Hospital.

She was born August 18, 1924 in Box Butte County, Nebraska to Joseph H. and Lillian (Kolousek) Jezek.

She married Vern R. Planansky on February 11, 1947 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Hemingford.

Helen was an avid gardener and took great pride in her flower and vegetable gardens.  She loved to cook and bake and was famous for her kolaches.  She also donated her time for several years as a 4-H leader.

She loved genealogy and worked tirelessly to finish both Vern’s and her family trees, while being a resource to those who were seeking family information, even from those in the Czech Republic.

Helen, above all, loved her family and took great pride in her husband of 71 years, Vern, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She always welcomed people into their home and made them feel like they were part of the family.  No one was a stranger to her.

She is survived by her 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.  She is also survived by 6 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Vern, and her brothers, Joe and Rudy Jezek.

Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, May 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church in Hemingford.  Father Tim Stoner will officiate.  Wake services will be held Monday, May 13 at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  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.

Elouise N. Cordell, 92, died Monday, May 6, 2019 at her home.

She was born January 31, 1927 in Mason City, Nebraska to Albert Edward and Rovilla Nione (Haddix) Fielding.

She married Clayton Keith Cordell on April 4, 1946 in Mason City, Nebraska.  Together they lived in Bingham from 1955 through 1965 when they moved to Alliance.

Elouise was a homemaker, worked at P.D.Q. for a time, cleaned houses, and was also a custodian at the Guardian State Bank.  She especially enjoyed ceramics, card parties, dancing and jamborees.

She was a member of the Rebekah’s Lodge, Extension Club, R.S.V.P. and the Alliance Berean Church.  She also volunteered her time at the Box Butte General Hospital Gift Shop.

Elouise is survived by her children, Marlene Teppert of Cheyenne, WY, Terry (Mary) Cordell and Bruce (Lori) Cordell, all of Alliance, Peggy (John) Sanner of Marysville, WA, and Deborah Johnson of Alliance; 13 grandchildren, 29 great-grandchildren and numerous great-great grandchildren.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and 4 sisters.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 9, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at the Alliance Berean Church.  Pastor Glenn Johnson will officiate.  Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 from 1-7p.m.

Memorials may be given to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Alliance Berean Church.

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

Charles ‘Chuck’ Biegler, 73, of Custer, SD, passed away after a valiant battle with bone and liver cancer.  He was born in Spokane, Washington, on August 25, 1945, and went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on May 9, 2019, at the Rapid City Regional Hospice House in Rapid City, SD.   He was the fourth son born to Joseph B. and Agatha Biegler.  He was preceded in death by his parents; loving wife, Annie; and older brother, Ron.   He is survived by his oldest brother, Duane of Traverse City, MI; Joe (Lydia) of Liberty Lake, Washington; sister-in-law, Susan Biegler of Carson City, Nevada; stepson, Shawn and his wife Shari Macfarlane and their sons, Bryce and Mason; along with numerous cousins and friends.

Chuck attended the St. Paschal’s Grade School in Spokane Valley, St. Francis Seminary, Troutdale, Oregon and graduated from Gonzaga Prep in 1964.  He was blessed with an extraordinary ear and gift for music.  When he was 4 ½ years old, he taught himself how to play the piano.  On his own, by the age of 8, he learned how to play the accordion.  In high school he took up the trumpet by listening to the high school band and then joined it.  After graduation he launched his musical career and entertained in dinner and night clubs, churches, senior centers and a variety of other venues.  Over the years, “The Chuck Biegler Show” traveled from Priest Lake, Rathdrum, and Spirit Lake, Idaho to Spokane, Wenatchee, Seattle, Washington to Juno and Kodiak, Alaska to Miles City, Montana and finally to Custer, South Dakota where he settled permanently.

In 1985, he married the love of his life, Annie Macfarlane, who joined him in Custer where they began their married life together.  Annie also was gifted with a beautiful singing voice, and Chuck and she formed a duo entitled “Me and My Shadow”.  Together they traveled to various places in Washington, Montana, Wyoming and back to Custer where they enjoyed a more permanent gig at the Bavarian Inn.  The highlight of their playing career occurred in June of 1987 when they played for our Mom and Dad Biegler’s 50^thwedding anniversary, which was attended by many members of our immediate and extended families.

Chuck also exhibited a tremendous sense of humor.  He so enjoyed telling, listening and sharing jokes.  He created humorous nicknames for many of his relatives and friends and often accompanied them with a smile and short singing ditty.  He also did very realistic impersonations of movie stars, entertainers, acquaintances, animals and numerous sounds effects and incorporated many of them into his musical performances.

But above all else Chuck was a devoted Catholic Christian.  His generous heart knew no bounds.  Numerous are the people and organizations to whom he reached out and helped in their times of crisis or need.  It is because of his deep love of God, life, family, friends and strangers that he will be greatly missed.

Our family especially thanks Roy and Mary Hendrickson, Chuck’s long-time, devoted and caring friends, who have always supported him especially during his severe illness in 2014 and his recent battle with cancer.  We also thank Ginny Shattuch, who has cooked, cleaned, washed and performed a variety of tasks for our brother. Finally, we thank Drs. Joy Faulkenbug, Lisa Brown, Saney and all the staff at the Custer Regional Hospital and Clinic for their dedicated treatment and care of Chuck.  Rest in the eternal love, joy and peace of God, our Brother, relative and friend.

Services are pending.

Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer, SD.