Rodney Douglas Bertram, 62, of Gering, NE died unexpectedly on October 27, 2012 of cardiac arrest in Carlisle, IA, while visiting family with his wife.

            Rod was born March 20, 1950 in Scottsbluff, NE to Betty (Weinmaster) Bertram and Reinhart Bertram.  Rod attended schools in Gering and graduated from Gering High School in 1968.  Rod’s love of automobiles brought him to work at Gillman Motors as a mechanic, gaining ASE certification and experience, eventually sharing this knowledge of cars as an instructor at WNCC.  Rod returned to farming, a love instilled in him by his Grandfather Weinmaster.  Currently Rod was living the unscheduled life of a Union Pacific Conductor. He was married to Shirley (Hall) Reitz on Febuary 1, 1999, and they enjoyed life on the farm together. Two previous marriages to Georgia Kleich and Gloria Lind both ended in divorce.

            While Rod worked hard, he also played hard.  He loved to spend time with friends and family be it hunting, RV camping, playing cards, attending drag races, carpentry, or sharing a good meal and cold drink. Rod had a soft spot for animals, most loved were his Golden Retriever dogs, Zeke, Jenny, and Garth.

            Rod is survived by wife, Shirley, children April Johnson and grandchildren Lauren and Jake of North Carolina, Jennifer and Scott Mavin and granddaughters Alexandra and Breanna of Carlisle, Iowa and Jason Reitz of Gering.  Mother Betty Pittman of Alliance, brother Michael and Doris Bertram and niece Nikki and family of South Carolina, sister Renee Smith and nephew Michael Adams of Alliance.  Aunt Maxine Fox and cousin Andy Weinmaster and Deb Brown of Alliance.  Uncle Rueben and Edna Weinmaster of Colorado. 

            Rod is preceded in death by his father, step-father Jim Pittman, cousin Joseph Fox and grand parents.

            To celebrate Rod’s life, the public is invited for viewing and visitation Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home in Scottsbluff, NE from 4-8 p.m.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral home at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor John Adams.  Casual attire is requested. 

            In memory of Rod, donations are requested to be made to Gering Rural Fire Department, Ducks Unlimited, or Veterans organization of donors choice.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Yvonne D. Kirchner, 81, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, October 28, 2012 after an extended illness.  She was born December 2, 1930, in Alliance, Nebraska, the youngest child of Ebenezer and Dora (Curry) Garrett. 

A lifetime Alliance resident; she graduated from Alliance High School in 1948.  She received her teaching certificate from Nebraska State Normal School at Chadron.  She then worked in area rural schools for short time. 

Yvonne married Carroll J. Kirchner on June 25, 1951 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, in Alliance Nebraska.  They were married for 20 years, when Carroll was called home on November 19, 1971.  After his death, she was employed as secretary/bookkeeper at the Conoco Bulk Plant for many years. She was also employed by Copsey Clinic and Bates-Gould Funeral Home until her health declined.

She is survived by her son, Tom (Kathy) Kirchner of Alliance, their children Chris (Maridee) Kirchner and children Caleb, Eli and Declan of Lincoln, NE.; Matt (Melissa) Kirchner and children, Kennedy and Beckett of Olathe, KS; her daughter, Debbie (Brad) Gering of Alliance, their children Ryan (Morgan) Gering, children, Savannah and Caroline of Wichita, KS; Raime (Justin) Misko, children, Kixten, Cacen and Eizlee of Lincoln, NE; her daughter Pam (Dave) Lawrence of Alliance, their children Dustin Lawrence of Lincoln, NE;  Josh (Amity) Lawrence, children, Mykenah and Gracen of Omaha, NE; Courtney Lawrence of Alliance, NE, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Carroll, her parents, 3 sisters and 4 brothers.

Her grandchildren were her greatest joy. She enjoyed following their many activities, rarely missing one of their events.   She initiated the bingo program at Holy Rosary, overseeing it for more than 30 years.  She enjoyed the many friendships she was blessed with through bingo, as well as lunches with the girls from the class of 1948.  She was known for her giving spirit, and cookie and pie making skills.  She loved to shop, as long as it was shopping for her family or for bingo.  Christmas was always her favorite time of year with presents for everyone and decorating of her “Better Homes and Garden” Christmas tree. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday November 3rd with Father Lou Nollette officiating.  Burial will with follow at Calvary Cemetery.  A wake service will be Friday November 2nd at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Church.  Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday November 2nd  at Bates Gould Funeral Home.

Memorials can be designated to St. Agnes Foundation or Prairie Haven Hospice.

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

Irvin Rushall, beloved husband, father, and friend, passed away October 27, 2012 in Denver, Colorado after a brief illness. A celebration of Irvin’s life will be 10:00 a.m. Thursday, November 1, 2012 at the Gering Civic Center with Rev. Karen Anderson officiating. Cremation was held at Sunset Memorial Park Crematory. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Oregon Trail Community Foundation in honor of Irvin’s love of community, or to the Western Nebraska Community College Foundation in honor of his recognition of the importance of education. Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com

Irvin was born on September 4, 1938 to Harry and Josephine (Nathan) Rushall in Scottsbluff. He was raised in Scottsbluff, graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1956 and from the University of Southern California in 1964 with a degree in finance. He returned to Scottsbluff where he raised his family with his former wife Pat Carlson and worked with his father, Harry Rushall, at Scottsbluff at Scottsbluff Pipe and Supply Company. In 1978, he married Marianne Heilbrun. In 1984, he refocused his interests in the area of development.

Irvin loved his community and had a vision for how to contribute to its growth by developing properties. He enjoyed collaborating with contractors, landscapers, and architects in designing buildings and took pride in quality workmanship. He valued what was good and what was right, and lived his life inspired by the guiding principles of integrity, honesty, and fairness. He loved his family more than anything, and strived to provide them with a sense of roots for stability, wings for adventure, and a soft place to land when needed. His grandchildren loved their “Zadie,” and were his deepest source of joy and pride. Those who were dear to Irvin were blessed with a role model, mentor, and friend who shared his gifts of love, support, wit, and humor. Irvin’s closest friends shared a lifetime of experiences and a rare and special bond of friendship that meant the world to him. Irvin had a unique way of viewing life, often sharing thought provoking stories, and always making others laugh.

Survivors include his wife and best friend of 34 years, Marianne Rushall, children Lessie and David Martin, Judy Amoo, Jeff and Amy Rushall, David and Leah Rushall and Brandy and Chris Herron; grandchildren Gannon, Macy, Griffin, Josie, Brooke, Avery, Alex, Evelyn, Isabel, and Elenor; sister Marilynn and Larry Heitman; mother-in-law Florence Weber; former wife Pat Moore; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and in-laws.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Josephine Rushall and sister Rosalind Hanna.

Jesper Percy Jensen, 78, went to be with our Lord on Sunday, October 28, 2012 at Highland Park Care Center.

 Jesper was born on the family farm in Box Butte County, Nebraska on April 5, 1934 to Chris B. Jensen and Esther M. (Jespersen) Jensen.  Jesper graduated from Hemingford High School and continued to farm the family farm until he was inducted into the Army.  He spent nearly two years on active duty in Korea and was later transferred to the Army Reserve, serving a total of six additional years.   Upon completion of his active duty status he returned to the farm. 

 In 1958 he met the love of his life, Norma Jean Wright, whom he later married on July 13, 1959.  They were married at St. John’s Lutheran Church at Alliance.

 Jess, as he liked his friends to call him, enjoyed raising cattle and farming.  He tried to spend as much time as he could outside.  He also enjoyed visiting with people and talking about the stories about the old country (Denmark), as his dad always called it.  His guidance and persevering attitude will be missed by all who knew him. 

 He was a member of the First Christian Church, having served as elder for many years.  He was also a member of the Alliance Cooperative Association, having served on its board of directors.                        

 Jess is survived by his wife, Norma Jean of Alliance; his children, Thomas (Denise) Jensen of Hemingford, and Lisa Ann (Todd) Culp of Omaha; his grandchildren, Gabe and Zach Culp, and Ashli (Eric) Waters; brothers, Arnold of Hayward WI., and Doyle of Apache Junction AZ.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and brothers Arandel and Jens Allen, and his precious grandson Luke Jesse Jensen. 

 A private prayer gathering was held at his bedside.   

 In lieu of holding memorial services, the family requests a card shower service and all condolences or memorials be sent to Norma Jensen at Crossroads Assisted Living, 150 24th Street, Suite 101, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.

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

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Richard M. Babbitt, 72, lifelong resident of Scottsbluff, died Saturday, October 27,

2012 at the Hemingford Community Care Center in Hemingford, Nebraska.

 He was born July 19, 1940 to Emil and Hattie Babbitt at Scottsbluff, Nebraska.

 He is survived by his guardian, Dick Kuxhausen and his wife Marlene. He became a part of Dick’s and Marlene’s family and was loved by their children and grandchildren. He will be missed and remembered.  Richard was born mentally handicapped but had learned to do many things.  Richard’s favorite word was “friend”.  Whether he knew someone for ten minutes or ten years, they were his friend.  He was also well known for riding his bicycle all over Scottsbluff and Gering.  He loved the Tuesday night auction and garage sales.  He had a fantastic memory and remembered where things were for a long time. Richard was a member of the Moose Lodge and known as a champion potato peeler and dishwasher. I am proud that he was my friend.

 Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Hattie Babbitt, his brothers Vernon, Eugene, and Melvin and his sister Alma.

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

 Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Morris Zeller, 88, passed away on Monday, October 15, 2012 at Good Samaritan Health Care Center in Alliance after a battle with cancer.  Memorial services will be held Thursday, November 1, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.

Graveside services for Evelyn Toliver will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 11:00 AM at the Crawford City Cemetery in Crawford, Nebraska with Pastor Bill Bagley officiating.

Evelyn Blanche (Dyer) Toliver passed away at the Ponderosa Villa on October 19, 2012. She was born on May 27, 1915 in Bertrand, Nebraska to Carl and Virgil Dyer. On December 1, 1933, Evelyn married Merrel Toliver. To this union, two children were born, Bill Toliver and Betty Toliver. Evelyn was a member of the First Congregational Church and a charter member of the Eagles Club. She was very active in the community until her health failed her in her later years.

Evelyn was preceded in death by her husband, Merrel, her parents, her daughter, a sister Maxine Toliver and niece Rita Staman, whom Merrel and Evelyn raised as their own daughter.

Her survivors include her son, Bill (Doris) Toliver of Crawford, Nebraska; one sister, Arvilla Marshall of Buffalo, Wyoming; four grandchildren, Roger (Alexis) Toliver of Spearfish, South Dakota; Onna (Paul) Radke of Newcastle, Wyoming, Mike (Kim) Toliver of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Pam (Mark) Brinson of Newcastle, Wyoming; six great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren, and Rita’s two children Tam and Kip Staman.

Evelyn will be missed by all who knew and loved her. In her 97 years of life, she had numerous friends who have passed on before her. Her family will never forget all the many years they had to enjoy her life with her and will always carry her in their hearts forever.

A memorial has been established for the Crawford Congregational Church. 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 Crawford is in charge of arrangements.

Norman G. Rust, 90, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at the Nebraska Veterans Home at Scottsbluff.  Funeral services will be held Friday, October 26, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Patrick N. Dishman, 49, passed away Saturday, October 20, 2012 at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.  A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, October 25, 2012 at Salem Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Dale Brown officiating.  Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff.  A visitation will be held from 2-7 p.m. Wednesday, October 24, at Jolliffe Funeral Home in Scottsbluff with a prayer service beginning at 6 p.m. at the funeral home.  Memorials may be made to the Festival of Hope or Salem Congregational Church.  Online condolences may be made by visiting www.jolliffefuneralhome.com. 

 Pat was born March 18, 1963 in Kenitra, Morocco at the U.S. Naval Hospital to Chet and Darlene (Schaneman) Dishman.  He grew up in Scottsbluff, was confirmed in the Salem Congregational Church, and graduated from Scottsbluff High in 1981.

 Patrick was united in marriage to Nancy Ryan and to this union a son, Corey Dishman, was born. 

 Patrick participated in the Scottsbluff High Marching Band and traveled to Europe with the band.  He was active in various sports activities including Little League Baseball, Babe Ruth and Legion Baseball.  He was a true Husker and Braves fan.  Patrick was also an avid stock car and Nascar racing fan. 

 Survivors include his son, Corey Dishman of Kimball; mother and step-father, Darlene and Lee Kovarik of Gering; brother, Randy Dishman of Gering; step-brothers, Mark (Michelle) Kovarik of Gering, James Kovarik of Omaha; uncle and aunt, Stan and Pamela Schaneman of Mitchell and aunt, Carol Steele of Minatare; and numerous cousins. 

 Preceding Patrick in death were his grandparents, Lawrence and Millie Schaneman and Dunward and Margaret Dishman; and step-grandmother, Helen Kovarik.

Larry Dale Vickers, 58, died Sunday, October 21 at his rural Hemingford home.

 He was born October 29, 1953 in Cozad, Nebraska to Dale and Helen (Heins) Vickers.  Larry was a lifetime area farmer and was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

 He is survived by his mother, Helen, his sister and brother-in-law, Kathy and Steve Loseke of Lincoln, his nephew, Brandon Dexter of Denver, CO and his niece, Brittney Loseke of Lincoln.

 Memorial services will be Thursday, October 25 at 10:00 a.m. at the Immanuel Lutheran Church with Reverend Martin T. Schnare and Reverend Richard C. Mueller officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.

 Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, Hemingford American Legion Post No. 9 or the Hemingford Volunteer Firefighters Association.

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