Hugh L. James

Hugh L. James

Hugh L. James, age 67, of Bassett, passed away on Friday, Nov. 25, 2011, at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at the United Methodist Church in Bassett with Pastor Bonnie Forney and Pastor Gary Graesser officiating. Special music was offered by Kathy Magnussen and Pastor Sam and Mary Courts. Special reflections were given by Parker James and Russell Wentworth.

Pallbearers were Russ Wentworth, Andrew Steinhauser, Brad Arrowsmith, Carl Frauen, Marty Larson, Tom Laible, Shawn Coleman and Curt Weber.

Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Gary Leach, Scott Rysdon, Keith Wright, Rodney Palmer, Lawrence Roy, Howard Miller, Charles Everett, Scott Robinson, Jack Poulson, Walter Porter and Chris Hartman.

Interment services were held at the Chambers Cemetery in Chambers at 3 p.m. under the direction of Hoch Funeral Home of Bassett. Memorials were directed to the family in his name to be used for a future designation.

Hugh was born on Feb. 29, 1944, in Phoenix, AZ, to Alfred and Leona (McAllister) James. He attended a rural school near Amelia, and St. Joseph Elementary in Atkinson, before graduating from Burwell High School.

Hugh married Carma Harkins of Chambers on July 18, 1963. To this union two children were born, Monte Al and Shana Lee. After marrying Carma, they moved to Ericson, where he helped his father build and operate the Ericson Livestock Market. In 1975, Hugh, Carma and two children, bought their ranch on the Niobrara River between Bassett and Springview. This was his home for 36 years until the time of his death.

Hugh grew up on the James Family homestead west of Amelia, deep in the heart of the Nebraska Sandhills. His childhood and teenage years were spent working the family ranch with his father and brothers. Hugh loved to share stories with his grandchildren about milking cattle and taking the cream to town on Saturday night for their weekly outing. He began buying and selling cattle at the early age of 17, making frequent runs to the eastern states to purchase Holstein cattle, and never stopped. His career as a rancher and cattle buyer spanned over 50 years until the time of his death. He took a lot of pride in supplying cattle to some of the largest dairies in the nation.

Hugh was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite pastime was fishing with friends and family in his airboat on the Niobrara River. He also enjoyed turkey and deer hunting on his ranch.

Hugh adored his three grandsons, Parker Thomas James, Shaylor Hugh Platt and Shayce William Platt. Hugh anxiously awaited the time family and friends would come to the ranch for the weekend. He was often seen in the old ranch truck with a load of kids and dogs driving throughout the ranch, picking mulberries and taking the kids for a dip in the river.

Survivors include: his wife, Carma James of Bassett; son, Monte James and grandson, Parker of Yankton, SD; daughter, Shana Platt and husband Nick and grandsons, Shaylor and Shayce, also of Yankton; mother-in-law, Lela Harkins of O'Neill; sister-in-law, Sharon (Marvin) Larson of Ewing; brother-in-law, Ralph (Lynn Harkins of Wichita Falls, Texas; along with two step-grandchildren; three nieces; three nephews; and loyal cattle working companions, Pepper and Freckles.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Leona James; brothers, Paul and Jesse James and father-in-law, Albert Harkins.

Kevin J. Jackson, Sr.

Kevin James Jackson, Sr., age 48, of Clay Center, KS, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2011, at his residence in Clay Center.

Visitation was held from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2, 2011, at the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Chapel in Clay Center with Pastor Paul Tessaro officiating. 

Burial was in the Greenwood Cemetery in Clay Center, KS.

Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home in Clay Center, KS, was in charge of arrangements.

Kevin was born on Oct. 20, 1963, in Wichita, KS, son of Mastin Dee "Bud" and Judy C. (Woods) Jackson, Jr. He was raised in Wichita and attended Clay Center schools. 

Kevin served in the National Guard from 1980-1984. He married Vickie Rhodes on Nov. 2, 1981, and they later divorced. He owned his own truck and was an over-the-road truck driver for various companies. Kevin was a member of the Clay Center Eagles Lodge and the American Legion.

He is survived by his children: daughter, Alicia Burton of Junction City, KS; son, Kevin Jackson Jr. of O'Neill; daughter, Casey and husband Steven Roberts of Junction City, KS; son, Shawn and wife  Amanda Jackson of Junction City, KS; son, Joseph Jackson of Clay Center, KS; daughter, Danielle and husband Joey Posey of Junction City, KS; two sisters, Joquetta and husband Terry Eierdam of Texas City, Texas and Zelda and husband Rick Stewart of League City, Texas; brother, Troy Jackson and wife Jennifer of  Manhattan, KS; mother, Judy Marksman of Clay Center, KS; and 17 grandchildren.

Kevin was preceded in death by his father; one brother, Mastin Dee Jackson III; and a grandson, Romeo Meade.

Memorials for Kevin may be given to the Kevin J. Jackson Memorial Fund which will be designated later by the family. Online condolences may be made at www.nsrfh.com

Dennis L. Johnson

Dennis L. Johnson, age 63, of Lynch, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at the Niobrara Valley Hospital in Lynch.

Graveside services were held at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at the Alford Cemetery  southwest of Monowi with Rev. Donald Kros officiating.

Pallbearers were Brad Otte, Dean Mackeprang, Jim Abbenhaus, Tim Nolan, Larry Moeller and Ronnie Beckmann.

Honorary pallbearers were Les Lorenz, Kelly Konken, Chad Strom, Richard Schrunk, Dan Otte, Roger Whitwer, Darrell Nolan, Dan Nolan, Casey Heiser and Gail Heiser.

Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer was in charge of arrangements.

Dennis, son of Archie and Evelyn (Overholt) Johnson, was born on Jan. 22, 1948, in Osmond. He attended and graduated from Creighton Public School. Two years later, on May 15, 1968, he married Barbara Smith in Yankton, SD. After their marriage, Dennis and his new bride moved to his family farm northeast of Creighton where they raised cattle, hogs and farmed. Dennis and Barbara were blessed with four children, Douglas, Daniel, Alisha and Dustin.

In 1983, Dennis took ownership of the Verdigre Livestock Market in Verdigre. His family lived in Verdigre and enjoyed their time there until he decided it was time to move west to Lynch in 1992. They purchased the Sundowner Bar, which they were currently operating. After settling into Lynch, Dennis purchased a small farm northwest of town where he continued to enjoy ranch life and raise cattle.

Throughout the years, Dennis maintained a realtor license, served as a notary public and sold crop and hail insurance. He spent many years as a cattle buyer, farmer and rancher. Dennis was known by everyone far and wide, as he loved going to cattle sales and farm auctions. He enjoyed conversations with friends, a drive in the country and an occasional card game and roll of the dice.

Dennis's pride and joy were his grandchildren. They could do no wrong and his eyes would shine everytime he was around them. He loved helping them anticipate the birth of a new calf or baby pig and enjoyed their help when it was time to round up cattle.

He was diagnosed with cancer 11 days prior to his death. He will always be admired for his courage and acceptance of his disease in such a short time, and know that death was a part of life.

Dennis was quoted as saying, "Even though I was dealt a losing hand, I'm still going to come out a winner." This statement proved itself true when the good Lord called another 'ole' cowboy home. He will be greatly missed by all those blessed to know him.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Barbara; sons, Douglas and Dustin; and daughter, Alisha and husband Brock and their children, Mykah, Mariah, Brook and Ruby, all of Lynch.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Evelyn; a son, Daniel; and a sister, Darlene.

Bart L. Studhreier

Bart L. Stuhldreier, age 46, of Spencer, passed away Monday, Nov. 28, 2011, at his home in Spencer.

Visitation was held from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011, at the Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer.

Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 1, 2011, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spencer with Pastor Glen Stahlecker officiating. Music was provided by Cherry Hammon, organist and congregational hymns.

Pallbearers were Jack Cole, Marlin Smith, Jack Hiatt, Dean Wahl, Jeff Johnston, Jeff Palmer and Ernie Hahne.

Honorary pallbearers were Mike Klasna, Tom Poehling, Frank Nachtman, Charlie Mashino and George Pfeiffer.

Interment was in the National Cemetery  in Spencer.

Brockhaus Funeral Home in Spencer was in charge of arrangements.

Bart was born on Nov. 2, 1965, in Omaha to Mariann Stuhldreier. He attended West Boyd School in Spencer and worked as a carpenter.

He was a member of Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Spencer.

Bart is survived by his sons, Justin and Stephen of Grand Island; one granddaughter, Aubrella of Grand Island; brother, Brett Stuhldreier of Commerce City, CO; sister, Brenda Stuhldreier of Norfolk; and mother, Mariann Stuhldreier of Spencer.