Claudia Merlin (Maret) Benda, passed away on January 22, 2026, with her family by her side.

Memorial Service will be Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 AM at Bates-Gould Chapel in Alliance, Nebraska.

&nbsp;Claudia was born on January 24, 1937, in Curtis Nebraska. She was the 5th of five children born to Daniel and Ruie (Wood) Maret. She grew up attending the local grade school and Cutis High School and graduated from UNSA in the Spring of 1954. On October 22 she married Gary Benda. In the 1960’s their family grew when they welcomed their son Randy and daughter Tonya.

She was happy being a farm wife and mother. She served on the district 40 school board for seven years. She really enjoyed the rural community and the many friendships she made there. She will be remembered for her skill in making great tasting food for family. She loved to cook for everyone including friends that helped with branding, wheat harvest and several other occasions. Her specialties included cinnamon rolls, fried chicken, roast and scotcharoos. When mom cooked there was never a complaint, just people wanting a second or third helping.

Gary did the farming and Claudia did much of the business details. She enjoyed living in the country close to the farm. The long work hours and stress that come with farming kept the family close together.

She and Gary spent 60 happy years together and welcomed their granddaughters and, later, step grandchildren into their family. They enjoyed being grandparents. One of the things that gave them the most delight was attending the many activities the grandkids were involved in; softball games, volleyball, track and dance recitals.

They were fortunate enough to travel to many of their favorite destinations. When asked which one she enjoyed the most, Claudia always had trouble deciding. Eventually she did say she loved Australia a lot. She was grateful that they were able to travel for several years. Many of their travels included their closest friends.

When they moved into town she served as a hospice volunteer. She visited many patients in Hospice Care. Those visits meant a lot to everyone involved. She also loved to do work in her yard which was always beautiful and included all her favorite flowers.

She was an avid reader and spent a lot of time with her favorite authors. She loved playing golf and spent many happy days playing the sport with close friends. She also loved to watch Nebraska Volleyball and Football. She hated it when she did not get the games on television or the radio. We were fortunate enough to be able to take her to a Nebraska Volleyball game in Lincoln. It was a lot of fun and she loved checking it off her bucket list. The other thing she loved to do was to take an occasional trip to Deadwood. She went many times with Gary and after his passing she went with her close friends.

Claudia is survived by her son, Randy, her daughter and husband, Tonya and Doug Thomas, daughter in law Kerri Benda, her sister, Hilda Wolgamott;&nbsp; grandchildren, Shayla (Jarred) Ruth, Kelsey Sylvester, Alyshia Benda, Jacob (Olivia) Thomas, Maria (Corbin) Spells and great grandchildren, Moxley Russell, Reese Spells, Phoebe Spells and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, her parents, Ruie and Daniel Maret and her husband’s parents, Mildred and Walter Benda and 3 siblings.

Memorials to the American Cancer Society may be sent in care of Doug &amp; Tonya Thomas, 2665 Blackstone Rd, Gering, NE&nbsp; 69341.

Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a>. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769614495940.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Claudia Benda" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Claudia Benda</figcaption>
 </figure>Claudia Merlin (Maret) Benda, passed away on January 22, 2026, with her family by her side.Memorial Service will be Saturday, February 7th at 11:00 AM at Bates-Gould Chapel in Alliance, Nebraska.&nbsp;Claudia was born on January 24, 1937, in Curtis Nebraska. She was the 5th of five children born to Daniel and Ruie (Wood) Maret. She grew up attending the local grade school and Cutis High School and graduated from UNSA in the Spring of 1954. On October 22 she married Gary Benda. In the 1960’s their family grew when they welcomed their son Randy and daughter Tonya.She was happy being a farm wife and mother. She served on the district 40 school board for seven years. She really enjoyed the rural community and the many friendships she made there. She will be remembered for her skill in making great tasting food for family. She loved to cook for everyone including friends that helped with branding, wheat harvest and several other occasions. Her specialties included cinnamon rolls, fried chicken, roast and scotcharoos. When mom cooked there was never a complaint, just people wanting a second or third helping.Gary did the farming and Claudia did much of the business details. She enjoyed living in the country close to the farm. The long work hours and stress that come with farming kept the family close together.She and Gary spent 60 happy years together and welcomed their granddaughters and, later, step grandchildren into their family. They enjoyed being grandparents. One of the things that gave them the most delight was attending the many activities the grandkids were involved in; softball games, volleyball, track and dance recitals.They were fortunate enough to travel to many of their favorite destinations. When asked which one she enjoyed the most, Claudia always had trouble deciding. Eventually she did say she loved Australia a lot. She was grateful that they were able to travel for several years. Many of their travels included their closest friends.When they moved into town she served as a hospice volunteer. She visited many patients in Hospice Care. Those visits meant a lot to everyone involved. She also loved to do work in her yard which was always beautiful and included all her favorite flowers.She was an avid reader and spent a lot of time with her favorite authors. She loved playing golf and spent many happy days playing the sport with close friends. She also loved to watch Nebraska Volleyball and Football. She hated it when she did not get the games on television or the radio. We were fortunate enough to be able to take her to a Nebraska Volleyball game in Lincoln. It was a lot of fun and she loved checking it off her bucket list. The other thing she loved to do was to take an occasional trip to Deadwood. She went many times with Gary and after his passing she went with her close friends.Claudia is survived by her son, Randy, her daughter and husband, Tonya and Doug Thomas, daughter in law Kerri Benda, her sister, Hilda Wolgamott;&nbsp; grandchildren, Shayla (Jarred) Ruth, Kelsey Sylvester, Alyshia Benda, Jacob (Olivia) Thomas, Maria (Corbin) Spells and great grandchildren, Moxley Russell, Reese Spells, Phoebe Spells and numerous nieces and nephews.&nbsp; She was preceded in death by her husband, Gary, her parents, Ruie and Daniel Maret and her husband’s parents, Mildred and Walter Benda and 3 siblings.Memorials to the American Cancer Society may be sent in care of Doug &amp; Tonya Thomas, 2665 Blackstone Rd, Gering, NE&nbsp; 69341.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a>. Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Claudia Merlin (Maret) Benda (1937 - 2026)

Memorial Services will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance, NE with Father Matt Koperski officiating. A wake service will be Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:00pm at the church. Interment at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery will be Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:30am.

Robert “Bob” Jatczak, age 87, was born a proud Michigander on December 8, 1937 in Bay City, Michigan, the oldest child of Edmond and Gertrude (Kensa) Jatczak.&nbsp; He enlisted in the Army National Guard of the State of Michigan at the age of 17 and a year later enlisted into active service with the Air Force.&nbsp; He trained at Lackland Air Force Base and Chanute Air Force Base prior to being assigned to the 307th Air Refueling Bombardment Wing, Lincoln Air Force Base, Lincoln, Nebraska.&nbsp;

Temporary duty assignments took Bob to Newfoundland, Greenland, England and the Azores.&nbsp; He was assigned to fly on KC-97 Stratotankers, the air refueling planes servicing the Strategic Air Command.&nbsp; As a crew chief and Airman 2nd Class E-3 Bob was responsible for the safe operation of the plane and its payload, the in-air hook-ups of the refueling boom, fuel dumps and boom releases.&nbsp; Bob honorably completed his active Air Force duty in 1960 but continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves until 1963.&nbsp;

Still living in Lincoln, Bob joined the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) in 1962 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant.&nbsp; He assumed many responsibilities for the LPD but most enjoyed his time as a motorcycle officer and helicopter patrol commander.&nbsp; While working for the LPD Bob graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.&nbsp; Advancements in his career took him to Broken Bow, Kearney and finally to Alliance in 1988 where he served as Chief of Police in those three communities.&nbsp; He retired from law enforcement in 1999 after 37 years of service.&nbsp; Not one to let grass grow under his feet, Bob then worked part-time in various capacities for the State of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission until 2024 when health challenges became too great.

Bob’s professional affiliations included the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Officers Association of Nebraska where he served on the Board of Directors and was President from 1984 to 1985, and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.&nbsp; He also gave his time and talents to the Red Cross and Youth Development Center Boards, both in Kearney; The South Central Community Mental Health Center Advisory Board, the University of Nebraska Kearney Foundation, the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation, the Kearney Police Retirement Committee, Keep Alliance Beautiful Board, Panhandle Special Olympics volunteer, Alliance Habitat for Humanity construction team and Board, Alliance Public Schools Foundation Board, and St. Agnes Academy Foundation.&nbsp; Bob’s Catholic faith provided him great strength and comfort throughout his life.&nbsp; He was a faithful parishioner no matter where life took him and embraced Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance as his final parish family.

Bob was an extremely proud “Pops”, “Father”, “Papason”, “Dad”, “Papa” to the five children he had with his first wife, Darlene (Kucera) Jatczak, whom he married in 1960.&nbsp; Carrying on his legacy are Barbara (Pete) Sagmiller of Spring, Texas; Mark (Kim) Jatczak of Papillion, Nebraska; John (Heather) Jatczak of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts; Matthew Jatczak of League City, Texas; and Julie (Jimmie) Hart of Golden, Colorado.&nbsp; He leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Tracy (Sisler Baer) Jatczak, and two step children: Brian (Jessica) Baer of Kearney, Nebraska and Leslie (Court) Cook of Gering, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob was blessed with 17 grandchildren who survive him, including: Jason Sagmiller, Ashley Taylor, Kari Sagmiller, Ryan Sagmiller, Ashley Johnson, Amber Kloeckl, Luke Jatczak, Nathan Jatczak, Noelle Jatczak, Olivia Jatczak, Liam Jatczak, Jake Jatczak, Addy Hart, McKenna Baer, Joie Galaska, Lily Cook and Riley Cook.&nbsp; The growing number of great grandchildren includes Diesel, Channing, Chase, Lanie, Cole, Eliana, Kaden, Bennet, Cooper, Emma, plus two more on the way.&nbsp; There are numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their favorite uncle.&nbsp; Bob is also survived by his two sisters, Darlene Birrell of Lorton, Virginia and Karen (Don) Kossick of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and his sister-in-law, Rebecca Sisler, of Lacey, Washington.&nbsp; Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Gertrude, his brother Arthur Jatczak and Arthur’s wife Diane, his brothers-in-law Vernon Birrell and James Sisler, grandson in-law Aaron Taylor, his mother-in-law, Ruth Sisler, and his first wife Darlene.

Bob’s love of fishing and the great outdoors was well known to those who knew and loved him.&nbsp; He could swap fish tales with the best of them and was always thinking about the next best fishing hole.&nbsp; Along with Tracy, he was a frequent traveler to Alaska where they would fill their freezer with salmon and halibut and just marvel at the majesty of Alaska.&nbsp; There is a rumor going around that Bob made it into heaven via a side trip to Alaska.

The last year of Bob’s life was difficult.&nbsp; He received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in November 2024 on top of a diagnosis of colorectal cancer that he had beaten a year earlier.&nbsp; In 2025 alone he endured nine rounds of chemotherapy, two emergency surgeries, and a fractured hip from a fall.&nbsp; Ultimately the cancer overwhelmed his body and Bob passed into eternity on November 9, 2025, in his own bed and surrounded by loved ones.

The family is immensely grateful for the kindness and care Bob received from everyone at Box Butte General Hospital, Sidney Regional Medical Center, Morrill County Community Hospital and Home Health, and Brookestone Hospice.&nbsp; The financial support received from Jane’s Closet was instrumental in getting Bob to and from cancer treatment.&nbsp; Last but not least, Bob and Tracy were showered with love and support from friends and family and it is forever written on their hearts.&nbsp;

A date for funeral services, interment at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance and a celebration will be set in the coming months to allow for family attendance.

In lieu of flowers or plants the family suggests donations to St. Agnes Academy Foundation, Holy Rosary Catholic Church Building Fund, Jane’s Closet, or Police Officer’s Association of Nebraska.

Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/11/1762969573998.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Robert “Bob” Jatczak" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Robert “Bob” Jatczak</figcaption>
 </figure>Memorial Services will be Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 10:00am at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance, NE with Father Matt Koperski officiating. A wake service will be Friday, January 30, 2026, at 7:00pm at the church. Interment at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery will be Monday, February 2, 2026, at 10:30am.Robert “Bob” Jatczak, age 87, was born a proud Michigander on December 8, 1937 in Bay City, Michigan, the oldest child of Edmond and Gertrude (Kensa) Jatczak.&nbsp; He enlisted in the Army National Guard of the State of Michigan at the age of 17 and a year later enlisted into active service with the Air Force.&nbsp; He trained at Lackland Air Force Base and Chanute Air Force Base prior to being assigned to the 307th Air Refueling Bombardment Wing, Lincoln Air Force Base, Lincoln, Nebraska.&nbsp;Temporary duty assignments took Bob to Newfoundland, Greenland, England and the Azores.&nbsp; He was assigned to fly on KC-97 Stratotankers, the air refueling planes servicing the Strategic Air Command.&nbsp; As a crew chief and Airman 2nd Class E-3 Bob was responsible for the safe operation of the plane and its payload, the in-air hook-ups of the refueling boom, fuel dumps and boom releases.&nbsp; Bob honorably completed his active Air Force duty in 1960 but continued to serve in the Air Force Reserves until 1963.&nbsp;Still living in Lincoln, Bob joined the Lincoln Police Department (LPD) in 1962 and rose to the rank of Lieutenant.&nbsp; He assumed many responsibilities for the LPD but most enjoyed his time as a motorcycle officer and helicopter patrol commander.&nbsp; While working for the LPD Bob graduated from the University of Nebraska Omaha with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice.&nbsp; Advancements in his career took him to Broken Bow, Kearney and finally to Alliance in 1988 where he served as Chief of Police in those three communities.&nbsp; He retired from law enforcement in 1999 after 37 years of service.&nbsp; Not one to let grass grow under his feet, Bob then worked part-time in various capacities for the State of Nebraska Game and Parks Commission until 2024 when health challenges became too great.Bob’s professional affiliations included the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Police Officers Association of Nebraska where he served on the Board of Directors and was President from 1984 to 1985, and the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.&nbsp; He also gave his time and talents to the Red Cross and Youth Development Center Boards, both in Kearney; The South Central Community Mental Health Center Advisory Board, the University of Nebraska Kearney Foundation, the Kearney Catholic High School Foundation, the Kearney Police Retirement Committee, Keep Alliance Beautiful Board, Panhandle Special Olympics volunteer, Alliance Habitat for Humanity construction team and Board, Alliance Public Schools Foundation Board, and St. Agnes Academy Foundation.&nbsp; Bob’s Catholic faith provided him great strength and comfort throughout his life.&nbsp; He was a faithful parishioner no matter where life took him and embraced Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Alliance as his final parish family.Bob was an extremely proud “Pops”, “Father”, “Papason”, “Dad”, “Papa” to the five children he had with his first wife, Darlene (Kucera) Jatczak, whom he married in 1960.&nbsp; Carrying on his legacy are Barbara (Pete) Sagmiller of Spring, Texas; Mark (Kim) Jatczak of Papillion, Nebraska; John (Heather) Jatczak of Marstons Mills, Massachusetts; Matthew Jatczak of League City, Texas; and Julie (Jimmie) Hart of Golden, Colorado.&nbsp; He leaves behind his wife of 35 years, Tracy (Sisler Baer) Jatczak, and two step children: Brian (Jessica) Baer of Kearney, Nebraska and Leslie (Court) Cook of Gering, Nebraska.&nbsp; Bob was blessed with 17 grandchildren who survive him, including: Jason Sagmiller, Ashley Taylor, Kari Sagmiller, Ryan Sagmiller, Ashley Johnson, Amber Kloeckl, Luke Jatczak, Nathan Jatczak, Noelle Jatczak, Olivia Jatczak, Liam Jatczak, Jake Jatczak, Addy Hart, McKenna Baer, Joie Galaska, Lily Cook and Riley Cook.&nbsp; The growing number of great grandchildren includes Diesel, Channing, Chase, Lanie, Cole, Eliana, Kaden, Bennet, Cooper, Emma, plus two more on the way.&nbsp; There are numerous nieces and nephews who will miss their favorite uncle.&nbsp; Bob is also survived by his two sisters, Darlene Birrell of Lorton, Virginia and Karen (Don) Kossick of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and his sister-in-law, Rebecca Sisler, of Lacey, Washington.&nbsp; Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Edmond and Gertrude, his brother Arthur Jatczak and Arthur’s wife Diane, his brothers-in-law Vernon Birrell and James Sisler, grandson in-law Aaron Taylor, his mother-in-law, Ruth Sisler, and his first wife Darlene.Bob’s love of fishing and the great outdoors was well known to those who knew and loved him.&nbsp; He could swap fish tales with the best of them and was always thinking about the next best fishing hole.&nbsp; Along with Tracy, he was a frequent traveler to Alaska where they would fill their freezer with salmon and halibut and just marvel at the majesty of Alaska.&nbsp; There is a rumor going around that Bob made it into heaven via a side trip to Alaska.The last year of Bob’s life was difficult.&nbsp; He received a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in November 2024 on top of a diagnosis of colorectal cancer that he had beaten a year earlier.&nbsp; In 2025 alone he endured nine rounds of chemotherapy, two emergency surgeries, and a fractured hip from a fall.&nbsp; Ultimately the cancer overwhelmed his body and Bob passed into eternity on November 9, 2025, in his own bed and surrounded by loved ones.The family is immensely grateful for the kindness and care Bob received from everyone at Box Butte General Hospital, Sidney Regional Medical Center, Morrill County Community Hospital and Home Health, and Brookestone Hospice.&nbsp; The financial support received from Jane’s Closet was instrumental in getting Bob to and from cancer treatment.&nbsp; Last but not least, Bob and Tracy were showered with love and support from friends and family and it is forever written on their hearts.&nbsp;A date for funeral services, interment at the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery in Alliance and a celebration will be set in the coming months to allow for family attendance.In lieu of flowers or plants the family suggests donations to St. Agnes Academy Foundation, Holy Rosary Catholic Church Building Fund, Jane’s Closet, or Police Officer’s Association of Nebraska.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Update: Robert “Bob” Jatczak (1937 - 2025)

Billy Joe Dunn, 86, passed away on January 17, 2026, in Alliance, Nebraska. Born on March 16, 1939, in Sondheimer, Louisiana, Bill lived a life marked by dedication—to his country, his work, and most of all, his family.

In July 1958, Bill answered the call to serve his nation by enlisting in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and was later stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. His service included a deployment to South Korea for one year and four months. His time in the military reflected the same sense of duty and perseverance that would define the rest of his life.

Following his honorable discharge in July 1962, Bill embarked on a career that became both a livelihood and a passion. For approximately three decades, he worked as a power transmission line contractor, a job he truly loved and looked forward to each day. Even after retiring from this demanding field, Bill returned to it as an inspector, continuing to contribute his expertise and commitment well into his later years.

Bill’s legacy is deeply rooted in the love he had for his family. He is survived by his children, Donald Dunn of Sahuarita, Arizona; Sheila Becker of Augusta, Georgia; and Melissa and Dale Van Galder III of Alliance, Nebraska. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren who carry forward his memory. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Bill is survived by two sisters whose lives were touched by his enduring presence.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Ira Dunn and Rubie Stanley Dunn (Canterberry), both of Sondheimer, Louisiana. Several brothers and sisters also passed&nbsp;before him, along with two beloved grandchildren.

Bill was known for being a determined individual who always had the best interests of his family at heart. He encouraged those around him—especially his children and&nbsp; grandchildren—to pursue success in whatever paths they chose. His strength of character and unwavering support left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Highland Park Assisted Living and Highland Park Nursing facilities for their compassionate care during Bill’s final chapter. Special thanks to Roberta Johnson for her friendship and companionship. A special thank you goes to Dylan Van Galder; CNA—Bill’s grandson—whose presence at the facility brought comfort during this time.

May Billy Joe Dunn’s memory bring peace to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well-lived through service, hard work, and love for family. A Funeral Service will be held on January 26, 2026, beginning at 02:00 PM at Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance 2610 County Road 57, Alliance, NE.

Flowers and memorials can be sent to Bates-Gould Funeral Home, P.O. Box 574, 1020 West 10th Street, Alliance, NE 69301.

A celebration of life will be held in the Fraternal Order of Eagles card room after the ceremony.

Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769016584914.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Billy Joe Dunn" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Billy Joe Dunn</figcaption>
 </figure>Billy Joe Dunn, 86, passed away on January 17, 2026, in Alliance, Nebraska. Born on March 16, 1939, in Sondheimer, Louisiana, Bill lived a life marked by dedication—to his country, his work, and most of all, his family.In July 1958, Bill answered the call to serve his nation by enlisting in the United States Army. He completed basic training at Fort Bragg in North Carolina and was later stationed at Fort Lewis in Washington. His service included a deployment to South Korea for one year and four months. His time in the military reflected the same sense of duty and perseverance that would define the rest of his life.Following his honorable discharge in July 1962, Bill embarked on a career that became both a livelihood and a passion. For approximately three decades, he worked as a power transmission line contractor, a job he truly loved and looked forward to each day. Even after retiring from this demanding field, Bill returned to it as an inspector, continuing to contribute his expertise and commitment well into his later years.Bill’s legacy is deeply rooted in the love he had for his family. He is survived by his children, Donald Dunn of Sahuarita, Arizona; Sheila Becker of Augusta, Georgia; and Melissa and Dale Van Galder III of Alliance, Nebraska. He also leaves behind thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren who carry forward his memory. In addition to his children and grandchildren, Bill is survived by two sisters whose lives were touched by his enduring presence.He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus Ira Dunn and Rubie Stanley Dunn (Canterberry), both of Sondheimer, Louisiana. Several brothers and sisters also passed&nbsp;before him, along with two beloved grandchildren.Bill was known for being a determined individual who always had the best interests of his family at heart. He encouraged those around him—especially his children and&nbsp; grandchildren—to pursue success in whatever paths they chose. His strength of character and unwavering support left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to know him.The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Highland Park Assisted Living and Highland Park Nursing facilities for their compassionate care during Bill’s final chapter. Special thanks to Roberta Johnson for her friendship and companionship. A special thank you goes to Dylan Van Galder; CNA—Bill’s grandson—whose presence at the facility brought comfort during this time.May Billy Joe Dunn’s memory bring peace to those who knew him and serve as a lasting reminder of a life well-lived through service, hard work, and love for family. A Funeral Service will be held on January 26, 2026, beginning at 02:00 PM at Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance 2610 County Road 57, Alliance, NE.Flowers and memorials can be sent to Bates-Gould Funeral Home, P.O. Box 574, 1020 West 10th Street, Alliance, NE 69301.A celebration of life will be held in the Fraternal Order of Eagles card room after the ceremony.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a>.

Billy Joe Dunn (1939 - 2026)

James “Jimmy” Edward Butcher, 68, of Alliance, NE, died peacefully at home on January 19, 2026.

Jimmy was born in Greeley, CO, on April 6, 1957, to James Eugene Butcher and Teresa Ellen Cody Butcher. He was adventurous from the time he could crawl, keeping his mother on her toes trying to keep track of him. Over his lifetime, he had a variety of occupations, from working on his grandparents’ ranch in his youth; babysitter; caretaker; the Burlington Northern Railroad; construction jobs; and tree trimming and removal. Tree trimming and removal was his true calling, and he had much pride and satisfaction from owning and operating Jim Butcher’s Tree Service for 25 years.

Jimmy’s life motto was, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” He lived his life to the fullest up to his final day. He made friends everywhere he went. His favorite way of spending time was on his motorcycle with a group of wonderful friends, his wife, and—yes—even his dog, Marshall, who rode with him. He traveled to many areas of the country on his motorcycle, but the beauty of Montana and the Beartooth Mountains always called his name.

Planning to be a lifelong bachelor, he was the first one of a group of three friends to marry. On November 29, 1996, he married Dawn Pebley, gaining a wife and daughter, Chelsea, at the age of 40.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Dawn; and daughter, Chelsea (Jeremy) Kuhn, of Laramie, WY; sisters Rita Arnoldy and Mary Butcher, of Sterling, CO; and grandsons, Jace and Atley Kuhn, of Laramie, WY; mother-in-law Phyllis Pebley, of Alliance, NE; and constant companion, Marshall. Special cousins Jon and Kathy Schommer; Barb Mart; Sandy Snow; Richard Schommer; David Schommer; Janet Schommer; Cheryl (Cody) and Mike Garcia. Nieces and nephews Sarah and Keith Wernsman; Justin and Julie Arnoldy; Kyle and Jody Arnoldy; Cionne Butcher; and Jake Breidenbach.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Teresa Butcher; grandparents J.O. Butcher, Kathryn Butcher, Edward Cody, and Mary Cody; father-in-law Marvin Pebley; and brother-in-law Tim Arnoldy.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, NE.&nbsp;

Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice or sent in care of the family to 623 Big Horn Avenue, Alliance for a future designated memorial.

Online condolences may be left at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.batesgould.com/">www.batesgould.com</a>&nbsp;with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769009910479.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jim Butcher" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Jim Butcher</figcaption>
 </figure>James Edward Butcher1957–2026James “Jimmy” Edward Butcher, 68, of Alliance, NE, died peacefully at home on January 19, 2026.Jimmy was born in Greeley, CO, on April 6, 1957, to James Eugene Butcher and Teresa Ellen Cody Butcher. He was adventurous from the time he could crawl, keeping his mother on her toes trying to keep track of him. Over his lifetime, he had a variety of occupations, from working on his grandparents’ ranch in his youth; babysitter; caretaker; the Burlington Northern Railroad; construction jobs; and tree trimming and removal. Tree trimming and removal was his true calling, and he had much pride and satisfaction from owning and operating Jim Butcher’s Tree Service for 25 years.Jimmy’s life motto was, “If you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much space.” He lived his life to the fullest up to his final day. He made friends everywhere he went. His favorite way of spending time was on his motorcycle with a group of wonderful friends, his wife, and—yes—even his dog, Marshall, who rode with him. He traveled to many areas of the country on his motorcycle, but the beauty of Montana and the Beartooth Mountains always called his name.Planning to be a lifelong bachelor, he was the first one of a group of three friends to marry. On November 29, 1996, he married Dawn Pebley, gaining a wife and daughter, Chelsea, at the age of 40.Jimmy is survived by his wife, Dawn; and daughter, Chelsea (Jeremy) Kuhn, of Laramie, WY; sisters Rita Arnoldy and Mary Butcher, of Sterling, CO; and grandsons, Jace and Atley Kuhn, of Laramie, WY; mother-in-law Phyllis Pebley, of Alliance, NE; and constant companion, Marshall. Special cousins Jon and Kathy Schommer; Barb Mart; Sandy Snow; Richard Schommer; David Schommer; Janet Schommer; Cheryl (Cody) and Mike Garcia. Nieces and nephews Sarah and Keith Wernsman; Justin and Julie Arnoldy; Kyle and Jody Arnoldy; Cionne Butcher; and Jake Breidenbach.He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Teresa Butcher; grandparents J.O. Butcher, Kathryn Butcher, Edward Cody, and Mary Cody; father-in-law Marvin Pebley; and brother-in-law Tim Arnoldy.A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Alliance, NE.&nbsp;Memorials may be given to a charity of the donor's choice or sent in care of the family to 623 Big Horn Avenue, Alliance for a future designated memorial.Online condolences may be left at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.batesgould.com/">www.batesgould.com</a>&nbsp;with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

James "Jimmy" Edward Butcher (1957 - 2026)

Francis Lloyd Mix, 96, of Gering, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home. His memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff with Pastor Rick Reisig officiating. Interment will take place at the Broadwater Cemetery at a later time. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials will be given to Panhandle Humane Society or a shelter of your choice. Online condolences may be made by viewing Francis’s memorial page at <a href="http://www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com">www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com</a>.

Francis Lloyd Mix was born in Port Orchard, Washington on August 15, 1929, to Floyd Maxson Mix and Minnie (Jorgensen) Mix. Francis grew up in. Hay Springs Nebraska. In 1949 he married Deloris Bredenkamp and they had 2 children. In 1952 he enlisted in the Army until 1954 where he became a corporal in the Korean war. In the early years he worked for Aero freight. He then worked for Culligan and also ran the gas station on 3rd street for Don Cheatle. He really liked delivering fuel where he met and made a lot of new friends. He then worked selling cars for Wegner Chevrolet. In 1972 he married Carole Peters. They ran Trailerville Court together. For a time, he had his own car sales on Flack Avenue in Alliance. They later moved to Gering Nebraska. Francis drove bus for Ameristar for 17 years. He loved this job taking trips to Prairie Wind Casino and to Denver. Francis and Carole loved going to sporting events for their grandchildren. They won an award for going to so many events. Francis loved old cars and spent most of his retirement fixing them up. He was a jokester and loved going to coffee with his buddies. He was deeply loved and will be missed. He was very fortunate to live to be 96 years old and stay in his home. He had amazing caregivers. Over the years Francis has gotten several dogs from the animal shelter. He deeply loved his dog, Mindy.

He is survived by his daughter Mary Bently and son Myron Mix; his stepdaughters Allene (Paul) Dowling and Vylena (Rod) Prochazka; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

He is proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Maxine Bodey, Vetta Dahman, Tommy Mix and Adabel Lundy.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1769015184465.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Francis Lloyd Mix" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Francis Lloyd Mix</figcaption>
 </figure>Francis Lloyd Mix, 96, of Gering, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at his home. His memorial service will be held at 10am on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff with Pastor Rick Reisig officiating. Interment will take place at the Broadwater Cemetery at a later time. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials will be given to Panhandle Humane Society or a shelter of your choice. Online condolences may be made by viewing Francis’s memorial page at <a href="http://www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com">www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com</a>.Francis Lloyd Mix was born in Port Orchard, Washington on August 15, 1929, to Floyd Maxson Mix and Minnie (Jorgensen) Mix. Francis grew up in. Hay Springs Nebraska. In 1949 he married Deloris Bredenkamp and they had 2 children. In 1952 he enlisted in the Army until 1954 where he became a corporal in the Korean war. In the early years he worked for Aero freight. He then worked for Culligan and also ran the gas station on 3rd street for Don Cheatle. He really liked delivering fuel where he met and made a lot of new friends. He then worked selling cars for Wegner Chevrolet. In 1972 he married Carole Peters. They ran Trailerville Court together. For a time, he had his own car sales on Flack Avenue in Alliance. They later moved to Gering Nebraska. Francis drove bus for Ameristar for 17 years. He loved this job taking trips to Prairie Wind Casino and to Denver. Francis and Carole loved going to sporting events for their grandchildren. They won an award for going to so many events. Francis loved old cars and spent most of his retirement fixing them up. He was a jokester and loved going to coffee with his buddies. He was deeply loved and will be missed. He was very fortunate to live to be 96 years old and stay in his home. He had amazing caregivers. Over the years Francis has gotten several dogs from the animal shelter. He deeply loved his dog, Mindy.He is survived by his daughter Mary Bently and son Myron Mix; his stepdaughters Allene (Paul) Dowling and Vylena (Rod) Prochazka; 8 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and 3 great-great-grandchildren.He is proceeded in death by his parents and siblings Maxine Bodey, Vetta Dahman, Tommy Mix and Adabel Lundy.

Francis Lloyd Mix (1929 - 2026)

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026&nbsp;at the Eagles Club in Alliance from&nbsp;12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Robert “Bob” Dean Hinton was born on April 8, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska. At just two months old, he was lovingly adopted by Phyllis (Mallory) and Donald “Dean” Hinton through the Nebraska Children’s Home. His childhood was rooted in the wide-open spaces of Nebraska—first on the Gudmunsen Ranch near Whitman, and later in Alliance—where the rhythm of ranch life shaped a young boy with a strong spirit and a cowboy’s heart. His brother, Brian, was born in January 1968.

Bob grew into a man who loved the land, the people and animals around him, and the stories that connected them. During high school, he was active in rodeo and FFA, and was an avid hunter and reader of western novels. He enjoyed the simple joys brought by ranch work and ranch life.&nbsp; In 1977 he graduated from Alliance High School, and soon after sealed the most important chapter of his life when he married his high school sweetheart, Jorene “Jo” Sutton, on July 25, 1981. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a devotion that carried them through every season.

Bob and Jo made their home at Lost Creek Ranch southeast of Alliance, where they lived and worked until the ranch was sold. They then moved into town and purchased their family home. Bob worked for the Box Butte County Roads Department before changing careers in 1994, when he joined BNSF as a laborer, hostler helper, and coach cleaner.

The couple welcomed their son, Kyle Dean, in May 1990 and their daughter, Kira Lynn, in August 1996. Bob took immense pride in being a father and was a dedicated supporter at every track meet, football game, theater performance, and sporting event. He enjoyed reading firearm and outdoorsman literature, sci-fi novels, hunting, reloading ammunition and sharing the kind of heartfelt wisdom that leaves a lasting mark with almost everyone he met.

In 2015, after a workplace injury, Bob transitioned into the retirement lifestyle—a chapter of life in which he found new passions. He developed a strong passion for politics, mobile gaming, playing Powerball, spoiling all pets, especially his two beloved corgis, Toby and Ollie, and sharing his famous chocolate-chip cookies. His cookies became so popular that he earned the title “the Cookie Man” treasured by scrapbookers, neighbors, and friends throughout the community.

Life offered Bob another unexpected gift: through DNA research, he uncovered the story of his birth family and established connections with few of his ten half-siblings, and countless cousins, aunts and uncles, completing a circle that had been open since infancy. Bob’s greatest joys arrived with the births of his grandsons: Noah Dean in March 2020 and Reece Allen in September 2023.

Bob left this life unexpectedly on December 2, 2025, at the age of 66, passing peacefully in Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by the love of his family.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jo; his son, Kyle (Juli), his grandsons Noah and Reece; his daughter, Kira (Jake Hubbard-Fiancé); his mother-in-law Judy Sutton; sister-in-law Steph (Clyde) Mantooth and niece Josie; brother Brian (Kris) Hinton and niece Katy; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald “Dean” and Phyllis Hinton, and father-in-law Harold Sutton.

A memorial service and celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorials or donations may be made to the Nebraska Children’s Home or the NRA.

Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home In charge of arrangements.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765303282181.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Bob Hinton" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Bob Hinton</figcaption>
 </figure>A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, January 31, 2026&nbsp;at the Eagles Club in Alliance from&nbsp;12:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.Robert “Bob” Dean Hinton was born on April 8, 1959, in Omaha, Nebraska. At just two months old, he was lovingly adopted by Phyllis (Mallory) and Donald “Dean” Hinton through the Nebraska Children’s Home. His childhood was rooted in the wide-open spaces of Nebraska—first on the Gudmunsen Ranch near Whitman, and later in Alliance—where the rhythm of ranch life shaped a young boy with a strong spirit and a cowboy’s heart. His brother, Brian, was born in January 1968.Bob grew into a man who loved the land, the people and animals around him, and the stories that connected them. During high school, he was active in rodeo and FFA, and was an avid hunter and reader of western novels. He enjoyed the simple joys brought by ranch work and ranch life.&nbsp; In 1977 he graduated from Alliance High School, and soon after sealed the most important chapter of his life when he married his high school sweetheart, Jorene “Jo” Sutton, on July 25, 1981. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and a devotion that carried them through every season.Bob and Jo made their home at Lost Creek Ranch southeast of Alliance, where they lived and worked until the ranch was sold. They then moved into town and purchased their family home. Bob worked for the Box Butte County Roads Department before changing careers in 1994, when he joined BNSF as a laborer, hostler helper, and coach cleaner.The couple welcomed their son, Kyle Dean, in May 1990 and their daughter, Kira Lynn, in August 1996. Bob took immense pride in being a father and was a dedicated supporter at every track meet, football game, theater performance, and sporting event. He enjoyed reading firearm and outdoorsman literature, sci-fi novels, hunting, reloading ammunition and sharing the kind of heartfelt wisdom that leaves a lasting mark with almost everyone he met.In 2015, after a workplace injury, Bob transitioned into the retirement lifestyle—a chapter of life in which he found new passions. He developed a strong passion for politics, mobile gaming, playing Powerball, spoiling all pets, especially his two beloved corgis, Toby and Ollie, and sharing his famous chocolate-chip cookies. His cookies became so popular that he earned the title “the Cookie Man” treasured by scrapbookers, neighbors, and friends throughout the community.Life offered Bob another unexpected gift: through DNA research, he uncovered the story of his birth family and established connections with few of his ten half-siblings, and countless cousins, aunts and uncles, completing a circle that had been open since infancy. Bob’s greatest joys arrived with the births of his grandsons: Noah Dean in March 2020 and Reece Allen in September 2023.Bob left this life unexpectedly on December 2, 2025, at the age of 66, passing peacefully in Rapid City, South Dakota, surrounded by the love of his family.He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jo; his son, Kyle (Juli), his grandsons Noah and Reece; his daughter, Kira (Jake Hubbard-Fiancé); his mother-in-law Judy Sutton; sister-in-law Steph (Clyde) Mantooth and niece Josie; brother Brian (Kris) Hinton and niece Katy; and several cousins.He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald “Dean” and Phyllis Hinton, and father-in-law Harold Sutton.A memorial service and celebration of Bob’s life will be announced at a later date. Memorials or donations may be made to the Nebraska Children’s Home or the NRA.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home In charge of arrangements.

UPDATE: Robert “Bob” Dean Hinton (1959 - 2025)

Denny R Stark, 53, passed away suddenly on the evening of January 7, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota.

He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Brandy (Lore) Stark of Alliance; his 3 children, Banyn, Cormic, and Jepsen Stark; his father, Mark Saum; his brothers, Shawn Miller (Natalie) of Lakeside, Nebraska, Rod Stark (Kathy) of Maryville, Tennessee, and Tracy Stark of Alliance, Nebraska; his sister, Kelly Stark of Olympia, Washington; his half-sister, Lisa Lott (Dave) of Olympia, Washington; his step-sister, Jen Vogel (Jeff) of Gainesville, Florida; his step-brother, Jimmy Saum (Rana) of Seward, Nebraska; his uncle, Chuck Huber (Sally) of Scottsdale, Arizona; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his twin brother Kenny Stark, and an unborn child.

Denny was born to Dennis and Barbara “Bunny” Stark in Grand Island, Nebraska on March 22, 1972. He attended school in Alliance, Nebraska from kindergarten through 12th grade. His magnetic personality won him many friends and memories. After high school, his work experience varied from the railroad to the hospital, the care center to bartending, Mobius to cement work. Denny played softball for a number of years on teams where he was generally a pitcher. On October 13, 2007, he married Brandy Lore of Alliance. The following year, 2008, Banyn was born, then they lost a child in 2009, Cormic was born in 2011, and Jepsen followed in 2013. With three children running around, Denny actively coached soccer, baseball, and football for about 10 years. His love of the Nebraska Huskers has been passed down to his children and his nieces and nephews, family and friends. Rare to have a quiet Saturday during football season in our house! Denny also loved golf. Our family and many friends spent days on the golf course where they soaked up the sunshine, swung the clubs, and shared their love of the game. He tore down a house and we made it into our back yard; and ripped out a deck to rebuild with his own hands, where we could create memories with family and friends. The yard was full of games and laughter for many years. Cornhole and washer tournaments have been held in the yard, football has been watched on the big screen in the carport, and memories were made that will last a lifetime. Wherever Denny went, there was laughter. He was always quick to tell a story or joke, and wanted to see people happy and make them laugh. There are too many stories to tell and not enough space to write them in, so please, remember him and keep his legacy alive by sharing stories, laughter, and tears. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.

A celebration of Denny’s life will be held Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alliance Eagles Club.

Online condolences may be left at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.batesgould.com/">www.batesgould.com</a>.&nbsp; Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to our children’s educational funds at Meridian Trust under the name Stark kids.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1768228241796.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Denny Stark&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Denny Stark&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Denny R Stark, 53, passed away suddenly on the evening of January 7, 2026 in Rapid City, South Dakota.He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Brandy (Lore) Stark of Alliance; his 3 children, Banyn, Cormic, and Jepsen Stark; his father, Mark Saum; his brothers, Shawn Miller (Natalie) of Lakeside, Nebraska, Rod Stark (Kathy) of Maryville, Tennessee, and Tracy Stark of Alliance, Nebraska; his sister, Kelly Stark of Olympia, Washington; his half-sister, Lisa Lott (Dave) of Olympia, Washington; his step-sister, Jen Vogel (Jeff) of Gainesville, Florida; his step-brother, Jimmy Saum (Rana) of Seward, Nebraska; his uncle, Chuck Huber (Sally) of Scottsdale, Arizona; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his grandparents, his parents, his twin brother Kenny Stark, and an unborn child.Denny was born to Dennis and Barbara “Bunny” Stark in Grand Island, Nebraska on March 22, 1972. He attended school in Alliance, Nebraska from kindergarten through 12th grade. His magnetic personality won him many friends and memories. After high school, his work experience varied from the railroad to the hospital, the care center to bartending, Mobius to cement work. Denny played softball for a number of years on teams where he was generally a pitcher. On October 13, 2007, he married Brandy Lore of Alliance. The following year, 2008, Banyn was born, then they lost a child in 2009, Cormic was born in 2011, and Jepsen followed in 2013. With three children running around, Denny actively coached soccer, baseball, and football for about 10 years. His love of the Nebraska Huskers has been passed down to his children and his nieces and nephews, family and friends. Rare to have a quiet Saturday during football season in our house! Denny also loved golf. Our family and many friends spent days on the golf course where they soaked up the sunshine, swung the clubs, and shared their love of the game. He tore down a house and we made it into our back yard; and ripped out a deck to rebuild with his own hands, where we could create memories with family and friends. The yard was full of games and laughter for many years. Cornhole and washer tournaments have been held in the yard, football has been watched on the big screen in the carport, and memories were made that will last a lifetime. Wherever Denny went, there was laughter. He was always quick to tell a story or joke, and wanted to see people happy and make them laugh. There are too many stories to tell and not enough space to write them in, so please, remember him and keep his legacy alive by sharing stories, laughter, and tears. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.A celebration of Denny’s life will be held Friday, January 16, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. at the Alliance Eagles Club.Online condolences may be left at&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.batesgould.com/">www.batesgould.com</a>.&nbsp; Bates-Gould Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to our children’s educational funds at Meridian Trust under the name Stark kids.

Denny R Stark (1972 - 2026)

Marie Dale Henderson was born on December&nbsp;5th,&nbsp;1938,&nbsp;in Riverton, Wyoming to Eda Holst.&nbsp; Marie’s father, Dale Holst, passed away from appendicitis prior to her birth. Eda later married Dennis&nbsp;Hashman&nbsp;and the family moved to Alliance, Nebraska, where Marie attended Emerson elementary and Alliance High School.&nbsp; After graduating, she went to CSC in Chadron majoring in Art and English.&nbsp;&nbsp;She married Bob Henderson also of Alliance on December 27, 1960.&nbsp;&nbsp;To this union, 2 daughters were born, Lorie (Doug) Reeh of Alliance and Wendie Henderson also of Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marie&nbsp;taught at&nbsp;Alliance briefly and worked several retail positions over the&nbsp;years;&nbsp;she really enjoyed working at Thiele Jeweler’s. Marie moved to Denver in 1983 where Bob was doing contract work, they divorced not long&nbsp;after&nbsp;but Marie stayed in Denver. She met Alfredo&nbsp;Berdiales, a wonderful and loving partner to her for many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;They traveled together and went dancing often.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a battle with cancer, Marie grew weary of the city traffic and moved back to&nbsp;Alliance,&nbsp;Alfredo followed a bit after. Marie once again found work at Thiele Drug and really enjoyed working there until she retired.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marie was a talented artist and enjoyed watercolor&nbsp;painting .&nbsp;She attended some shows and sold her art in Denver, but her proudest moment was being invited to participate&nbsp;in&nbsp;the 4th&nbsp;of July art show at Fort Robinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;She attended for a few years before her declining eyesight caused her to stop painting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marie loved animals, and she passed that along to Lorie and Wendie. She even adopted some of the animals they rescued, including her little dog Wookie, whom she&nbsp;loved so&nbsp;much. She adopted Winter, a beautiful white cat that now lives in Washington state with Lorie’s friend after Marie moved to assisted living.&nbsp;&nbsp;She really loved when Lorie would share pictures of Winter when she visited Marie at Heritage Estates in Gering, where she lived from May of 2020 until her death.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marie was preceded in death by her father, Dale Holst, her mother, Eda White Hashman, her brother Jim Hashman, her Aunt Delilah, and her partner, Alfredo&nbsp;Berdiales&nbsp;and&nbsp;souldog&nbsp;Wookie. She is survived by her younger sister Jeanne (John) Dueker&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chadron, daughters&nbsp;Lorie (Doug) Reeh, Wendie and cat Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Marie preferred to forego a memorial service, but if you would like to donate in her memory, Lorie’s cat sanctuary Alley Cat Campus&nbsp;is where Winter was rescued before Marie adopted her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://alleycatcampus.square.site/" target="_blank">https://alleycatcampus.square.site</a>&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767649927044.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Marie Henderson" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Marie Henderson</figcaption>
 </figure>Marie Dale Henderson was born on December&nbsp;5th,&nbsp;1938,&nbsp;in Riverton, Wyoming to Eda Holst.&nbsp; Marie’s father, Dale Holst, passed away from appendicitis prior to her birth. Eda later married Dennis&nbsp;Hashman&nbsp;and the family moved to Alliance, Nebraska, where Marie attended Emerson elementary and Alliance High School.&nbsp; After graduating, she went to CSC in Chadron majoring in Art and English.&nbsp;&nbsp;She married Bob Henderson also of Alliance on December 27, 1960.&nbsp;&nbsp;To this union, 2 daughters were born, Lorie (Doug) Reeh of Alliance and Wendie Henderson also of Alliance.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marie&nbsp;taught at&nbsp;Alliance briefly and worked several retail positions over the&nbsp;years;&nbsp;she really enjoyed working at Thiele Jeweler’s. Marie moved to Denver in 1983 where Bob was doing contract work, they divorced not long&nbsp;after&nbsp;but Marie stayed in Denver. She met Alfredo&nbsp;Berdiales, a wonderful and loving partner to her for many years.&nbsp;&nbsp;They traveled together and went dancing often.&nbsp;&nbsp;After a battle with cancer, Marie grew weary of the city traffic and moved back to&nbsp;Alliance,&nbsp;Alfredo followed a bit after. Marie once again found work at Thiele Drug and really enjoyed working there until she retired.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marie was a talented artist and enjoyed watercolor&nbsp;painting .&nbsp;She attended some shows and sold her art in Denver, but her proudest moment was being invited to participate&nbsp;in&nbsp;the 4th&nbsp;of July art show at Fort Robinson.&nbsp;&nbsp;She attended for a few years before her declining eyesight caused her to stop painting.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Marie loved animals, and she passed that along to Lorie and Wendie. She even adopted some of the animals they rescued, including her little dog Wookie, whom she&nbsp;loved so&nbsp;much. She adopted Winter, a beautiful white cat that now lives in Washington state with Lorie’s friend after Marie moved to assisted living.&nbsp;&nbsp;She really loved when Lorie would share pictures of Winter when she visited Marie at Heritage Estates in Gering, where she lived from May of 2020 until her death.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marie was preceded in death by her father, Dale Holst, her mother, Eda White Hashman, her brother Jim Hashman, her Aunt Delilah, and her partner, Alfredo&nbsp;Berdiales&nbsp;and&nbsp;souldog&nbsp;Wookie. She is survived by her younger sister Jeanne (John) Dueker&nbsp;of&nbsp;Chadron, daughters&nbsp;Lorie (Doug) Reeh, Wendie and cat Winter.&nbsp;&nbsp;Marie preferred to forego a memorial service, but if you would like to donate in her memory, Lorie’s cat sanctuary Alley Cat Campus&nbsp;is where Winter was rescued before Marie adopted her.&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://alleycatcampus.square.site/" target="_blank">https://alleycatcampus.square.site</a>&nbsp;

Marie Dale Henderson (1938 - 2025)

Stephen Charles Brittan passed away January 3, 2026, at Highland Park Care Center after a lengthy illness. He was born December 11, 1946, in Holdredge, Nebraska to Charles H. Brittan and Jane (Mains) Brittan. He was the first of six children. Steve was a steadfast and loyal son, brother and uncle.

Steve graduated from St. Agnes Academy and Regis University. He received his master’s degree in mass communications from the University of Denver. His career included teaching high school English in Denver, telecommunications, in-house publishing for Ohio National Life Insurance Company in Cincinnati OH and editor of Catholic Teacher Magazine. In 1994 he returned home to Alliance to work in the family business (Brittan Insurance Agency) and to be near his parents as they aged.

Steve was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Rotary Club of Alliance and served on the Alliance Planning Commission for many years. He was an avid reader of nonfiction and history and enjoyed visiting historical sites in Eastern Europe and Russia

He is survived by his brothers Tom (Ligia) Brittan, of Scottsbluff, Charles X (Carmenza) of Alliance, Jeff (Connie) Brittan of North Platte, Andrew Brittan of Estes Park Colorado and his brother-in-law Mario Serna of Houston Texas. Steve is also survived by his godchildren Ann Brittan Moeller of Papillion and Arlo Brittan of Alliance, 13 other nieces and nephews, and 16 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister Mary Helen Brittan Serna.

The family would like to thank the staff of Highland Park for the excellent care they took of Steve. And request that memorial be directed to Holy Rosary Parish or St. Agnes Academy Foundation in lieu of flowers.

Funeral services will be Friday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.&nbsp; A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767646983942.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stephen Brittan" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Stephen Brittan</figcaption>
 </figure>Stephen Charles Brittan passed away January 3, 2026, at Highland Park Care Center after a lengthy illness. He was born December 11, 1946, in Holdredge, Nebraska to Charles H. Brittan and Jane (Mains) Brittan. He was the first of six children. Steve was a steadfast and loyal son, brother and uncle.Steve graduated from St. Agnes Academy and Regis University. He received his master’s degree in mass communications from the University of Denver. His career included teaching high school English in Denver, telecommunications, in-house publishing for Ohio National Life Insurance Company in Cincinnati OH and editor of Catholic Teacher Magazine. In 1994 he returned home to Alliance to work in the family business (Brittan Insurance Agency) and to be near his parents as they aged.Steve was a member of Holy Rosary Parish, Rotary Club of Alliance and served on the Alliance Planning Commission for many years. He was an avid reader of nonfiction and history and enjoyed visiting historical sites in Eastern Europe and RussiaHe is survived by his brothers Tom (Ligia) Brittan, of Scottsbluff, Charles X (Carmenza) of Alliance, Jeff (Connie) Brittan of North Platte, Andrew Brittan of Estes Park Colorado and his brother-in-law Mario Serna of Houston Texas. Steve is also survived by his godchildren Ann Brittan Moeller of Papillion and Arlo Brittan of Alliance, 13 other nieces and nephews, and 16 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger sister Mary Helen Brittan Serna.The family would like to thank the staff of Highland Park for the excellent care they took of Steve. And request that memorial be directed to Holy Rosary Parish or St. Agnes Academy Foundation in lieu of flowers.Funeral services will be Friday, January 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.&nbsp; A Rosary will be recited at 9:30 a.m.&nbsp; Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Stephen Charles Brittan (1946 - 2026)

Gary Lee Johnson was born November 23, 1939 at St. Joseph Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska.

Gary was the 3rd child born to Burrel B. Johnson and Livonia H. Johnson Tucker. He went home&nbsp;to be with his Lord and Savior on December 22, 2025.

Gary grew up in Alliance, Nebraska where he graduated from Alliance High School in 1957. Known&nbsp;or his great wit and sense of humor, it was noted in his senior yearbook that Gary would mostly likely be the inventor of the flatless tire. He was known to be putting air in his tires both at lunch and after school.

After graduation and before entering the US Army in 1958, Gary was employed by Pepsi Cola and Cashway Candy Company. He was stationed at Fort Bragg where he received his basic training&nbsp;as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne where he accomplished many jumps while stationed in Germany, where he also learned the German language. Gary was honorably discharged in December of 1960. Gary served faithfully and was proud to be a US soldier and serve his country.

Gary received a Bachelors degree in mathematics from Chadron State College Cum Laude and was a member of the Cardinal Key Club. While attending college Gary worked as a brakeman with the Burlington Northern Railroad and seasonally on the 1880 train in the Black Hills of South Dakota.

After graduation Gary accepted a job with the government at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo,&nbsp;New Mexico. Gary moved to Colorado to further his career with the City of Denver as a systems&nbsp;analyst and received his master's degree with the University of Denver. He subsequently worked at NCR for many years and retired from Quest Insurance Company. He was working on his doctoral thesis in Theoretical Physics when medical issues interfered with completion of his degree.

Gary was a kind, soft spoken man who loved his family and would help in any way without question. Gary had a witty sense of humor and was loved by all who met him. He especially enjoyed fellowship&nbsp;with Veteran friends by attending breakfast Bible Studies with them. He was an active member of Highlands Baptist Church. Garys athletic abilities included baseball, tennis and skiing. He loved the mountains of Colorado. Gary also had a love for animals especially dogs.

Gary is survived by his wife Suzanne Koegle-Johnson of Huron, Ohio; a son Marc A. Johnson; brother Larry E. Johnson (Janet) of Omaha, Nebraska. Sisters - Virginia (Ginger) Szabo (Pete) Homosassa, Florida; Beverly Kosloski (Danny) Homosassa, Florida; Debra Bowenkamp (John) Naples, Florida; and Diana Stanley (Mike) Box Elder, South Dakota. Gary will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers Dennis and Douglas and sister Connie J. Foreman.

A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. Burial will be at the Alliance, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s name to: Namaste Hospice, 5161 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122 or to Disabled American Veterans.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2026/1/1767636241635.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Gary Johnson" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Gary Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>Gary Lee Johnson was born November 23, 1939 at St. Joseph Hospital, Alliance, Nebraska.Gary was the 3rd child born to Burrel B. Johnson and Livonia H. Johnson Tucker. He went home&nbsp;to be with his Lord and Savior on December 22, 2025.Gary grew up in Alliance, Nebraska where he graduated from Alliance High School in 1957. Known&nbsp;or his great wit and sense of humor, it was noted in his senior yearbook that Gary would mostly likely be the inventor of the flatless tire. He was known to be putting air in his tires both at lunch and after school.After graduation and before entering the US Army in 1958, Gary was employed by Pepsi Cola and Cashway Candy Company. He was stationed at Fort Bragg where he received his basic training&nbsp;as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne where he accomplished many jumps while stationed in Germany, where he also learned the German language. Gary was honorably discharged in December of 1960. Gary served faithfully and was proud to be a US soldier and serve his country.Gary received a Bachelors degree in mathematics from Chadron State College Cum Laude and was a member of the Cardinal Key Club. While attending college Gary worked as a brakeman with the Burlington Northern Railroad and seasonally on the 1880 train in the Black Hills of South Dakota.After graduation Gary accepted a job with the government at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo,&nbsp;New Mexico. Gary moved to Colorado to further his career with the City of Denver as a systems&nbsp;analyst and received his master's degree with the University of Denver. He subsequently worked at NCR for many years and retired from Quest Insurance Company. He was working on his doctoral thesis in Theoretical Physics when medical issues interfered with completion of his degree.Gary was a kind, soft spoken man who loved his family and would help in any way without question. Gary had a witty sense of humor and was loved by all who met him. He especially enjoyed fellowship&nbsp;with Veteran friends by attending breakfast Bible Studies with them. He was an active member of Highlands Baptist Church. Garys athletic abilities included baseball, tennis and skiing. He loved the mountains of Colorado. Gary also had a love for animals especially dogs.Gary is survived by his wife Suzanne Koegle-Johnson of Huron, Ohio; a son Marc A. Johnson; brother Larry E. Johnson (Janet) of Omaha, Nebraska. Sisters - Virginia (Ginger) Szabo (Pete) Homosassa, Florida; Beverly Kosloski (Danny) Homosassa, Florida; Debra Bowenkamp (John) Naples, Florida; and Diana Stanley (Mike) Box Elder, South Dakota. Gary will be missed by many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, two infant brothers Dennis and Douglas and sister Connie J. Foreman.A celebration of life will be held later in the spring. Burial will be at the Alliance, Nebraska Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made in Gary’s name to: Namaste Hospice, 5161 East Arapahoe Road, Centennial, Colorado 80122 or to Disabled American Veterans.

Gary Lee Johnson (1939 - 2025)

Mary “Frieda” Bowman, 91 years of age, died on Sunday, Dec 21, 2025, at Kinship Pointe, Wayne, NE. 

Funeral services will be at Messiah Lutheran Church, in Broadwater, Nebraska Jan 3, 2026, at 11:00am with lunch and visitation to follow. Memorial funds may be directed to Bowman Family for later designation.

Frieda is survived by her daughter, Danita (Warren) Hanson, Concord, Ne., two sons, Mark (Teresa) Bowman, Alliance, Ne., and Doug (Shelli) Bowman Bridgeport, Ne. 4 grandchildren, 8 Great grandchildren, and 2 great- great grandchildren. 

She was a long-time resident of Alliance and Morrill Co, and Bridgeport, Ne, before moving to Wayne, NE. She was a teacher in numerous rural schools around the Alliance area and had a preschool in Bridgeport. 

She is preceded in death by her parents, John &amp; Juanita Hashagen, husband, Donzel, and a brother, Dee Hashagen.

Mary “Frieda” Bowman, 91 years of age, died on Sunday, Dec 21, 2025, at Kinship Pointe, Wayne, NE. Funeral services will be at Messiah Lutheran Church, in Broadwater, Nebraska Jan 3, 2026, at 11:00am with lunch and visitation to follow. Memorial funds may be directed to Bowman Family for later designation.Frieda is survived by her daughter, Danita (Warren) Hanson, Concord, Ne., two sons, Mark (Teresa) Bowman, Alliance, Ne., and Doug (Shelli) Bowman Bridgeport, Ne. 4 grandchildren, 8 Great grandchildren, and 2 great- great grandchildren. She was a long-time resident of Alliance and Morrill Co, and Bridgeport, Ne, before moving to Wayne, NE. She was a teacher in numerous rural schools around the Alliance area and had a preschool in Bridgeport. She is preceded in death by her parents, John &amp; Juanita Hashagen, husband, Donzel, and a brother, Dee Hashagen.<figure>
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 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Mary “Frieda” Bowman, 91

Susan Kay Winten was born on February 4, 1955 to Morris and Barbara (Gasseling) Pipitt. She was welcomed into the family by her older sister, Denice. Later, they both welcomed their younger siblings, Greg and Carolyn into the family. They grew up and worked on the family farm southwest of Hemingford.

Susan started Elementary school in a small country school house.&nbsp; When it consolidated, she finished her education at Hemingford High School. She was a member of the Pep Club, Music Club, Speech Team and performed in school plays. Susan graduated from high school in 1973, and went on to further her education at Chadron State College.

Susan married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Winten, on February 15, 1975 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. They rented a farm from George Osborne for 2 years before buying a house in town in 1979.&nbsp; This is where the roots were planted and beautiful memories were made for many decades.

Susan began her career as a secretary at Guardian State Bank/Abbott Bank for 18 years. She also provided childcare in her home for three years after Amanda was born. Susan was the manager for the Box Butte County Fair for several years. She was a secretary/insurance agent at Gregory’s Insurance in Hemingford until the office closed, then transferred to Gregory’s in Alliance until she retired in 2022.

Bruce and Susan enjoyed taking their camper on short family vacations to South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park. Susan enjoyed spending time with family the most.&nbsp; Susan never missed a sporting event of her children. Bruce and Susan were also the biggest fans of their grandkids, making time to attend their sporting events.&nbsp; She also enjoyed many hobbies with her mom and sisters, including ceramics, tin punch, sewing, painting and card making. She always loved hanging out with the “stamping ladies”!&nbsp; Susan served at St Bridget’s Church as the bookkeeper for a number of years and as a member of the Altar Society and the Parish Council.&nbsp; She also enjoyed volunteering and maintaining the “garden”, at the Hemingford Care Center.

Susan passed away at the age of 70 on December 29, 2025 in her home surrounded by family after a 2 year battle with Glioblastoma. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Morris and Barbara Pipitt. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce, her children Corey Winten (Shannon) of Krugerville, Texas and Amanda Willey (Aaron) of Chadron, Nebraska and her grandchildren Vanessa and Tyler Winten and Peyton and Owen Willey. She is also survived by her sisters Denice Yardley (Mike) of Oklahoma City, Carolyn Phillips (Bob) of Hemingford and brother, Greg Pipitt (Cindy) of Alliance as well as many nieces and nephews

Visitation will be held at Bates-Gould in Hemingford from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 with the Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at St. Bridget’s on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Matt Koperski and Father Bryan Ernest officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.&nbsp; A luncheon will follow in the Parish Center.

Memorials can be sent to Bobcats Beating Cancer, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church or the Donor’s choice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767195188015.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Susan Winten" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Susan Winten</figcaption>
 </figure>Susan Kay Winten was born on February 4, 1955 to Morris and Barbara (Gasseling) Pipitt. She was welcomed into the family by her older sister, Denice. Later, they both welcomed their younger siblings, Greg and Carolyn into the family. They grew up and worked on the family farm southwest of Hemingford.Susan started Elementary school in a small country school house.&nbsp; When it consolidated, she finished her education at Hemingford High School. She was a member of the Pep Club, Music Club, Speech Team and performed in school plays. Susan graduated from high school in 1973, and went on to further her education at Chadron State College.Susan married her high school sweetheart, Bruce Winten, on February 15, 1975 at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. They rented a farm from George Osborne for 2 years before buying a house in town in 1979.&nbsp; This is where the roots were planted and beautiful memories were made for many decades.Susan began her career as a secretary at Guardian State Bank/Abbott Bank for 18 years. She also provided childcare in her home for three years after Amanda was born. Susan was the manager for the Box Butte County Fair for several years. She was a secretary/insurance agent at Gregory’s Insurance in Hemingford until the office closed, then transferred to Gregory’s in Alliance until she retired in 2022.Bruce and Susan enjoyed taking their camper on short family vacations to South Dakota and Yellowstone National Park. Susan enjoyed spending time with family the most.&nbsp; Susan never missed a sporting event of her children. Bruce and Susan were also the biggest fans of their grandkids, making time to attend their sporting events.&nbsp; She also enjoyed many hobbies with her mom and sisters, including ceramics, tin punch, sewing, painting and card making. She always loved hanging out with the “stamping ladies”!&nbsp; Susan served at St Bridget’s Church as the bookkeeper for a number of years and as a member of the Altar Society and the Parish Council.&nbsp; She also enjoyed volunteering and maintaining the “garden”, at the Hemingford Care Center.Susan passed away at the age of 70 on December 29, 2025 in her home surrounded by family after a 2 year battle with Glioblastoma. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Morris and Barbara Pipitt. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Bruce, her children Corey Winten (Shannon) of Krugerville, Texas and Amanda Willey (Aaron) of Chadron, Nebraska and her grandchildren Vanessa and Tyler Winten and Peyton and Owen Willey. She is also survived by her sisters Denice Yardley (Mike) of Oklahoma City, Carolyn Phillips (Bob) of Hemingford and brother, Greg Pipitt (Cindy) of Alliance as well as many nieces and nephewsVisitation will be held at Bates-Gould in Hemingford from 1-5 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2026 with the Rosary to follow at 7 p.m. at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church. Funeral services will be held at St. Bridget’s on Saturday, January 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Matt Koperski and Father Bryan Ernest officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Hemingford Cemetery.&nbsp; A luncheon will follow in the Parish Center.Memorials can be sent to Bobcats Beating Cancer, St. Bridget’s Catholic Church or the Donor’s choice.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Susan Kay Winten (1955 - 2025)

Clarice Marlene (Ritter) Mills, with her family by her side, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025. She was 83 years old.

Clarice was born on January 31, 1942 to Clarence and Pauline Ritter. She graduated from Alliance High School in 1960 and attended Duchesne School of Nursing for one year before moving home to marry Gary “Bud” Mills. This union lasted 62 wonderful years until Bud’s passing in 2023.

Alliance was home to Clarice and Bud, where they raised three boys, Tim, Scott, and Jeff. Clarice’s boys were her greatest love and adventure; she rarely missed a baseball, football, or basketball game throughout their years growing up. As a proud mom, she would cheer at the games, often letting officials (and opposing team members) know if a call or play was not to her liking. As a family, they enjoyed many family camping and fishing trips, as well as long car trips to the east and west coasts to visit family and friends. Many trips included their kids’ friends, who were always welcome and who were considered family, as well.

Time spent as a family was her priority, which continued as the boys married and started families of their own. The role of grandparent was taken very seriously. Clarice was a loving and devoted grandma to 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Her front door was always open, and their house was a popular pit-stop for many, often including games, a heartfelt chat, and cookies and mints for anyone who needed a snack.

Along with her family, Clarice’s many friends were very important to her. Rarely did she go somewhere that she didn’t see someone she knew. Among her many friends, some of her kids’ friends even called her ‘Mom’, and her grandkids’ friends called her ‘Grandma’. She was loved by all who knew her. Her genuine warmth, kindness, acceptance of everyone, and calm demeanor was hope-giving and uplifting in this world, and will be greatly missed.

Throughout her life, Clarice also worked outside the home at Alliance National Bank, and then Western Heritage Credit Union until her retirement. After retirement, she spent many days volunteering, attending card parties and coffee dates, sewing quilts for her family, taking care of her beloved cats, and doing what she loved most - simply going for a drive with Bud to get a coffee drink and cruise the town.

She is survived by sons, Tim (Linda), Scott (Tamra), and Jeff (Brenda), all of Alliance; grandkids, Jamie (Matt) Weingart, Jessica Cooksley, Myles (Cassie Barth) Mills, Gary Mills, Jacob (Arielle) Mills, Brettni (Tristan) Heldenbrand, Cassidy (Preston) Meier, Jordan (Sam) Mills, and Shelbi Mills; as well as 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Claudia Lichty of Elizabeth, Colorado, and Colleen Seeley of Alliance, as well as many nieces and nephews.

Clarice was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where there will be a celebration of Clarice’s life on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a meal at the West Side Event Center.

Memorials may be sent in care of the family to, 613 East 10th Street, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301 with a designation yet to be determined.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1767027418201.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Clarice Mills&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Clarice Mills&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Clarice Marlene (Ritter) Mills, with her family by her side, passed away on Monday, December 22, 2025. She was 83 years old.Clarice was born on January 31, 1942 to Clarence and Pauline Ritter. She graduated from Alliance High School in 1960 and attended Duchesne School of Nursing for one year before moving home to marry Gary “Bud” Mills. This union lasted 62 wonderful years until Bud’s passing in 2023.Alliance was home to Clarice and Bud, where they raised three boys, Tim, Scott, and Jeff. Clarice’s boys were her greatest love and adventure; she rarely missed a baseball, football, or basketball game throughout their years growing up. As a proud mom, she would cheer at the games, often letting officials (and opposing team members) know if a call or play was not to her liking. As a family, they enjoyed many family camping and fishing trips, as well as long car trips to the east and west coasts to visit family and friends. Many trips included their kids’ friends, who were always welcome and who were considered family, as well.Time spent as a family was her priority, which continued as the boys married and started families of their own. The role of grandparent was taken very seriously. Clarice was a loving and devoted grandma to 9 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Her front door was always open, and their house was a popular pit-stop for many, often including games, a heartfelt chat, and cookies and mints for anyone who needed a snack.Along with her family, Clarice’s many friends were very important to her. Rarely did she go somewhere that she didn’t see someone she knew. Among her many friends, some of her kids’ friends even called her ‘Mom’, and her grandkids’ friends called her ‘Grandma’. She was loved by all who knew her. Her genuine warmth, kindness, acceptance of everyone, and calm demeanor was hope-giving and uplifting in this world, and will be greatly missed.Throughout her life, Clarice also worked outside the home at Alliance National Bank, and then Western Heritage Credit Union until her retirement. After retirement, she spent many days volunteering, attending card parties and coffee dates, sewing quilts for her family, taking care of her beloved cats, and doing what she loved most - simply going for a drive with Bud to get a coffee drink and cruise the town.She is survived by sons, Tim (Linda), Scott (Tamra), and Jeff (Brenda), all of Alliance; grandkids, Jamie (Matt) Weingart, Jessica Cooksley, Myles (Cassie Barth) Mills, Gary Mills, Jacob (Arielle) Mills, Brettni (Tristan) Heldenbrand, Cassidy (Preston) Meier, Jordan (Sam) Mills, and Shelbi Mills; as well as 16 great-grandchildren; sisters, Claudia Lichty of Elizabeth, Colorado, and Colleen Seeley of Alliance, as well as many nieces and nephews.Clarice was a member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, where there will be a celebration of Clarice’s life on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a meal at the West Side Event Center.Memorials may be sent in care of the family to, 613 East 10th Street, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301 with a designation yet to be determined.

Clarice Marlene (Ritter) Mills (1942 - 2025)

David James Bellisle passed away peacefully at his home with special friend, Marilyn Albright at his side on November 27, 2025 after battling a long fight with COPD and Emphysema.

Dave was born in Kalamazoo, MI on December 15, 1952 to Mary Meek and Harold Bellisle.&nbsp; He moved to Nebraska in 1979 and worked at most of his life at Parker until ill health forced his retirement.

He is survived by his sons, Brandy (Ronda) Bellisle, Jason (Cindee) Bellisle, Tristan (Wavenney) Albright-Bellisle and Matthew (Katherine) Bellisle, his grandchildren, Mandi Casados, Sheena Gonzales, Tanner Bellisle, Chance Millrans, Devon Bellisle, Travaughn Albright, Kinley Bellisle, Grayson Bellisle, Ryley Conrad, Layne Bellisle, his great grandchildren, Quentin Dean, Jordyn Yearling, Ethan Gonzales, Bianca, Logan, Emmalyn and Jackson Harris and Adeline Millrans.&nbsp; He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, his siblings, Marl Smario, Tim Bellisle, Tom Bellisle, Sandy Buell and Paul Meek.&nbsp; He is also survived by very special friend, Marilyn Albright.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Diane Boyer and his brother, Danny Rushmore.&nbsp;

No services will be held.&nbsp; Memorials may be sent in care of Marilyn Albright, 311 Toluca Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765819251962.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;David Bellisle" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;David Bellisle</figcaption>
 </figure>David James Bellisle passed away peacefully at his home with special friend, Marilyn Albright at his side on November 27, 2025 after battling a long fight with COPD and Emphysema.Dave was born in Kalamazoo, MI on December 15, 1952 to Mary Meek and Harold Bellisle.&nbsp; He moved to Nebraska in 1979 and worked at most of his life at Parker until ill health forced his retirement.He is survived by his sons, Brandy (Ronda) Bellisle, Jason (Cindee) Bellisle, Tristan (Wavenney) Albright-Bellisle and Matthew (Katherine) Bellisle, his grandchildren, Mandi Casados, Sheena Gonzales, Tanner Bellisle, Chance Millrans, Devon Bellisle, Travaughn Albright, Kinley Bellisle, Grayson Bellisle, Ryley Conrad, Layne Bellisle, his great grandchildren, Quentin Dean, Jordyn Yearling, Ethan Gonzales, Bianca, Logan, Emmalyn and Jackson Harris and Adeline Millrans.&nbsp; He is also survived by many nieces and nephews, his siblings, Marl Smario, Tim Bellisle, Tom Bellisle, Sandy Buell and Paul Meek.&nbsp; He is also survived by very special friend, Marilyn Albright.He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Diane Boyer and his brother, Danny Rushmore.&nbsp;No services will be held.&nbsp; Memorials may be sent in care of Marilyn Albright, 311 Toluca Avenue, Alliance, NE 69301.

David James Bellisle (1952 - 2025)

JoAnn (Markoff) Tolstedt was born to Keith “Keets” Markoff and Neoma (Shigley) Markoff in Alliance, Nebraska on March 6, 1936, and passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 89. JoAnn’s life was characterized by an immense love for her family, a constant sense of caring for her friends, and a quiet devotion to her Lord.

JoAnn graduated from Alliance High School in 1954 and worked at The Guardian State Bank until her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Franklin Tolstedt, on September 16, 1956. They shared a deep, abiding love, and their devotion to one another for 69 years provided a foundation and example to their two children, Brad, born in 1957, and Jana, born in 1960.

As Frank pursued his banking career, JoAnn was always at his side, supporting and encouraging him. She made sure their home and life were organized, orderly, and rooted in the belief that serving others before themselves led to a happy and successful life.

Each small community they called home, whether it be Alliance, Valentine, or Gordon, benefited from JoAnn’s heart of service, generosity, and kindness.&nbsp; She cultivated precious friendships along the way and enjoyed making her home a haven for her family.

JoAnn was not a fan of idleness and kept busy by contributing her time and talents to organizations and her church. Groups that benefited from her membership include P.E.O., Carnegie Arts Center, and Music and Dramatic Club. She held a variety of offices and enjoyed planning and decorating for numerous parties and functions tied to these organizations. The Presbyterian Church in each town where she lived provided her with a source of comfort and purpose and an outlet for her heart of service.

JoAnn enjoyed her bridge club, traveling with dear friends, and supporting her children and grandchildren in each and every endeavor they pursued. Family was always forefront in her mind, and she strived daily to make sure they were happy. Her relationship with her grandchildren provided her with countless hours of pride and joy. She was the ultimate gift-giver and put her heart and soul into making sure every Christmas was full of memories and cookies.

JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Keets and Neoma Markoff; mother and father-in-law, Calvin and Virlene Tolstedt; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Sande Markoff; sister-in-law, Idonna (Bob) Minnick; and brother-in-laws Keith (June) Tolstedt and Dean (Sharon) Tolstedt.

Remaining to cherish JoAnn’s memory are her husband, Frank Tolstedt; children, Brad (Carrie) Tolstedt of Scottsdale, AZ; Jana (Joe) Goranson of Gordon, NE; grandchildren, Lauren Goranson of Omaha, NE and Nicholas (Deanna) Goranson of Scottsbluff, NE; great-grandchildren, Rhen and Piper Goranson; many beloved nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends.

A Celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance with Pastor Sue Spencer officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Memorial donations in JoAnn’s memory may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance, Carnegie Arts Center, or Highland Park Care Facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765813638910.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; JoAnn Tolstedt" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; JoAnn Tolstedt</figcaption>
 </figure>JoAnn (Markoff) Tolstedt was born to Keith “Keets” Markoff and Neoma (Shigley) Markoff in Alliance, Nebraska on March 6, 1936, and passed away on December 10, 2025, at the age of 89. JoAnn’s life was characterized by an immense love for her family, a constant sense of caring for her friends, and a quiet devotion to her Lord.JoAnn graduated from Alliance High School in 1954 and worked at The Guardian State Bank until her marriage to her high school sweetheart, Franklin Tolstedt, on September 16, 1956. They shared a deep, abiding love, and their devotion to one another for 69 years provided a foundation and example to their two children, Brad, born in 1957, and Jana, born in 1960.As Frank pursued his banking career, JoAnn was always at his side, supporting and encouraging him. She made sure their home and life were organized, orderly, and rooted in the belief that serving others before themselves led to a happy and successful life.Each small community they called home, whether it be Alliance, Valentine, or Gordon, benefited from JoAnn’s heart of service, generosity, and kindness.&nbsp; She cultivated precious friendships along the way and enjoyed making her home a haven for her family.JoAnn was not a fan of idleness and kept busy by contributing her time and talents to organizations and her church. Groups that benefited from her membership include P.E.O., Carnegie Arts Center, and Music and Dramatic Club. She held a variety of offices and enjoyed planning and decorating for numerous parties and functions tied to these organizations. The Presbyterian Church in each town where she lived provided her with a source of comfort and purpose and an outlet for her heart of service.JoAnn enjoyed her bridge club, traveling with dear friends, and supporting her children and grandchildren in each and every endeavor they pursued. Family was always forefront in her mind, and she strived daily to make sure they were happy. Her relationship with her grandchildren provided her with countless hours of pride and joy. She was the ultimate gift-giver and put her heart and soul into making sure every Christmas was full of memories and cookies.JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Keets and Neoma Markoff; mother and father-in-law, Calvin and Virlene Tolstedt; brother and sister-in-law, Dick and Sande Markoff; sister-in-law, Idonna (Bob) Minnick; and brother-in-laws Keith (June) Tolstedt and Dean (Sharon) Tolstedt.Remaining to cherish JoAnn’s memory are her husband, Frank Tolstedt; children, Brad (Carrie) Tolstedt of Scottsdale, AZ; Jana (Joe) Goranson of Gordon, NE; grandchildren, Lauren Goranson of Omaha, NE and Nicholas (Deanna) Goranson of Scottsbluff, NE; great-grandchildren, Rhen and Piper Goranson; many beloved nieces and nephews; and lifelong friends.A Celebration of JoAnn’s life will be held Monday, December 15, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance with Pastor Sue Spencer officiating.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.Memorial donations in JoAnn’s memory may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Alliance, Carnegie Arts Center, or Highland Park Care Facility.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

JoAnn (Markoff) Tolstedt (1936 - 2025)

JoAnn Tolstedt passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 with her family by her side.&nbsp; She was 89.

Funeral services will be Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

JoAnn Tolstedt passed away on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 with her family by her side.&nbsp; She was 89.Funeral services will be Monday, December 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church.&nbsp; Burial will be in the Alliance Cemetery.

Service Announcement JoAnn Tolstedt 

Tom H. Dasher, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 7, 2025.

Tom was born July 26, 1952, at Naval Station Great Lakes outside of Chicago, Illinois, to Floyd A. and Norma J. (Metz) Dasher.&nbsp; He grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1970.

In 1971, Tom enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for two years and was honorably discharged in 1973. Following his military service, he returned home and began working as an X-ray technician at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.

In 1980, Tom began what would become a long career with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, where he worked as an electrician.&nbsp;&nbsp; He retired in 2018.

On September 30, 2003, Tom married Cheryl I. Frohm in Reno, Nevada, and together they built a life filled with family and shared memories.

Tom was a 32nd° Mason and a member of the Alliance Rifle Club. He enjoyed camping, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Dasher of Alliance; his sons, Ryan Dasher of Scottsbluff and Travis Dasher of Hastings; his stepchildren, Marie (Brett) Cover of Chadron, Beth (Eric) Bates of Alliance, and Tim Anderson of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Brittany (Dave) Veik, Sage Dasher, Mazi Dasher, Chasidy (Taylor) Christensen, Chris (Jacey) Cover, Zach (Kelsee) Cover, Kayln Cover, Nicole Cover, Brooke (Evan) O’Dorisio, Ethan Bates and Luke Bates; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard Dasher and Brian Dasher, both of Port Charlotte, FL; and his sister, Nancy Schwab of Torrington, WY.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents.

Memorial services with military honors will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.&nbsp; Reverend Megan Morrow will officiate.&nbsp;

Memorials may be given to the Alliance Bulldog Backpack Program and sent in care of the family, 606 Toluca Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765303135880.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Tom Dasher" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Tom Dasher</figcaption>
 </figure>Tom H. Dasher, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, December 7, 2025.Tom was born July 26, 1952, at Naval Station Great Lakes outside of Chicago, Illinois, to Floyd A. and Norma J. (Metz) Dasher.&nbsp; He grew up in Scottsbluff, Nebraska and graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1970.In 1971, Tom enlisted in the United States Army. He proudly served his country for two years and was honorably discharged in 1973. Following his military service, he returned home and began working as an X-ray technician at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff.In 1980, Tom began what would become a long career with the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, where he worked as an electrician.&nbsp;&nbsp; He retired in 2018.On September 30, 2003, Tom married Cheryl I. Frohm in Reno, Nevada, and together they built a life filled with family and shared memories.Tom was a 32nd° Mason and a member of the Alliance Rifle Club. He enjoyed camping, being outdoors, and spending time with his family.He is survived by his wife, Cheryl Dasher of Alliance; his sons, Ryan Dasher of Scottsbluff and Travis Dasher of Hastings; his stepchildren, Marie (Brett) Cover of Chadron, Beth (Eric) Bates of Alliance, and Tim Anderson of Rapid City, SD; grandchildren, Brittany (Dave) Veik, Sage Dasher, Mazi Dasher, Chasidy (Taylor) Christensen, Chris (Jacey) Cover, Zach (Kelsee) Cover, Kayln Cover, Nicole Cover, Brooke (Evan) O’Dorisio, Ethan Bates and Luke Bates; and 14 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers, Richard Dasher and Brian Dasher, both of Port Charlotte, FL; and his sister, Nancy Schwab of Torrington, WY.&nbsp; He was preceded in death by his parents.Memorial services with military honors will be held Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the Bates-Gould Chapel.&nbsp; Reverend Megan Morrow will officiate.&nbsp;Memorials may be given to the Alliance Bulldog Backpack Program and sent in care of the family, 606 Toluca Avenue, Alliance, Nebraska, 69301.

Tom H. Dasher (1952 - 2025)

Johanna M. (Pike) Hall died on December 5, 2025 in Alliance, Nebraska.

Johanna was born on September 10, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, to Gilbert William and Bridget Frances (Mason) Pike. She was the seventh of eight children and loved being part of a large family. When she was nine, her father died in an industrial accident which left her family devastated right before Christmas. Jo was invited and awarded a scholarship to attend an all-girl Catholic High School for gifted students and graduated in 1958.

In 1959, she met and married Jon W. Hall. Their union brought three children: Linda, Sandi and Ward. Jon and Jo moved with their family all over the United States, even to Midway Island, with the U.S. Navy. They enjoyed being part of the military family communities along the way. After Jon’s retirement, they settled in his hometown of Alliance Nebraska, where she remained until her death.

As a lifelong book lover, Jo enjoyed diving into every library and used bookstore she passed. Her favorite genre was murder mystery. She also traveled to several literary mystery conferences to meet authors and other avid readers from near and far. This love of reading served her well during her time at the Alliance Library. She instilled a love of reading and adventure, especially for all the young “princesses” and “sunshines” who visited.

After her retirement, she stayed busy with attending the activities of her grandkids, chatting with friends at book club and Red Hat Society, having lunch at the senior center, volunteering with RSVP and getting together with her family. She was always willing to play Phase 10 with her great-grandkids or any other game you were willing to try. In Trivial Pursuit, her only weakness was the sports category and she would still win. She even tried out to be on Jeopardy! She was fun to play with and against. Those games will not be the same without her.

She is survived by her brother Roger Pike of Atlanta, GA and her children, Linda Jines (Steve Steinman), Sandi (Greg) Morava of Alliance, and Ward (Julie) Hall of Las Vegas, NV. She was known as Gma Jo to Jessica (Price) McDonald of Torrington, WY, Jake (Cami) Mann of Douglas, WY, Sam (Bryce) Whitaker of Alliance, Joe (Jessica) Mann of Elgin, SC, Tyler (Alex) Jines of Alliance, Jenny (Aaron) Steggs of Lincoln, Alicia Morava of Lincoln, Casey (Jessica) Steinman of Chattanooga, TN, Courtney (Jeff) Steinman of Gering, Kelly (Jess) Jewitt of Alliance, Kyle (Sam) Steinman of Alliance, Trevor (MaeAnn) Greeley of Riverside, CA, and Zach (Emily) Greeley of Riverside, CA. She earned the title of Grandma Great to Cadence and Barrett McDonald, Harper, Hadlee and Hayzlee Mann, Scarlett Mann, Kallista Kohler and Brynn Jines, Layla and Maggie Steggs, Annika, Jack and Kendall Steinman, Tiesha (Chris) Saldivar, Isiah Ramirez and Conor Cardiff, Trinity and Renee Jewitt, Bayleigh and Caelen McCracken, Blake, Phoenix, and William Steinman, Justin, Nolan and Scarlett Greeley. Along with numerous nieces and nephews who also survive.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jon, her son-in-law, Allen Jines, her parents and six of her seven siblings.

Memorials are suggested to the Alliance Library Foundation or charity of your choice. In lieu of flowers, buy some books because that is what Jo would do.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765207590253.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Johanna Hall" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Johanna Hall</figcaption>
 </figure>Johanna M. (Pike) Hall died on December 5, 2025 in Alliance, Nebraska.Johanna was born on September 10, 1940 in Brooklyn, New York, to Gilbert William and Bridget Frances (Mason) Pike. She was the seventh of eight children and loved being part of a large family. When she was nine, her father died in an industrial accident which left her family devastated right before Christmas. Jo was invited and awarded a scholarship to attend an all-girl Catholic High School for gifted students and graduated in 1958.In 1959, she met and married Jon W. Hall. Their union brought three children: Linda, Sandi and Ward. Jon and Jo moved with their family all over the United States, even to Midway Island, with the U.S. Navy. They enjoyed being part of the military family communities along the way. After Jon’s retirement, they settled in his hometown of Alliance Nebraska, where she remained until her death.As a lifelong book lover, Jo enjoyed diving into every library and used bookstore she passed. Her favorite genre was murder mystery. She also traveled to several literary mystery conferences to meet authors and other avid readers from near and far. This love of reading served her well during her time at the Alliance Library. She instilled a love of reading and adventure, especially for all the young “princesses” and “sunshines” who visited.After her retirement, she stayed busy with attending the activities of her grandkids, chatting with friends at book club and Red Hat Society, having lunch at the senior center, volunteering with RSVP and getting together with her family. She was always willing to play Phase 10 with her great-grandkids or any other game you were willing to try. In Trivial Pursuit, her only weakness was the sports category and she would still win. She even tried out to be on Jeopardy! She was fun to play with and against. Those games will not be the same without her.She is survived by her brother Roger Pike of Atlanta, GA and her children, Linda Jines (Steve Steinman), Sandi (Greg) Morava of Alliance, and Ward (Julie) Hall of Las Vegas, NV. She was known as Gma Jo to Jessica (Price) McDonald of Torrington, WY, Jake (Cami) Mann of Douglas, WY, Sam (Bryce) Whitaker of Alliance, Joe (Jessica) Mann of Elgin, SC, Tyler (Alex) Jines of Alliance, Jenny (Aaron) Steggs of Lincoln, Alicia Morava of Lincoln, Casey (Jessica) Steinman of Chattanooga, TN, Courtney (Jeff) Steinman of Gering, Kelly (Jess) Jewitt of Alliance, Kyle (Sam) Steinman of Alliance, Trevor (MaeAnn) Greeley of Riverside, CA, and Zach (Emily) Greeley of Riverside, CA. She earned the title of Grandma Great to Cadence and Barrett McDonald, Harper, Hadlee and Hayzlee Mann, Scarlett Mann, Kallista Kohler and Brynn Jines, Layla and Maggie Steggs, Annika, Jack and Kendall Steinman, Tiesha (Chris) Saldivar, Isiah Ramirez and Conor Cardiff, Trinity and Renee Jewitt, Bayleigh and Caelen McCracken, Blake, Phoenix, and William Steinman, Justin, Nolan and Scarlett Greeley. Along with numerous nieces and nephews who also survive.She is preceded in death by her husband, Jon, her son-in-law, Allen Jines, her parents and six of her seven siblings.Memorials are suggested to the Alliance Library Foundation or charity of your choice. In lieu of flowers, buy some books because that is what Jo would do.A Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, December 15, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father Matt Koperski officiating.&nbsp; Inurnment will be in the Nebraska Veterans Cemetery.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Johanna M. (Pike) Hall (1940 - 2025)

Louise Marie Fritzler, 94 of Alliance passed away Thursday December 4, 2025 at Highland Park Care Center.

She was born in Ravenna, Nebraska on March 17, 1931 to Louis and Bernice (Struble) Benisek.

She was raised in Ravenna until the family moved to Alliance in 1947. She graduated from Alliance High School in 1949.

After high school, she worked for the local telephone office as a telephone operator. She married the love of her life Henry (Hank) Fritzler on June 30, 1951. They moved to Alabama where Hank was in the Army. She worked as a telephone operator there also. She loved Alabama and often talked of their time there and the friends they made. When Hank was discharged from the Army, they moved back to Alliance. She was a homemaker and mother to two children. After Hank passed away in 1982, Louise started working at Woolrich where she met many friends. She also worked at Swepco/AEP&nbsp; for several years, retiring at the age of 88-a milestone she was very proud of.

Louise had many talents and enjoyed a wide range of activities.&nbsp; She was a whiz in the kitchen, and her creativity shone through in her oil painting, drawing, and sewing.&nbsp; She loved being outdoors, tending to her yard and breathing in the fresh country air.&nbsp; Most of all, Louise was devoted to her family.&nbsp; She dedicated her life to them-always there with love, support, a sense of adventure, and her beautiful smile.

Louise is survived by her children, Kent (Linda) Fritzler and Joni Fritzler (Tony Flood); her grandchildren, Brittany Fritzler, Nathan (Conni) Fritzler, and Peyton Hudson (Emmerae Korte); and her great grandchildren Khloe, Henry, and Millie Fritzler. She is also survived by her brother, Don (Clara) Benisek, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry (Hank) Fritzler; her parents, Louis and Bernice Benisek; and an infant brother.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Bates-Gould Chapel with inurnment will follow at the Alliance Cemetery.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/12/1765206664600.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Louise Fritzler" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Louise Fritzler</figcaption>
 </figure>Louise Marie Fritzler, 94 of Alliance passed away Thursday December 4, 2025 at Highland Park Care Center.She was born in Ravenna, Nebraska on March 17, 1931 to Louis and Bernice (Struble) Benisek.She was raised in Ravenna until the family moved to Alliance in 1947. She graduated from Alliance High School in 1949.After high school, she worked for the local telephone office as a telephone operator. She married the love of her life Henry (Hank) Fritzler on June 30, 1951. They moved to Alabama where Hank was in the Army. She worked as a telephone operator there also. She loved Alabama and often talked of their time there and the friends they made. When Hank was discharged from the Army, they moved back to Alliance. She was a homemaker and mother to two children. After Hank passed away in 1982, Louise started working at Woolrich where she met many friends. She also worked at Swepco/AEP&nbsp; for several years, retiring at the age of 88-a milestone she was very proud of.Louise had many talents and enjoyed a wide range of activities.&nbsp; She was a whiz in the kitchen, and her creativity shone through in her oil painting, drawing, and sewing.&nbsp; She loved being outdoors, tending to her yard and breathing in the fresh country air.&nbsp; Most of all, Louise was devoted to her family.&nbsp; She dedicated her life to them-always there with love, support, a sense of adventure, and her beautiful smile.Louise is survived by her children, Kent (Linda) Fritzler and Joni Fritzler (Tony Flood); her grandchildren, Brittany Fritzler, Nathan (Conni) Fritzler, and Peyton Hudson (Emmerae Korte); and her great grandchildren Khloe, Henry, and Millie Fritzler. She is also survived by her brother, Don (Clara) Benisek, and several nieces and nephews.She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry (Hank) Fritzler; her parents, Louis and Bernice Benisek; and an infant brother.A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 1:00 p.m. at Bates-Gould Chapel with inurnment will follow at the Alliance Cemetery.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a>.

Louise Marie Fritzler (1931 - 2025)

Celebration of life at Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m.

Dennis Eugene Kniss, 80, of Bayard, Nebraska, a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and an abundance of love at Box Butte General Hospital.&nbsp; He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and joy that touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born in Scottsbluff on June 27, 1945, to Adam and Evelyn (Reiber) Kniss, Dennis spent his life in Bayard. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1963 and attended Doane College in 1964 before joining the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1965. On September 7, 1969, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Billie (Yekel), beginning a lifelong love story built on devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Dennis worked alongside his father farming south of Bayard before becoming an auctioneer and eventually working for Simplot until he became disabled. He was a member of the Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard.

Dennis had a deep passion for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies—they were traditions he cherished and passed down with pride. Whether it was tracking deer or pheasants in the early morning quiet or casting a line into a still lake at dusk, Dennis found peace and purpose in nature. Time spent in the woods or on the water was sacred to him, and he treasured sharing those experiences with family, especially his children and grandchildren.

Dennis was also an avid Husker fan and never missed a game! He had a playful heart and a sweet tooth to match. He delighted in playing games with his grandchildren and sharing his love of fishing. And no visit with “Papa” was complete without a trip to the candy stash.

Above all, Dennis was a family man. He was the steady rock—always present, always encouraging. He never missed his children’s sporting events, proudly led their Cub Scout Troops, and made sure his family knew how deeply they were loved. To his children, he was a guide and protector. To his wife, a best friend, and true partner. To his friends, he was the kind of man who showed up, no matter what. Nothing filled him with more pride than his children and grandchildren.

Dennis lived fully and loved deeply. His spirit will carry on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will live in the kindness he showed, the hands he helped, and the lives he touched. Dennis will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Dennis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billie, sons Brett (Jennifer) Kniss, Cheyenne, WY, Brad (Rachel) Kniss, of Granite Canon, WY, and daughter Brittney (Trabor) Bauer of Alliance, NE. Dennis was loved beyond measure by his grandchildren: Noah Bauer, Samantha and Graisen Kniss, and Garrett and Seth Ripka, and several granddogs. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Betty) Kniss and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.

The family is eternally grateful to the UC Health LVAD team for their amazing care of Dennis for the past 13 years.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/8/1754317288888.jpeg" alt="&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dennis Kniss" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Dennis Kniss</figcaption>
 </figure>Celebration of life at Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard on Saturday, December 13 at 10:00 a.m.Dennis Eugene Kniss, 80, of Bayard, Nebraska, a devoted husband, loving father, loyal friend, and avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family and an abundance of love at Box Butte General Hospital.&nbsp; He leaves behind a legacy of laughter, generosity, and joy that touched everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.Born in Scottsbluff on June 27, 1945, to Adam and Evelyn (Reiber) Kniss, Dennis spent his life in Bayard. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1963 and attended Doane College in 1964 before joining the Nebraska Army National Guard in 1965. On September 7, 1969, Dennis married his high school sweetheart, Billie (Yekel), beginning a lifelong love story built on devotion, laughter, and unwavering partnership. Dennis worked alongside his father farming south of Bayard before becoming an auctioneer and eventually working for Simplot until he became disabled. He was a member of the Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard.Dennis had a deep passion for the outdoors. Hunting and fishing were more than hobbies—they were traditions he cherished and passed down with pride. Whether it was tracking deer or pheasants in the early morning quiet or casting a line into a still lake at dusk, Dennis found peace and purpose in nature. Time spent in the woods or on the water was sacred to him, and he treasured sharing those experiences with family, especially his children and grandchildren.Dennis was also an avid Husker fan and never missed a game! He had a playful heart and a sweet tooth to match. He delighted in playing games with his grandchildren and sharing his love of fishing. And no visit with “Papa” was complete without a trip to the candy stash.Above all, Dennis was a family man. He was the steady rock—always present, always encouraging. He never missed his children’s sporting events, proudly led their Cub Scout Troops, and made sure his family knew how deeply they were loved. To his children, he was a guide and protector. To his wife, a best friend, and true partner. To his friends, he was the kind of man who showed up, no matter what. Nothing filled him with more pride than his children and grandchildren.Dennis lived fully and loved deeply. His spirit will carry on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his legacy will live in the kindness he showed, the hands he helped, and the lives he touched. Dennis will be deeply missed and forever remembered.Dennis is survived by his wife of 56 years, Billie, sons Brett (Jennifer) Kniss, Cheyenne, WY, Brad (Rachel) Kniss, of Granite Canon, WY, and daughter Brittney (Trabor) Bauer of Alliance, NE. Dennis was loved beyond measure by his grandchildren: Noah Bauer, Samantha and Graisen Kniss, and Garrett and Seth Ripka, and several granddogs. He is also survived by his brother Steve (Betty) Kniss and many nieces and nephews.Dennis was preceded in death by his parents.The family is eternally grateful to the UC Health LVAD team for their amazing care of Dennis for the past 13 years.The family would also like to thank the team at the Box Butte General Hospital patient care unit for their compassionate care.A celebration of life will be held in December 2025 at Faith United Church of Christ. The family requests that everyone wear their Husker gear. Date and time of the celebration will be announced later.In lieu of flowers, please make a gift to support at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in memory of Dennis Kniss (please include on memo line) to: University of Colorado Foundation, PO Box 17126, Denver, CO 80217. Gifts may also be made online at Giving.CU.EDU/Dkniss. Gifts may also be made to Faith United Church of Christ in Dennis’s name.Online condolences may be left at <a href="http://www.batesgould.com">www.batesgould.com</a> with Bates-Gould Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.

Obituaries