Obituaries

Dean S. Jochem, 85, of Ainsworth, passed away July 28, 2024, at Brookestone View in Broken Bow. Dean was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska, July 30, 1938, to parents Oscar and Pearl (Claver) Jochem. He and his older sister, Barbara, were raised on the ranch his father acquired in 1937.

Charles Walter “Shot” (Erny) Kenton hung up his cowboy hat for the last time here on Earth, August 1, 2024. Born June 12, 1951, to Genevieve Hamilton (Erny) Kenton and the late Charles Walter Erny, in Alliance. He spent his childhood growing up in Thedford, Broken Bow, Kearney and Lexington with his mother and her children, Cathy, Deb, Sherri, Tammy, and Fred. After his grandfather’s death, the family returned to the family ranch, north of Thedford. In his high school years, he attended Thedford High School where he was in the graduating class of 1969. During this time is when he began one of his favorite rodeo sports, Bareback Bronc riding. In 1968, his junior year, he competed at the Nebraska State High School Rodeo finals where he won the chance to compete at the National High School Rodeo finals in Topeka, KS.

Alden (Al) B. Smith, age 91, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at Gateway Gardens in Winder, GA. A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, August 10, 2024 at Restoration Church in Bethlehem, GA. Interment followed at Barrow Memorial Cemetery in Winder, GA .

Scott Ray Remmers was born in Valentine, November 28, 1970, to Kenn Ray and Janice ( Noteboom) Remmers. He passed away doing what he loved, driving a pontoon at Merritt Reservoir, surrounded by family and friends.

Karen (Mawhinney) Buckley, 74, of Arnold, passed away peacefully Tuesday, April 30, in her home. A mother of seven, grandmother of 26, and great-grandmother of 15, Karen leaves behind a large loving family, including her devoted and loving husband of 36 years, Don.

Robert Laverne Barnes, 92, of Norfolk, formerly of Lincoln, passed away July 27, 2024, at the Norfolk Veterans Home. Born in Neligh, in 1932 to Harold and Eva (Carpenter) Barnes.

David William Thomas, known affectionately as Bill, passed away July 15, 2024, in Loveland, CO. He was born July 9, 1941, to David and Helen Thomas in Valentine. Bill graduated from Valentine High School in 1959 and then started college in Hastings, but left early to return to Valentine to run the family business, Thomas Auto Parts, upon the passing of his father.

Caryll Marline Homan passed away July 25, 2024 at Linden Court in North Platte. She was born September 20, 1928, at Burton, the sixth child to Lee Hutchison and Isabel (Hollingsworth) Hutchison. When she was two years old, the family moved to St. Francis, SD on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. They lived in a sod house which her father and uncle built. From there, they moved north of Crookston.

Brian L. Priestley, 56, of Ainsworth, formerly of West Point, died Monday, July 22, 2024 at Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth. Funeral Service was held Saturday, July 27 at Stokely Funeral Home with Rev. John Gierke officiating. Burial was at Mount Hope Cemetery with lunch following at the West Point Fire and Rescue Station. Memorials may be made to Ainsworth Fire and Rescue or West Point Rescue Department. Arrangements by Stokely Funeral Home in West Point.

Richard “Dick” Colburn formerly of Brown and Cherry County passed away at his home near Alba, MO, April 17, 2024. Dick was born February 23,1928 to Howard S.