Obituaries

Briella Ryan Mulligan, 16, of Omaha, NE, passed away February 2, 2025. Born April 9, 2008, Briella grew up with a compassionate heart and a spirit that radiated warmth. Her smile could light up a room, and her laughter brought comfort and joy to everyone she encountered.

John Richard Guethlein, “Diamond Jack,” of North Platte, NE, died o Saturday, February 8, 2025 at the North Platte Care Center at the age of 88. John (Jack) Richard Guethlein was born to John and Emma (Peterson) Guethlein at their homestead in Peno Basin, near Quinn, SD March 14, 1936.

Funeral service for Jean Lewis, age 58 of Scotland, SD and formerly of Valentine was held Friday, February 7, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. The burial followed at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Valentine. A visitation was held Thursday, February 6 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines. Jean passed away January 31, 2025, in Sioux Falls, SD surrounded by family.

Bethel Jolyne (Andrews) Ogier, age 90, of Wallace, NE, passed away peacefully Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Hilltop Estates in Gothenburg, NE. She was born June 23, 1934, to Joseph Glen and Eva Ada (Barnes) Andrews in Valentine, NE.

Darlene Elizabeth Meyer was born on a small farm near Lincoln, NE in 1947. She worked on the farm with her father, mother, and brothers until high school graduation in 1965, when she began studying and working at Bryan Hospital’s nursing program. On graduation in 1968 her adventurous spirit took her to South Coast Hospital at Laguna Beach, CA for several years, then on to a hospital at Eureka in Northern California.

Thomas Victor Hoffmann of Nenzel, NE passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at his home in Nenzel. He was born February 18, 1936, to Victor Leo Hoffmann and Frances Joan (Pfisterer) Hoffmann at the Hoffmann Ranch during the bad winter of 1936.

Luree Lien, 96, passed away January 29, 2025, at Maples Centennial, North Platte, NE. Inez Luree Linabery was born to Mervin R.

David Ray Leonard was born October 26, 1962, in Bassett, NE to Joe Ross Leonard and Elsie Judith Gipson Leonard. He was the last of three children, arriving after his sister LeAnn and his brother Joe. Throughout his childhood Dave was active in 4-H and FFA and enjoyed hunting, rodeo, and fishing. In 1981, he graduated from Rock County High School and later attended Chadron State College to major in Rodeo. After college, Dave was a hunting guide in the Rocky Mountains. Dave saw great success in rodeo and was proud to be the Mid States Rookie of the Year as a Team Roping Header in 1982.

Donald Jay Wiley was born April 23, 1943 to Edward and Emma Wiley in Pilger, NE. While still young, the family moved to rural Missouri. Don was the second to youngest of eight siblings and along with his father, Edward, was the only one in the family not affected by polio. What Don’s family lacked in money, they made up for in fun and resourcefulness. Anyone that had the pleasure of hearing Don tell stories from growing up will never forget them. His story of chopping down a tree with his brother Larry waiting in the top, we will never forget the laughter.

Anthony David ‘Tony’ Eklund was born to Bernard Albert ‘Bernie’ and Vicky Lynn (Regan) Eklund October 24, 1972, at the Baptist Hospital of Winner, SD. Dr. Stiehl delivered the nine pound seven ounce boy. He told the parents to get that boy on mashed potatoes when he got home.