Odean Colonial Chapel

08/29/2026

Erma was born December 11, 1938, to Walter and Eva (Hemenway) Alexander in North Platte, Nebraska. The family moved to Tacoma, Washington, where she attended high school. She met Earl Franklin Stoddard in North Platte and they were wed October 5, 1956. When Earl died in 1986, with their six children grown, Erma joined the Peace Corps and served in Sierra Leone, West Africa. Upon her return she moved to Tacoma, Washington, to be near her sisters. She met Delbert Platter and married him November 23, 1991. The couple resided in Bonney Lake, Washington.

Throughout her life, Erma loved to design and create. She was an award-winning member of the Nebraska Florists Society, arranged flowers for her church, and volunteered for more than 20 years at the Gateway Medical Alliance in Kent, Washington. She was a patient teacher, sharing her skills with others. Erma and Delbert also went on mission trips to Belgium and Morocco. When asked how many children she had, Erma proudly replied “nine.”

Preceding her in death were her parents Walter and Eva, her husband Earl Stoddard, her brother Wayne (Rose) Alexander, and her sisters Gladys (Richard) Legas, Mildred (Herbert) Smith, Lola Alexander, Doris (Bud) Ard and Helen (Robert) Globe.

She is survived by her husband, Del, and children, Gary Stoddard, Kathleen (Homan) Stoddard, Cheyenne, Wyoming; Marla (Bud) Haines, North Platte, Nebraska; Doug (Bonnie Killin) Stoddard, Littleton, Colorado; Nancy (Neal) McCarter, Fresno, California; Linda (JW) Flentje, Rolla, Missouri; Jodi (Glenn) Davis, North Platte, Nebraska; Danny (Connie) Platter, Edgewood, Washington; Linda (Richard) Craig, Puyallup, Washington; and Diana (Robert) Brackett, Federal Way, Washington.

Erma is also survived by 19 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and special neighbors, Angie and Tim Sullivan.

Service will be held September 5th at 10:30 a.m. at Berean Church in North Platte, Nebraska.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

Erma recognized Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and is currently rejoicing, creating and singing in heaven.

https://www.odeanchapel.com/obituaries/erma-platter

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08/29/2026

Patty Jo Fisher, 68, of Bolivia, North Carolina, formerly of Ashland, and North Platte, died Sunday, August 23, 2026, at CHI St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Lincoln.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Kracl Funeral Chapel of David City is in charge of arrangements.

Patty Jo Fisher was born September 7, 1957, at home in North Platte, Nebraska, to Anard "Dutch" and Betty (Rosendahl). She attended school in North Platte and graduated from North Platte High School in 1975. She worked several jobs in the North Platte area, including being a bookkeeper for Mid Nebraska Ice. In 2004, Patty and her daughter Stevie moved to Ashland, Nebraska, where she worked as a bookkeeper for Schlotzsky's Deli. She retired in 2023, and her and Stevie moved to Bolivia, North Carolina. Due to her failing health, her and Stevie were in the process of moving back to Nebraska when she passed away. Patty enjoyed spending time with her family and was always making sure everyone else was taken care of. She had a very funny and witty personality.

She is survived by her daughter Stevie Fisher of McCool Junction, Nebraska; siblings Neva Sonneman of North Platte, Vickie (Gary) Weber of Sutherland, Michael (Mary) Fisher of North Platte, Chuck (Lilly) Fisher of Agate, Nebraska. Numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews and three great-great nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Steve Fisher, and brother-in-law Gilbert "Gus" Sonneman.

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08/29/2026

Daryl Paul Jones II, 39, of North Platte, passed away on August 7, 2026, in North Platte, Nebraska. He was born on October 6, 1986, in Yankton, South Dakota, to Daryl Paul Jones Sr. and Dollinda Edmonds.

Daryl Paul Jones II was a kind-hearted man with a funny sense of humor and an infectious smile that could light up a room. He loved being outdoors and found something special in looking up at the night sky. There was a peacefulness in those moments that he seemed to appreciate deeply.

Daryl faced struggles with addiction throughout his life, but his struggles were only one part of his story. At his heart, he was someone who cared about others and often found joy in helping those around him. Not only the people he knew, but especially the people he was meeting for the first time. He had a way of making people laugh, bringing a smile to their faces, and reminding those who knew him of the good that could still be found in difficult times.

Daryl was married to his beloved wife, Rebecca Jones (Lawson), on February 1, 2022, in Lincoln, Nebraska, who shared his life and stood beside him through the joys and challenges they faced together and apart. He truly loved and respected her with all his heart.

His life was not without struggles, but it was filled with moments of love, laughter, and connection. Those who loved Daryl will carry those memories with them and look to the night sky with thoughts of the man whose infectious smile and spirit will never be forgotten.

Daryl is survived by his wife, Rebecca Jones of North Platte; daughters and step-daughters, Kiara Taylor, Brianna Sharp, Alexia Deck, and Bella Jones; sons and step-sons, Izayah Jones, Monguel Taylor Jr., and Marques Taylor; grandparents, Dorothy Jones of Rosebud, South Dakota, and Richard Casillas of North Platte, Nebraska; sisters, Shaylanna Jones and Kelly Jones; brothers, Sonny Ray Escarsega, Marcos (Jaime) Escarsega, Timothy (Tina) Jones, P.J. Jones, and D.J. Jones; and many other family members and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

https://www.odeanchapel.com/obituaries/daryl-jones-ii

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08/20/2026

Bryan Curtice McGahan, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on August 6, 2026, in Fremont, Nebraska. He was born on April 6, 1949, in Elsie, Nebraska, to William and Mildred McGahan.

Bryan graduated from North Platte St. Patrick’s High School with the Class of 1967. In 1968, he proudly enlisted in the United States Navy as a Navy Corpsman-Dental Tech, serving with the Marines and beginning a chapter of service that would last 20 years, with many years following working in the same capacity in civilian life.

While serving in the Philippines with the Navy, Bryan met the love of his life, Cynthia Elorza Luisa Corral, a beautiful Filipina. Their love story began there and grew into a marriage that lasted for 51 years, until Cynthia’s passing in 2023. Bryan and Cindy raised three daughters: Marie (Chilton) Leedom, Milcy (Todd) McGahan-Conklin, and Emily (John) Jones.

Bryan was blessed with ten grandchildren: Shelby (Patrick) Riedel, Connor (Hope) Jones, Kendal (Austin) Pressley, Samantha (John) Christenson, Brenden (Caleb) Sandbulte, Abbie (Doyle) Buntemeyer, Jack (Chloe) Leedom, Austin (Nevah) Leedom, Luke Leedom, and Dillon (Cece) Conklin.

He was also a proud great-grandfather to twenty great-grandchildren: Brantley, Olivia, Peyton, and Kinley Riedel; Haven, Cullen, and Haddie Jones; Andrea, Evie, and Wells Pressley; Rella and Barrett Christenson; Emmi and Madison Sandbulte; Doyle Jr. and Winifred Buntemeyer; Calvin, Charlotte, and Clark Leedom; and Koa Conklin.

Bryan will also be lovingly remembered by his siblings, William (Marilyn), Jim (Martha), Beth, Theresa, and John McGahan, along with their families and many other relatives and friends fortunate to have known and loved him.

A memorial service will be held at Odean Colonial Chapel on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

https://www.odeanchapel.com/obituaries/bryan-mcgahan

View Bryan McGahan's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/16/2026

Gilbert Tinajera, 91, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2026, at Great Plains Health in North Platte.

Gilbert was born on March 6, 1935, in Abilene, Texas, to Ruth Soto. He was raised in Abilene, where he met and married the love of his life, Kay Alvarez. The couple made their home in Abilene before eventually relocating to North Platte, where they continued to build their life together.

Throughout his working years, Gilbert was a dedicated and hardworking man. He began his career with Platte Construction and later spent 27 years with Weathercraft before retiring. After retirement, Gilbert enjoyed taking time to appreciate the simple joys in life. He loved tending to his garden, listening to his favorite Mexican music, and traveling to spend time with family. He also found great happiness in cooking, helping his daughter with her restaurant, La Casa Nueva.

Gilbert will be remembered for his kind heart, love for his family, and the many memories he created with those around him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Kay; his parents; his brothers, Frank, Alex, and Joe; his sisters-in-law, Beatrice and Anita.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving children: Patsy Tinajera, Melinda (Shannon) Streeter, and Daniel Tinajera, all of North Platte; Jobi (Tom) Arens of Peoria, Arizona; Rhonda (Jacob) Yeagley of Lincoln; and Jason Tinajera of Tempe, Arizona; as well as his faithful companion, his dog, Pepper.

He also leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Crystal (Eric), Antwein (Rachel), Zachariah, Colby (Sophie), and Chanel; his great-grandchildren: Anaya, Zayden, Sophia, Elicia, and Landon.

Private family services and burial were held in North Platte. Odean Colonial Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Cards and condolences may be sent to the family at:

1310 West 3rd StreetNorth Platte, NE 69101

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08/14/2026

On August 10, 2026, God gained a beautiful addition to his eternal garden with the passing of Jerilyn Funk, with her husband by her side.

Jeri was born on August 27, 1943, to Lamar (Bud) and Cleo Leonhardt. She graduated from Sutherland High School in 1962 and graduated from the North Platte Beauty Academy in December of 1962. She married the love of her life, Gary Funk, on June 22, 1963. They celebrated their 63rd Wedding anniversary this summer. Jeri worked as a cosmetologist for many years and then later worked for ESU 16 in North Platte at the Lake school.

Jeri had a love for anything that grew. She was a member of the garden club in Sutherland for many years. She always had beautiful flowers in her yard and planted a big garden every year. But her true love was her family. Her family was her heart and her proudest achievement.

She was always there for her children when they needed her. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life and her greatest joy.

Throughout her battle with cancer, she maintained a positive, kind attitude, complementing nurses and aides handling every adversity with grace.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Cleo and Bud Leonhardt; sister, Sharon Beisner; brother-in-laws, Ron Beisner Sr., Don Funk, Keith Funk, and Charles Funk; grandchildren, Barrett Funk and Isabella Buscher.

She is survived by her husband, Gary; brothers, Doug (Debbie) Leonhardt of Lake Havasu City, AZ, Don (Tammy) Leonhardt of Azul, Texas; brother-in-laws, Bob Funk of Kearney, NE, and Edward Funk of Kansas City, Missouri; daughters, Shelly (Martin) Fischer of Sutherland, Brandy (Brian) Buscher of Sutherland; and sons, Cory Funk of Sutherland and Charles (Jennifer Kelly) of Council Bluffs, Iowa.

Grandchildren, Abbie Ellermeier, Alex Ellermeier, Joseph (Tuesday) Fischer, Nikki (Jacob) Leslie, Jack Buscher, Max Buscher, Gage Buscher, Kody (Peri) Funk, Ryan (Chevy) Funk, Jeremy Funk, Ethan Funk, and Caleb Funk.

Great grandchildren, Myles Leslie, Ryder Funk, Farrah Funk, Milahni Funk, and Mardell Funk.

She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and many, many friends.

Services for Jeri will be on Thursday, August 20th, at 10:00 a.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Sutherland, Nebraska, followed by inurnment at Sutherland Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Sutherland Youth program.

Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

https://www.odeanchapel.com/obituaries/jerilyn-jeri-funk

View Jerilyn "Jeri" Funk's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/14/2026

James "Jim" W. Ward Sr., 75, of Hershey, Nebraska, passed away on August 3, 2026, in Sutherland, Nebraska.

Jim was born on October 7, 1950, in Sutherland, Nebraska, to William F. Ward and Mary Angelina (Busco) Ward. He graduated from Cozad High School in 1967.

Throughout his life, Jim worked as a welder, pipe fitter, and construction worker. He was a member of the Eagles Club and supported the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman who shared his passion with countless others. He didn't just enjoy the outdoors. Jim was the one that took the time to teach others what he so loved to do. He also enjoyed spending time with his family and friends.

Jim is survived by his children, Elizabeth (Jacob) Geist of Kearney, Nebraska; Shanon (Larry) Frazier of Lexington, Nebraska; and James (Stephanie) Ward of Hershey, Nebraska. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Mary Ward; his brother, Larry Ward; his sister, Kathy Jacobsen; his daughter, Teresa Fous; and his great-grandson Hunter Withrow.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 15, at Kathy's Place in Hershey, Nebraska, with a meal to follow. Family and friends are encouraged to wear their favorite Husker gear as they gather to celebrate Jim's life.

Memorials are suggested to the family to help with expenses. Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the Ward family with arrangements.

View James William Ward's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/09/2026

Wanda Fay Hornbacher, 83, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on August 2, 2026.

Wanda was born on November 3, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to Juanita Elizabeth Hillman and Allen Fay Bitterman. She attended North Platte Senior High School and continued her education at Kearney State College. Wanda devoted her career to education, teaching at both the elementary and college levels.

In 1974, Wanda married James Hornbacher in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Wanda is survived by her daughter, Vanessa (Patrick) Kennedy of Iowa; her sons, Michael (Sherry) Hornbacher of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Craig Hornbacher of Iowa; her brothers, Dennis (Donna) Bitterman of Missouri, Kevin (Shemal) Bitterman of Missouri, and Shane Bitterman of Kearney, Nebraska; 10 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, James Paul Baker; her second husband, James Hornbacher; her mother, Juanita; her father, Al Bitterman; her half-sister, Audry; her son, Jimmy Baker; and her grandson, Jesse Hornbacher.

A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2026, at Seventh-day Adventist church 815 West Francis Street in North Platte.

Wanda loved trees, and memorials are suggested to a fund established for the planting of a memorial tree in a North Platte park in her memory.

Odean Colonial Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements.

View Wanda Hornbacher's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/06/2026

08/06/2026

Ralph E. Jackson, age 71, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 31, 2026.

Ralph was born on December 29, 1954, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Rawlin and Leona Jackson. He grew up in North Platte and proudly served in the Nebraska National Guard.

Throughout his life, Ralph was known for his homemade chili, his quick wit, and his wonderful sense of humor that could make those around him smile.

He spent many years driving trucks and working on them. Outside of work, Ralph was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed spending time with his wife, Pam, and bowling on various teams.

Ralph is survived by his children, Brandon (Ryann) Barber of Box Elder, South Dakota, Daniel Endicott of Omaha, Nebraska, Jocelyn (Jeff) Hubbach of Castle Rock, Colorado, and Samuel Jackson of North Platte, Nebraska; his siblings, Joseph Jackson of North Platte, Nebraska, and Donna Wyant of Seward, Nebraska; and his grandchildren, Ayrahbella Barber, Josiah Barber, and Bella Hubbach.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Pamela L. Jackson; his parents, Rawlin and Leona Jackson; and his brother, James Jackson.

No services are planned. The family requests that you celebrate Ralph's life in your own way by raising a glass, sharing a favorite memory, or spending time outdoors.

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