Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation Services

06/12/2026

Stanley E. Lindsley, 78 passed away on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Monument Care Center in Scottsbluff, NE. Cremation has taken place and no services will be held at this time.
Stanley was born June 22, 1948, in Denver, Colorado, to Fred and Viola Lindsley. He graduated from North High School in Denver, Colorado.
He moved to Scottsbluff in 2004 to work at the Minatare Lounge in Minatare, NE. Later worked for Walmart for 14 years before he had the opportunity to retire to Monument Care.
Survivors include his Sister, Phyllis Bells of Scottsbluff, NE., Nephews John and Mike Maul of Oklahoma, and Steve Bredl of Colorado Springs, CO. Son, Christopher and Paulette Turner, Granddaughter Sophia, and Grandson Andrew.

06/10/2026

Kathryn Marie Groskopf, 100 years young, went home to be with her heavenly Savior Saturday June 6, 2026. She was surrounded by close family at Heritage Estates as she went to her eternal reward. Her funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, June 15, 2026, at Emmanuel Congregational Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor James Adams officiating. Interment will be at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. It is respectfully requested that memorials in Kathryn’s honor be made in care of the church, Nebraska Children’s Home, or KCMI Radio. Online condolences may be made by viewing Kathryn’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.

Kathryn was born September 25, 1925 on a farm in Brighton Co to John and Anna (Kampbell) Henkel. Later the family moved to Mitchell NE and then to a farm North of Scottsbluff. She attended school at Sunflower and then Lake Alice. She received her GED from WNCC a little later. Kathryn was confirmed at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff.

She married William Groskopf on March 7, 1948 in the Peace Congregational Church in Gering Ne. They were blessed with two sons William and Richard. They lived on the family farm their entire married life. Kathryn was a vital helpmate on the farm. She kept books, drove tractors, helped irrigate, and was an accomplished truck driver. Kathryn was a faithful member of Emmanuel Congregational Church, where she asked Jesus to be her savior. She attended church every Sunday right up until a few months before passing. She taught Sunday School, attended Mary Martha Circle and worked on many church committees and projects. She was active in the community helping with 4-H clubs and cub scouts. She was a long-time active member of the Cedar Valley Women’s Club. She was also a very talented seamstress, crocheter and quilt maker. She loved to garden and cook meals for her family to enjoy. We will miss her many talents. After 62 years of marriage, William passed on to his eternal reward. Kathryn then decided to move to Scottsbluff, where she made blackberry bread (Dina Kuchen) every Friday for her many new friends.

Kathryn is survived by Sons, William (Diane) Groskopf and Richard (Cindy) Groskopf. Grand children: Suzanne (Erick) Williamson, Leann (Mike) Chalupa, Christopher (Kirsten) Groskopf, James (Jessica) Groskopf, Julie (Bryan) Hazzard and Jordan (Jennifer) Groskopf. 19 Great Grandchildren. Sister in-law Wanda Henkel and many nieces, nephews and close friend Arlene Green.
She was preceded to Heaven by her parents John and Anna, husband William, Sisters Linda (George Wheeler, Fred Dietz), Esther (Vic Martin). Brothers Raymond (Helen Henkel), Henry Henkel and Great Grandson Samuel Groskopf.
Thank you to the care takers at Wel-Life and Heritage for taking great care of her.

05/29/2026

A pianist, an educator, Albert “Alan” Ysac, age 90, born June 22, 1935 died on May 21, 2026 in his duplex at Wel-Life Assisted Living Residence, Scottsbluff, Nebraska surrounded by many loving family members. He was born in Scottsbluff to his parents, Francisco Anda Ysac and Angela Valderrama Ysac. He is survived by his sister, Esther DeOllos and his sister-in-law, Stella Ysac. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, his sisters Margaret Delgado, Angeline (John) Solano, his brothers Salvador (Charlotte), Daniel and Baby Ysac, as well as niece, Rita D. Rojas, brother-in-law Anselmo (Sam) DeOllos, his nephews John Michael Solano and Frank Ysac, Jr.. His remaining nieces and nephews (extended over four generations) are great in number, but, he loved them all. He had a special relationship with his cousin Tonia Pérez, her sons Agustín, Gábriel, and her daughter Mónica and her family in Mexico City. He always thought of them and loved them very much.
Albert began his education in Scottsbluff at Roosevelt Elementary, ultimately graduating from Scottsbluff High School. He was awarded a full music scholarship (piano) to attend the University of Miami in Florida, earning a Bachelor of Music Degree. Awarded another full scholarship, he found himself in New York City where he attended The Julliard School (Piano) for four years and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (Piano) in 1962. (1962 was the final year that The Julliard School offered that specific degree; a unique degree for a unique man). Columbia University awarded him a Master’s Degree for his study there. Having a passion for education, coupled with an even greater passion for the piano, he continued his education at Columbia University, earning a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.). He acted on his passions teaching throughout the greater New York City area. He performed with the New York Piano Forum at Carnegie Recital Hall on May 7, 1974.
In the late seventies he was contacted by The Punahou School, a private academy in Honolulu, HI. He knew of the academy, and its excellence. He accepted a position there, leaving New York City and finding himself in what he described as “paradise”. (One of the graduates of Punahou in 1979 would become the President of the United States, Barack Obama.) He felt that instructing the hard-working, gifted students there was an honor and he helped produce virtuoso pianists recruited by major colleges, universities, and conservatories throughout the U.S.A. and other countries.
Retiring after almost thirty years in Hawaii, he returned to Scottsbluff to be near his family as he’d aged and retired from actively teaching. He did continue mentoring young people in the Gering and Scottsbluff area. Albert was a kind and generous man, loved his Abyssinian cats Ezra and Ira, his little dog Toby, flowers and plants, art, reading books on varied subjects, puzzles of all kind, and spoke several languages. He will be loved and missed by his family always. The weight of his loss is lessened by the knowledge that he is at peace and surrounded by Eternal Love and Light, and (of course) family and music. A family gathering in his remembrance will occur in the future.
The family thanks Charlee and the staff at Wel-Life Assisted Living Residence, Scottsbluff for their care and attentiveness to his needs and desires, as well as Brookstone Home Health and Hospice for facilitating his comfort and care.
The family sends a special thank you to his niece Maricela DeOllos and his nephew Frank Solano for their loving constancy in the many ways they helped Albert in his final years.

05/28/2026

John Joseph Stander, 75, of Lincoln, passed away May 24, 2026.

Rosary will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, June 1, 2026, followed by a Memorial Mass at 1:30 p.m., St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 1625 Adams St., Ashland, NE.
A graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, June 3, 2026, Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill, NE.
Memorials to Saints Mary and Joseph Catholic Churches (Ashland and Greenwood), or St. Ann’s Catholic Church, Morrill, NE, or family’s choice.

John was born March 22, 1951, in Omaha, Nebraska, to Harold and Catherine (Vacek) Stander.
He graduated in 1969 from Louisville High School and studied for three years at the University of Nebraska, where he met Nancy Ann Amundsen from Morrill, Nebraska. They were married on May 27, 1973, at the Morrill United Methodist Church. They lived in Lincoln, Morrill, Wilber and Waverly. Following Nancy’s passing, John moved to Lincoln, where he lived at The Lexington Assisted Living Center and then Hillcrest Firethorn Long-term Care.

After marrying Nancy, John worked for Roberts Dairy in Lincoln and then was a funeral director’s assistant for 25 years at Jones Mortuary in Mitchell and Jolliffe Mortuary in Scottsbluff.

John was a member of the St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Morrill where he served on the Parish Council as president and in other roles. He also was a member of the Morrill Young Men’s Association; served as vice president of the Mitchell Area Foundation; and was president of the Mitchell Kiwanis Club. He was also president of the Forest Lawn and Caldwell Cemetery Board, Mitchell City Cemetery Board, and a Scoutmaster of Troop 97 in Morrill. When he moved to The Lexington in Lincoln, he served the community as president of The Lexington Residents’ Council.

John enjoyed collecting Nebraska-dairy-related milk bottles and memorabilia and writing books about collecting milk bottles. He also wrote short stories about his 25 years working in the mortuary and cemetery business. He wrote about his wife Nancy’s struggles with Alzheimer’s, too, sharing with and supporting others who were caregivers for loved ones with dementia.

John immensely loved his family, friends, faith and actively participating in the communities where he worked and lived. He made friends everywhere he went and enthusiastically enjoyed supporting and talking about the activities of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His gardening skills were only matched by his love of the Huskers, as his wife and all four of their children are University of Nebraska-Lincoln alumni.

Family members include his sons Michael (Emily) Stander, Lincoln, and Jeffrey (Michelle) Stander, Cortland; daughters Jaclynn (Justus) Foged, Waverly, and Suzanne (Cole) Brodine, Elm Creek; grandchildren Quinton Stander, Natalie and Kinsley Stander, Allyson and Joslyn Foged, Ava and Nora Brodine, Cody (Kaytlin) Mulbery, Baylee (Lucas) Smejdir, and Ithy (Derek) Filipi; great-grandchildren Merritt Mulbery, Aletta and Brooks Smejdir, and Joseph and Jasper Filipi.

Survivors also include sisters Mary K Stander, Papillion; and Kathy (Dan) Jordan, Louisville; and brothers Dan (Pam) Stander, Omaha; Harold Stander Jr. (Kathleen), Shawnee, Kansas; and Martin (Mary Ann) Stander, Greencastle, Pennsylvania; and special friend, Cyndee Schuettler.
He was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Nancy.

05/27/2026

Donna Katherine (Middleton) Payne, 90, a loving wife, mother & grandmother, passed away on Saturday, May 23, 2026, in Scottsbluff, NE. A private family burial will take place at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill, NE, and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date. Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by viewing Donna’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to the Lyman Volunteer Fire Dept.
Donna was born in Scottsbluff on April 11, 1936, to Eugene James and Katherine Elizabeth (Kaman) Middleton. Donna and her older brother, Bob, were raised on Wyoming farms near Lyman, NE, where she attended Katzer School and Huntley High School, graduating in 1954. She also attended the University of Wyoming and Eastern Wyoming College prior to marrying her high school sweetheart, Neal Payne, in 1955. Neal and Donna settled on their Wyoming farm, south of Lyman and Huntley, where they continued to farm for 50 years. Their children, Linda, Nanci, & Brad, learned responsibility by helping with the livestock and farm tasks from a young age. In the later years, Brad farmed with them. Donna drove truck to help during sugar beet and corn harvest and often went for long walks around the farm.
Donna was a woman of strong faith in God, and an active member of the Lyman Christian Church most of her adult life. She ensured her family was at church every Sunday. Donna believed in serving her neighbors and community and often provided food to those grieving or in need and provided rides for friends and the elderly as long as she was able to drive. She was a faithful blood donor, as well. Donna enjoyed teaching children and regularly volunteered to teach Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Donna enjoyed socializing and was a long-time member of the Lyman/Huntley community ladies club. She also loved music and was a pianist. Donna encouraged her children to learn the piano and other instruments, and to actively participate in band and choir at school and church. She enjoyed babysitting her grandchildren and watching her children’s and grandchildren’s activities and sports.
Donna loved to garden and always had a beautiful flower garden in the summer, as well as a very productive vegetable garden. She served as a 4-H Horticulture leader while her children participated in 4-H. Donna was an excellent cook, and often cooked for summer farm help, holiday events, family celebrations, and family game nights. She canned or froze much of her garden produce, and made delicious jams & jellies, which she entered in the Goshen County Fair. Donna’s annual raising of 100 chicks, ensured fresh eggs and a freezer full of tasty chicken. Donna was also an excellent seamstress, and produced beautiful clothing, intricate quilts, & cross stitch for her family, and taught her daughters to sew.
Married for 60 years, Neal and Donna loved to travel and carved out a little time each August for a family vacation. This provided many treasured memories. Frequent trips included Rocky Mountain National Park, the Black Hills, and Yellowstone National Park. Trips to visit their brothers’ families near Pasco, WA, and in Albuquerque, NM, with stops like Glacier National Park & Carlsbad Caverns, were an occasional treat, as well. In later years, they traveled to Washington, DC, New England in the fall, to North Dakota & California to visit Nanci, and to several southern states and the Pacific Northwest to visit Linda’s family.
Donna enjoyed sharing about her summer working at Flagg Ranch near the Tetons and Yellowstone just before her senior year of high school. She also cashiered at LB Murphy in Scottsbluff before beginning college in 1954. When her children were nearly raised, Donna attended Western Nebraska Community College and earned an Associates degree in General Education. She worked at the Lyman grocery store and at Baily’s Town & Country Market in Scottsbluff as a cashier, enjoying contact with many people. Donna also enjoyed working at the JC Penney store in Scottsbluff for quite a few years. After turning 65, Donna took computer classes and became a librarian and board member at the Lyman Library and also worked at Skippy’s Convenience Store in Lyman for many years.
Donna is lovingly remembered by her children, Linda Hager (Jack), Nanci Payne (Warren Terrell), and Brad Payne (Tracy); grandchildren – Jacob Hager (Kayley), Sarah Hager (Antonio Vizcarra), Kyle Payne (Aaralyn), and Grace Payne; great grandchildren – Calvin, Sydney, and Owen; and 8 nieces and nephews and their families. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Neal; infant sons – Keith and Craig; brother & sister-in-law, Bob and Shirley Middleton; brother-in-law & sister-in-law, Kenneth & Ruth Payne; and nephews, Russell and Scott Payne.

05/26/2026

Thomas J Jones, 81, died Sunday, May 24, after a prolonged illness. He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Jones and his mother, Mildred Jones. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Pevey. Tom was a poet, a computer expert, a careful cook, a pianist, and a student of astronomy, literature, history, metaphysics, math, and classical music. He cut an elegant figure as a younger man, only learning to wear jeans and shorts in his 50s. Tom was also an interpreter of dreams. He especially enjoyed the works of Carl Jung, William Blake, Neville Goddard, the Bible, Hāfiz, Rumi, and Dzogchen Buddhist writers. His dry humor was a delight to those who listened carefully. He was kind and gentle to animals, and respectful to waitstaff and children. A poem excerpt is copied below. He enriched Carolyn's life for 31 years. If you would like to send a condolence, please send a physical card or letter for her to the care of Bridgman Funeral Home, 2104 Broadway, Scottsbluff, Nebraska, 69361, where he will be cremated. She would be especially appreciative of any kind memories or reflections you have of him or their life together.
In 2008 he wrote this to comfort someone recently bereaved:
The soul here looks into the troubled stream, and fears and panics and is disturbed and troubled and identifies with the stream but all the time it has nothing to do with its reflection in the stream.
Whether confused and jumbled or whether clear and open, it’s still completely intact and fearless and residing in beauty and peace and calm and love—and eternity.

05/13/2026

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Julia Barron, 73, of Scottsbluff, who entered heaven suddenly on May 3, 2026, at MCR in Colorado, surrounded by her loved ones. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, May 24, 2026, at 1:00 PM at the Kiwanis Lodge, located at 1918 South Beltline Highway W (behind the Scottsbluff Zoo). It is respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made in care of her family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Julia’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Cremation is assisting the family.
Julia was born on December 20, 1952, in Torrington, Wyoming, to Raymond and Louisa Barraza. She was the sixth of nine children and graduated from Morrill schools in 1973. Julia was the devoted mother of Ricky, Albert, and Jeremy. Later in life, she found great joy with her partner, Steve Burtleson. She had a passion for traveling and hiking, but cherished her time with family and friends above all else.
She is survived by Steve Burtleson; her sons Ricky (Valerie), Albert (Gladys), and Jeremy (Barry); her grandchildren Alexia (Tito), Nathaniel (Ashley), Adana (Javier), Alina (Cesar), and Rico; and her great-grandchildren Layla, Ariella, River, and Arlo. She is also survived by her siblings Martina, Victor, Leonard, and Josie; her bonus sister Lola (Richard); and many other extended family members and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her siblings Mary, Margaret, David, Steve, and Gloria.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact Albert, Ricky, or Jeremy.

05/11/2026

With faith in God’s promise of eternal life, we share that Ruth Kildow, age 96, of Bayard, Nebraska, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on March 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family in the comfort of her home. Cremation has taken place, and a graveside service will be held at 10am at Bayard Cemetery on Monday, May 18, 2026, with Pastor George Kilmer officiating. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Ruth’s honor be made in care of Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard. Online condolences may be made by viewing Ruth’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Cremation in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Ruth was born on December 30, 1929, in Lyman, Nebraska, to Adam and Katherine (Schmidt) Rexius. She attended secondary school in Huntley, Wyoming, before moving to Scottsbluff, where she began working in the dietary department at West Nebraska Methodist General. In December of 1949, she met her future husband, Henry Kildow Jr. of Bayard, at a dance just before the great blizzard. She often reminisced about how they were unable to see each other for some time because of the storm.
Ruth and Henry were married on February 4, 1951, and she began what she considered her favorite career—being a farm wife. Together, they had four children. After the unexpected passing of her husband at the young age of 37, Ruth moved to Bayard with her children. Ruth worked numerous jobs in Bayard at locations such as the bank, Bayard clothing, and the corner drive-in. Her final job was in the dietary department at Chimney Rock Villa, where she retired after 20 years.
Throughout her life, Ruth was an active member of Hope Congregational Church in Bayard. She loved spending time in her garden and enjoyed arts and crafts, especially floral work, for which she had a special talent. Ruth was known for her warm smile and contagious laugh. She cherished time spent with her family and friends and will be dearly missed by many in the community.
She is survived by her children, Ronald Kildow of Bayard; Michael (Debra) Kildow of Minatare; Brenda (Randy) George of Weston, Florida; and Roger (Jeanine) Kildow of Bayard; four grandchildren: Michael (Darcy) Kildow jr, George (Crystal) Kildow, Ashley (Richard) George-Meier, Michael George; and four great-grandchildren Hunter Kildow, Grant Kildow, Ava Kildow, Ella Kildow. She was preceded in death by her husband, Henry Kildow Jr.; her parents; and her five brothers and five sisters, and was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Her faith, kindness, and love for family will continue to live in the hearts of all who knew her.

05/06/2026

Glenda Hilyard, 90, a devoted wife, loving mother, and faithful servant of God, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, surrounded by her family. Her memorial service will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Federated Church in Mitchell, NE with Pastor Dale Brown officiating. Memorials in Glenda’s honor can be made in care of the Federated Church. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences may be made by viewing Glenda memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
She was born on July 27, 1935, in Ravenna, Nebraska, to Carl and Elva (Schrader) Calvin.
Glenda attended grade school in Poole, Nebraska, and graduated from Ravenna High School. She went on to earn her teaching degree from Kearney State College, where she was a member of Zeta Chi Alpha Sorority. She taught in schools in Kearney, Scottsbluff, and the Mitchell Valley, touching the lives of many students. Glenda treasured her time as a stay-at-home mother while her children were young. She later returned to teaching and, in her semi-retirement, worked as a substitute teacher throughout the Valley.
On August 12, 1962, Glenda was united in marriage to Ralph Hilyard at the United Methodist Church in Ravenna, Nebraska. Their marriage was one of deep love and commitment, and together they were blessed with two children, James Hilyard of Topinabee, Michigan, and Laura Polivka of Lincoln, Nebraska.
Glenda was a devoted member of the Federated Church and an active participant in her community. She was involved in 4-H alongside her children and took part in groups such as Busy Bees, the Red Hat Society, and Church Circle. Through these activities, she built lasting friendships and generously shared her time and talents. Her faith was central to her life, guiding her kindness, compassion, and dedication to others.
She found great joy in spending time with her family, traveling, and caring for animals, especially her pet dogs Calvin and Muphan.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ralph; her son, James of Topinabee, Michigan; her daughter, Laura Polivka of Lincoln, Nebraska; her grandchildren, Nicole and Micah Witt of Lincoln, Nebraska, Jaret and Abie Polivka of San Antonio, Texas, and Trevor and Cortney Polivka of Lincoln, Nebraska; and her great-grandchildren, Raya and Henry Polivka.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Elva Calvin.
Glenda will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy of faith, love, and dedication to family and community will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

05/05/2026

Robert W. Durfee, 75, of Mitchell, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026, at his home. His funeral will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Federated Church in Mitchell at 10:00am, with Pastor Tom Smith officiating. Casual dress is requested. Private interment will be at the Mitchell Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 12, at Jones Mortuary in Mitchell from 2-3pm. It is respectfully requested that memorials may be given to the CCCircle of the Federated Church of Mitchell or to the Mitchell City Park tree fund. Online condolences may be made by viewing Bob's memorial page at www.jones-mortuary.com.
Robert (Bob) was born Oct. 3, 1950, in Scottsbluff, the son of Loyd F. and Kathleen M. (Buehler) Durfee. He graduated from Mitchell High School in the spring of 1968. He attended and graduated from Nebraska Western College, and then received his BS degree from Kearney State College. Bob began his business career working for Nile Valley Federal S & L, in Scottsbluff, and then with Commercial Federal S & L where he was a Branch Manager in Neigh, South Sioux City and in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He worked for American Express Travel Related Services as credit manager of the money order division in Denver, Colorado. Bob moved to Rancho Mirage, California where he sold real estate, and later returned to Scottsbluff where he worked for Kmart, Staples, and Hickman-Williams Agency in Mitchell.
Bob was a Master Gardener for many years and was superintendent for the open class horticulture at the county fair for eight years. Bob enjoyed gardening, reading, playing cards. Bob especially loved his two nieces, two grandnieces and grandnephew and dogs Brandi and Bentlie. He was a member of the Board of Directors for the Mitchell Housing Authority, and a member of the Federated Church.
Survivors include his brother Mike Durfee of Torrington, Wyoming, nieces Jill M. Exley (Jon) of Centennial, Colorado, and Erin M. Durfee (Travis) of Severance, CO, grandnieces Avery Marie Exley, Zailey Grace Brown and grandnephew Tanner Michael Exley, and cousins.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Loyd and Kathleen Durfee, aunts and uncles, Jim Durfee, Ethelyn and Jerry Waitman, Gordon and Vinnie Lewis, Conrad & Lorine Zitterkopf, Leland and Josephine Buehler, Miriam Durfee, Barbara (Gompert) Durfee and cousins, Gordon Lewis, Jr., Jerry Jay Waitman and Wynn Buehler.

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