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Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2104 Broadway, Scottsbluff, NE (2026)

08/30/2026

Funeral services for Thomas I. Youngquist will be held Wednesday September 2, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Henry United Methodist Church. Burial will take place on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, at 10:00 at Nebraska Veterans Cemetery at Alliance with Military Honors. Family & close friends are invited. Memorials may be made to Cowboys for Christ in Fort Worth Texas. Online condolences may be made by viewing Tom’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Thomas Irving Youngquist, 79, passed on August 27, 2026, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. He was born on September 6, 1946, in Loup City, Nebraska to Theodore Irving Youngquist and Gretchen Eleanor (Giles) Youngquist. He was born again sometime around thirteen years of age while listening to “The Danny Orlis Stories” on the Back To The Bible Broadcast which he and his sister Nancy (Murphy) listened to every Saturday morning. He was greatly blessed with a loving family and raised in an atmosphere of reverence to God and His Word. Tom, or Tommy as he was often called in his youth, graduated from Loup City High School, received a B.A. at Kearney State College and a M.S. at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.
He was honorably discharged from the U. S. Army and served in the Far East, stationed on Okinawa, where he met his beloved wife, Bonnie (Solterbeck) Youngquist. Upon Tom’s discharge from the military, they moved back to Nebraska to the farm. Three children joined them; Beverli, Michael and Matthew, in addition a granddaughter, Rachel, was added to the family circle.
Tom enjoyed the outdoors; hunting, trapping, farm and ranch work. He was as old school cowboy as they come. He always joked he was born a Century too late. He was generally employed in service work, including 20 years as a mental health therapist and 10 years as case manager/investigator for Adult Protective Services. His true mission in life was serving others, which he always found a way to do. In his later years of life, he volunteered 3 days a week at various nursing homes singing for the residents. He preached, sang, and wrote songs from his teen years to his death. Most knew him for his preaching when churches across the community had a need, or for his beautiful voice that blessed us all. He married so many people and presided over his share of funerals as well. He enjoyed playing guitar and tried his hand at banjo and mandolin.
He is survived by three children, Beverli, Michael (Amber), Matthew (Misti), grandchildren: Rachel (Michael), Olivia, Macie, Jasmine (Peyton), Delanie (Dusty), Gracelyn, Cassina, Ryan, Braxton, Libby, Thor, Olive, Audri and 5 great-grandchildren; Joshua, Cayson, Brydger, Tanner & Olivia. Tom is also survived by his sister Nancy Murphy, a nephew; Bill (Lauren), a niece Kate, and one sister-in-law, Mary Neher, and a new special friend.
He was pre-deceased by his mother, father, Son-in-law Dene, and loving wife of 54 years Bonnie.
There will never be another quite like him…Well done good and faithful servant, well done.

08/28/2026

Donald J. Weddell, known to family and friends as Don and Papa, 76, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away on August 19, 2026. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held September 4, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church. Visitation will be held from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., followed by the Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, with a luncheon afterward at the Guadalupe Center. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Don’s honor be made in care of his family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing Don’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Don was born on November 15, 1950, in Oakland, California. The son of Douglas and Betty Weddell, Don learned the value of hard work at an early age. A skilled painting contractor by trade, he took great pride in doing every job right. He carried on his father’s legacy by taking over the family painting business and spent many years painting churches, hospitals, schools, commercial buildings, and homes throughout the Nebraska Panhandle. Don had a gift for figuring out how to do just about anything, and he never considered a task finished until it met his high standards.
An Army veteran who served in Germany, Don carried the discipline, dedication, and steadiness of his military service with him throughout his life. He was also a man of great generosity, always willing to lend a hand, share his time and talents, and help others without expecting anything in return.
Don was especially proud to have mentored five young men who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. Helping others learn, grow, and succeed came naturally to him, and nowhere was that more evident than with his family. He took great joy in watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren grow and succeed.
Some of Don’s happiest times were simply spent with the people he loved. He enjoyed playing games with his family and made sure the focus was always on the fun, laughter, and time together rather than on who won - though he was quick to admit that he rarely came out on top. He also loved to golf and treasured the friendships, time outdoors, and enjoyment the game brought him.
Above all, Don was devoted to his family. He and his wife, Sherry, shared 55 years of marriage and built a life centered on family, hard work, service, and love. Don was someone his family and friends could count on—a steady presence with capable hands and a generous heart. Whether something needed to be built, painted, repaired, figured out, or someone simply needed help, Don was there.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sherry Weddell; his three children, Kerry (Trevor), Brandi (Brad), and Matthew (Olivia); his grandchildren, Cody, Olivia (Jake), Landon, Samuel (Hailey), Jesse Claire, Harrison, and Sidney; and his great-grandchildren, Navy, Callum, and Margot.
Don was preceded in death by his parents, Douglas and Betty Weddell, and his sisters, Christine Price and Patty Wysocki.
Don leaves behind a legacy that can be seen in the family he loved so deeply, the people he helped without hesitation, the work he took pride in, and the countless lives made better by his steady and generous presence. His hard work, service, humor, kindness, and love will live on in those who knew him. He will be deeply missed.

08/27/2026

Louie Sauer Memorial Service

08/25/2026

Louie (Sonny) Eugene Sauer Jr., of Bayard, Neb., passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, after a life marked by devotion to his family, farming, and community. His Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10:30 AM Thursday, August 27, 2026, at Bayard Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Tim Stoner as Celebrant. Interment will follow at Bayard Cemetery. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, any memorials in Louie’s honor be made in care of his family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Louie’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Bridgeport is entrusted with arrangements. The memorial will be continued at the Bayard American Legion.
Born on April 25, 1941, in Minatare, Neb., to Louie Sr. and Mary Sauer, Louie was the fourth of six children. Never being afraid of hard work, Louie has demonstrated a commitment to his family, agriculture, and entire community across decades.
Louie attended Bayard Public Schools before leaving early to help with the family farm, then purchasing his first farm by the early age of 18. Farming came natural to him. He was operating tractors and other equipment when he was just 6 years old. He even got started tilling ground with a team of horses. He was an excellent mechanic and fabricator, building a cultivator and a payloader himself out of an old army jeep frame. Him, his dad, and his brother Art raised hogs together, and he started his own cattle herd.
Louie became one of the most successful and charismatic young farmers in the panhandle of Nebraska. Louie received the Outstanding Young Farmer Award in recognition of his exceptional progress in agricultural contributions to his community, one of his proudest achievements over the course of his successful career. Over the years, his hard work and dedication earned him several additional recognitions. He received the Great Western Sugar High Station Award for producing the highest average sugar yield per acre in 1962, 71, 76, and 78. Louie was also recognized as a member of the 10,000 pound club in 1977 by virtue of the fact that a beet contract of his produced 10,000 lbs or more sugar per acre. He was recognized in 1993 as the Great Western Sugar High Company Club President for superior quality.
On June 10, 1967, Louie married the love of his life, Betty Virginia Wood. Together they built a strong and loving family, raising three children and welcoming five grandchildren. Louie often praised Betty for her kindness, endless support, and partnership through many chapters of his life.
Louie was preceded in death by son Jason; parents Louie Sr. and Mary; sisters Delores, Gladys, and Dorothy; and brother Art.
Louie is survived by his wife of 59 years Betty; sister Ginny; daughter Diane (Tom) Galway, and granddaughter Gretta Galway; son Brian (Mandi) Sauer; granddaughter Haley and Sierra, grandson Ben, and granddaughter Annabel Sauer.

08/24/2026

Wilbur Eugene Fertig, 89, of Gering, passed away on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Heritage Estates in Gering. His funeral service will be held at 10am on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff with his nephew, Pastor Brad Kihlthau, officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Cemetery in Gering. Visitation will be one hour prior to service time at the church. Services will be livestreamed on Bridgman Funeral Home page. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Wilbur’s honor be made in care of Western Nebraska Community College’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Program Scholarship, or to The Gideons International. Online condolences may be made by viewing Wilbur’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Wilbur was born to John and Mollie (Rahmig) Fertig in Gering, NE, on June 20,1937. He received his early education through the 4th grade in Gering. The family moved to the Sunflower Community where he completed his education, graduating in 1956.
Wilbur married Rosemary Ross on May 27,1956, and to this union three children were born; Myron, Mindi and Lynn. In his life, Wilbur started his family and career working at Scottsbluff Sash & Door and Johnson Cashway Lumber Company. In 1962, he started farming in the Lake Alice community; a career he thoroughly loved. In 1977, his son joined him in farming and together they started a trucking operation in 1979, hauling grain and sugar beets. In 1985, they discontinued both operations and Wilbur continued trucking by leasing on with Aulick Leasing in Scottsbluff. He drove for the next 19 years and then sold his truck and remained employed with Aulick’s running parts for the shop until his retirement.
Wilbur valued his relationships and was a friend to all. He was an avid member of the COOP and Arby’s coffee clubs. He was a beloved father and grandfather; with great stories, good humor and infectious laughter. His smile could warm your heart, and his hands were always willing to help and support others.
He is survived by his three children; Myron (Renee) Fertig, Mindi Cooper, and Lynn (Rick) Harimon. His six grandchildren; Andreana (Andrew) Marlow, Annette (Elijah) Hancock, Christopher (Christina) Corr, Joshua (Shelby) Corr, Chase (Katy) Harimon, and Chance Harimon; and his 9 great-grandchildren; Parker and Gracie Marlow; Quintin and Mollie Hancock; Harper, Sawyer, Piper, and Oliver Corr; and Brynnlee Corr. He is also survived by his sister, Kay Gabel, and nephew Kevin Gabel.
Wilbur is preceded in death by his parents, John and Mollie Fertig; son-in-law, Clint Cooper; brother-in-law, Stanley Gabel; and special friend, Shirley Martin.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all of the care staff and employees at Heritage Estates for the wonderful care and love they showed Wilbur throughout the years.

08/21/2026

Ronald W. Hoerler, age 83, of Bridgeport, Ne, passed away on August 15, 2026. Cremation has taken place per his wishes. It is respectfully requested that any memorials in his honor be made in care of his family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Ron’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation in Bridgeport is entrusted with arrangements.
He was born on April 19, 1943, in Alliance, Ne, to Dorothy (Thomas) and Emil Hoerler, Jr. He spent much of his life in the Bridgeport area and worked as a truck driver for most of his life.
Ronald proudly served in the United States Navy. His service was an important part of his life and will be remembered with respect and gratitude.
He was a father, grandfather, brother, and friend who will be remembered for his sense of humor. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends.
He is survived by son Sean Hoerler, son Randy (Vickie) Hoerler, daughter Judy Bollinger, son Richard (Christie) Hoerler, and son Bryan (Michelle) Hoerler; 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; 2 great-great grandchildren; brother Tom (Audrey) Hoerler, and sister Lorretta Adams; and other family members and friends who loved him.
He was preceded in death by his parents Dorthy and Emil, Jr. and sister Donna (George) Hansen.
Ronald lived his life in his own way and will be remembered for the memories, stories, and time-shared with those who knew him.
The family appreciates the thoughts, prayers, and support of everyone who knew and cared for him.

08/20/2026

Esther Huber, 106, of Gering, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Heritage Estates in Gering. Her funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, August 24, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Andy Griess officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Services will be livestreamed on Bridgman Funeral Home page. Interment will follow at the Bayard Cemetery at 2pm. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Esther’s honor be made in care of her family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing Esther’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
Esther was born on May 14, 1920, to Adam Fisher and Catherine (Schreiner) Fisher in Fort Morgan, Colorado. She was the second youngest of 13 children in the family. At a young age she headed to the sugar beet fields to thin the beets and then hoe them with her parents and siblings.
When Esther was 18, her mother gave her permission to come to Nebraska to stay with her older sister Katherine. She then got a job in Scottsbluff cleaning houses. She met Henry Huber, a farmer east of Bayard and they eventually married on November 26, 1940.
In 1942 Henry and Esther moved onto Henry’s parents’ farm and farmed there until 1950 when they moved to a different farm just east of the parent’s place. They farmed there until 1970 when Henry bought a farm 10 miles southwest of Bridgeport. Henry, Esther and son Gary farmed that place until 2002 when Henry and Esther retired and moved to Scottsbluff.
Henry passed away in November 2007, and Esther moved to Heritage Estates in Gering in January 2018.
Esther is survived by her son, Gary (Brenda Schultz) of Scottsbluff, sister-in-law, Irene Kraus of Morrill and several nieces and nephews around Mitchell, Morrill and some in Colorado.
Esther was preceded in death by her husband Henry, her parents Adam and Catherine Fisher, Henry’s parents Jacob and Katherine Huber and her 12 siblings.
Gary would like to thank Irene Kraus for her weekly Sunday visits with Esther. Thanks also go to Mary Schweitzer for bringing Esther weekly treats and Michelle Linn for her goodies and visits. Special thanks go to all the staff and employees at Heritage Estates in Gering for their compassion, professionalism and tender care they all gave Esther during her stay there. The love they showed my mom will never be forgotten.

08/07/2026

Gregory Charles Eliason, 77, of Mitchell, passed away on Saturday, August 1, 2026, peacefully at his home. Cremation has taken place per his wishes. It is respectfully requested that any memorials in Greg’s honor be made in care of his family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing Greg’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Greg is survived by his wife Robin; daughter Elizabeth (Russ) Dethlefs; and grandsons Jaxson and Chance Dethlefs.
Greg is preceded in death by his parents Harlan and Gregory Marie Eliason.

08/05/2026

Rick Allan Schlager, 69, of Scottsbluff, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at his home. His funeral service will be held at 10am on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Zion Evangelical Church in Scottsbluff with Pastor Jonathan Seng officiating. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Rick’s honor be made in care of his family to be designated at a later time. Online condolences may be made by viewing Rick’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Rick was born on May 21, 1957, to Walter and Shirley (Schmall) Schlager. He attended school at Victory Hill and Scottsbluff High. After graduation Rick started a custom combining business which was the love of his life. At a young age he became a private pilot and had a keen interest in the aviation world while enjoying time flying his airplane. In his later years he drove truck hauling cattle coast to coast.
Rick married Vicki Rein and they brought two children into their lives. In 2003 Rick was reunited with Karen (Heimbouch) Steele after 30 years. They were married on April 9, 2006. They enjoyed the last 20 years in Scottsbluff, NE.
Rick is survived by his wife, Karen Schlager of Scottsbluff, NE; daughter, Mandi (John) Vance, Douglas, WY; Andrew Schlager, Lewellen, NE; stepdaughters, Heather (Dustin) Shaff, Sutter Creek CA; Amber Steele, Bayard, NE; grandchildren Addison, Tucker, and Lincoln Vance; Gavin and Tucker Shaff; Reign Steele.
He is also survived by his siblings, Leeland (Deb) Schlager, Scottsbluff, NE; Terri (Dale) Beckmann, Englewood, FL; Wally Schlager and Shecky Franisco, Gering, NE. Father and mother-in-law, Duane and Betty Heimbouch; brother-in-law, Mike Heimbouch and Becki Rodgers, Bridgeport, NE; sister-in-law Vonda (Dave) Giambrone, Woodland Hills, CA; and many cousins and nephews.
Rick was proceeded in death by his parents, Walter and Shirley Schlager and grandparents.
He will always be in our hearts!

08/05/2026

Evelyn T. Davis, 90, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on August 3, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. Her Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Monday, August 10, 2026, at St. Agnes Catholic Church in Scottsbluff with Fr. Rayappa Konka as Celebrant. A rosary service will be recited at 10:30am prior to services. Cremation will follow. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Evelyn’s honor be made in care of Festival of Hope or WNCC Foundation. Online condolences may be made by viewing Evelyn’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Crematory in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Evelyn was born on August 7, 1935, in Bellwood, Nebraska, to Andrew and Anna (Sauser) Beringer. One of nine children, she was raised in Octavia, Nebraska, where she grew up in a close-knit family filled with love, laughter, and strong values that remained with her throughout her life.
After graduating from high school, Evelyn moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where she began her career in banking. It was there that she met the love of her life, Merlyn Davis. The two were united in marriage on August 23, 1958, in Omaha, beginning a devoted partnership built on love, family, and shared faith.
Evelyn and Merlyn first made their home in Crawford, Nebraska, before later settling in Scottsbluff. Together, they raised their family, built a life rooted in love and commitment, and formed many treasured friendships along the way.
Evelyn dedicated her professional life to banking and took great pride in helping others. She began her career in Omaha and later worked for Platte Valley Companies, where she retired after many years of loyal and dedicated service. She was respected for her strong work ethic, dependability, and kindness toward everyone she served.
As proud as she was of her career, Evelyn’s greatest joy was always her family. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and great-great-grandmother whose love could be felt in countless ways. While her children attended St. Agnes School, she was an active room mother, a dependable provider of after-school snacks, and a familiar, encouraging presence at school activities.
Over the years, Evelyn could be found in the stands, in the audience, or nearby whenever someone she loved was participating in a sporting event, concert, performance, or special occasion. She rarely missed an opportunity to offer encouragement, celebrate an accomplishment, or simply be present. As her family grew, so did the love and pride she carried for each generation.
Evelyn will be remembered for her quiet strength, generous heart, steadfast faith, and unwavering devotion to her family. She had a special way of making those around her feel supported, valued, and deeply loved. Her greatest happiness came from spending time with her family and sharing in the everyday moments that became treasured memories.
She is survived by her children, Mark (Melissa Goodwin) Davis, Karen (Brian) Reason, and David (Robin) Davis; her grandchildren, Blake (Rebecca) Fisher, Brian (Melissa) Fisher, Jill Hernandez, eM (Julie) Stephens, Taylor (Shaylah) Stephens, Britton Davis (fiancée Rosella Romero), Madi (Alex) Jenkins, Samantha Davis, and Jessica Davis; 14 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; sisters and brother - Marietta Medinger, Bobbie Brecka (Louie), Butch Beringer, Irene Cattani, and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Merlyn Davis; her daughter-in-law, Sherri Davis; her granddaughter, Olivia Grace Reason; grandchild Davis; three great-grandchildren; her parents, Andrew and Anna Beringer; her parents-in-law, Charles and Bertha Davis; Beringer siblings and spouses: Anna Rose Ropp (Wayne) Monica Fletcher (Dick), Doris Schrader (Earl), Elaine Beringer, Wil Medinger, Francis Beringer (Sharon), Joe Cattani. Her sister-in-law, Virginia (Don) Ferguson; and her brothers-in-law, Thomas (Josephine) Davis and Jerry (Henny) Davis.
Evelyn’s greatest legacy is the family she loved so completely. Her kindness, encouragement, strength, and devotion will continue to live on in each of them. Though her absence will be deeply felt, the love she gave throughout her life will remain a lasting comfort and guiding presence in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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