BRIDGMAN FUNERAL HOME - Key Persons
Arthur Owens, Jr., 72, of Mitchell, passed away September 24, 2023, at his home after fighting a long-unwelcomed battle with cancer. At the time of his death, the love of his life Patricia, wife of 49 years, was by his side as always and he was surrounded by the love of his entire family. Cremation has taken place with no planned memorial service per Art's wishes. The family will have a celebration of Art's life on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at noon at the Mitchell Fairgrounds Meeting Room. Memorials may be sent in memory of Art to his wife and family at their home address. Online condolences can be made by visiting Art's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Art was born in Scottsbluff, NE to Arthur and Mary (Scott) Owens. Art spent his childhood in Scottsbluff, NE and Torrington, WY. He spent his teenage years tearing up the town with the Nash boys (Pat's brothers). He was then drafted into the United States Army before returning to Torrington, WY and marrying the love of his life, Patricia Rae Nash, on December 28, 1973. From this lifetime love three daughters were born Lisa, Ranae and Michelle. Art had one son, Arthur, from a previous marriage.
Starting at the age of 16, Art worked most of his life as a water-well driller for companies such as Reizenstein Drilling, Midwest Farm Service, Sargent Irrigation and Nelson Wells, where he made many lifelong friends. His proudest achievement, besides being a father and a Papa, was being the owner/operator of his own business, Owens Drilling and Pump Service. One of his work talents was water-witching, and he was called upon many times over the years and was successful at finding the best place to drill for water. Art also spent time in 2006 working in Africa teaching locals to drill for water.
Art had many hobbies, such as camping, enjoyment of old cars, collecting many things, competing in demolition derbies and stock car racing. He enjoyed welding and making many items with this trade. He loved to take trips with Pat and their family, especially going to Deadwood on a whim. Art was a guy who was excited by the small things in life. He was the type of person who would help anyone in need, such as the many times he rescued his family when vehicles broke down, aka "Owens Towing".
Survivors include: wife Patricia (Nash) Owens; daughters Lisa Orozco of Cocoa, FL, Ranae (Virgil) Stull of Torrington, WY, Michelle Owens (Mike Gibson) of Morrill, NE; son Arthur Owens III of Amarillo, TX; grand-children Alicia Orozco, Marissa Requejo, Bret (Brooke) Orozco, Matthew (Ilizca) Orozco, Abby Sinner (Michael Boxburger), Patrick Owens, Colton Stull, Chauncy Stull and Anthony Wells Sr.; great grand-children Mallia and Marcello Martinez, Joseph Ripp, Isley Sinner, Boston Orozco and Anthony Wells Jr.; sister Darlene (Cliff) Karr; brothers-in-law Vernon Nash Jr., Richard (Mary) Nash, Gary (Laura Lee) Nash, Terry Nash Sr., Darrel Woods; sisters-in-law Carol McIntosh, Linda (Jerold) Tinnell, Jeannie Hugh, and close friend Manuel Rocha.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws Vernon Sr. and Dorothy (Carter) Nash; brother Roy Owens; sisters Estaleen Peterson, Colleen Harwood; brother-in-law Mike Harwood; sister-in-law Elena Nash; half brothers and sisters; daughter-in-law Marilyn Robison Owens; nephew David Woods; many aunts, uncles and friends Larry Stubby and Gaylon Kelly.
Austin Thomas Mitchell was born on March 2nd, 2002, to Brady & Stacy (Goos) Mitchell and big sister/eventual best friend Ashley. He tragically passed on October 5th, 2023, at the much too young age of 21. Services for Austin will be October 21st, 2... Read More
Austin Thomas Mitchell was born on March 2nd, 2002, to Brady & Stacy (Goos) Mitchell and big sister/eventual best friend Ashley. He tragically passed on October 5th, 2023, at the much too young age of 21. Services for Austin will be October 21st, 2023, at 12:00pm at Gering Zion Church with Pastor Tim Hebbert officiating. A celebration of life will follow at Maple Leaf Lodge, 270511 CR S Gering, Ne, all are encouraged to come. Online condolences may be made by viewing Austin's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Austin was quickly becoming the man any parent would be proud of. He was a polite, kind, sweet, sensitive guy who always had a positive and encouraging word for anyone he thought needed it. He was funny too! Between his TikToks, Facebook posts or just a random selfie he left on your unattended phone, he just wanted people to laugh.
Austin loved his family with all of his heart. He was a momma's boy from day one, and that never changed. Starting around age 2 until he was almost 17, he spent every Friday night with his Grandpa Goos. Austin, Ashley and their cousin Afton were always up to something, whether it be Fire Pits, Game Nights or hanging out at Oasis Night Club drinking a Chuck Norris. He really enjoyed playing on the family softball team this summer with his cousins. Austin was also the proudest uncle to his nephew Quentin, as demonstrated by the number of matching shirts he bought for him.
Austin had a love for basketball that was unmatched! He was a proud member of the Gering Bulldog basketball family from 4th Grade Gering Up, all the way through his senior year at Gering High School (Class of 2021). Whether it was organized ball, noon ball at the YMCA, or the late-night games at Lincoln Elementary with "The Boys", he just wanted to play the game he loved. His favorite team was the Denver Nuggets, and his self-described, "best day of his life" was when he surprised his dad with tickets to Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals where they got to help celebrate their first ever NBA Championship.
Austin was preceded in death by his grandparents Lynne Goos, "Papa" Jack & Terry Mitchell.
He is survived by his parents Brady and Stacy Mitchell. Big sister Ashley Mitchell and nephew Quentin. Grandpa Don Goos. Uncles Chris (Sara), Shane (Michelle) and Brian Mitchell. Aunt Wendy Goos (Joe Rohrer), and numerous beloved cousins.
Bryan Keith Bayer, 56, passed away Monday, February 12, 2024 at the Mitchell Care Center, Mitchell, NE. His funeral service will be 10:30 AM Monday, February 26, 2024 at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff, NE with Pastor Rick Reisig officiating. Burial will follow at Ash Hollow Cemetery, Lewellen, NE. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Area 1 Office of Human Development. Online condolences may be made by visiting Bryan's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation Service has been entrusted with arrangements.
Bryan was born October 24, 1967 at Oshkosh, NE to Donald and Donna (Orr) Bayer. He was an avid Special Olympics participant. He enjoyed bowling, riding horses and motorcycles, camping and swimming. A big highlight of his summers was going to South Dakota to ride the helicopter and train.
He was a jokester, and everyone was his buddy. He loved his group home family and Alliance friends.
Bryan was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; and an uncle.
Carolina May Martin, 91, passed away in her sleep September 20, 2023, at Heritage Estates in Gering, Nebraska. The viewing and visitation will be Monday, September 25, from 3-7 pm, at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff. A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, September 26, at 2 pm, at Salem Congregational Church, 2001 7th Ave, Scottsbluff, with Pastor Matt Hebbert officiating, followed by interment at Fairview Cemetery in Scottsbluff. Services will be livestreamed on Bridgman Funeral Home Facebook Page. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Carolina's honor may be made to Salem Congregational Church. Online condolences may be made by viewing Carolina's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
Carolina May Martin was born at home in Minatare, Nebraska, on January 4, 1932, to Eva Elizabeth (Hardt) and Alex Harimon. She grew up working in the fields with her brother and three sisters, while also attending school. She graduated from Scottsbluff High School in 1950. Carolina worked at Ben Franklin, the local "five and dime" store in Scottsbluff.
With only the minister and one witness able to make it through the blizzard to the church, Carolina was united in marriage to Harold "Curly" Martin on March 26, 1950, at Salem Congregational Church. Together they farmed in the area before buying their first farm north of Scottsbluff in 1962 in order to have indoor plumbing for their family of six.
Carolina was a lifelong member of Salem Congregational Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was very active in the Victory Hill Women's Extension Club and various organizations within Salem Church, while also volunteering numerous hours to the West Nebraska General Hospital Auxiliary. She enjoyed planting a large garden each year, along with freezing and canning some of the harvest to be enjoyed year-round. She embroidered tea towels in her spare time, giving most of them as gifts to friends and family and donations to the Church.
Carolina was devoted to her faith and her family. She showed her love to all those around her with homemade German food, even transporting complete meals of hot food to crews working in the fields and to friends and neighbors after a death in the family.
Carolina is survived by her niece Marilyn-Klein Fisher of West Des Moines, Iowa; sons Roger (Brenda) Martin of Mitchell, Nebraska, and Russell (Linda) Martin of "Homeless, Texas"; daughter Sandra (Jim) Lunniss of Sidney, Nebraska; sister Patricia Randall of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; sister-in-law Shirley (Ervin) Martin of Gering, Nebraska; grandchildren Rebecca (Kail) Bowman of Ottumwa, Iowa; Matt (Hilary) Klein of West Des Moines, Iowa; Jaci Lunniss of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Kelly (Shawn) Larson of Mitchell, Nebraska; Ben (Nicole) Martin of Windsor, Colorado; Sean Martin of Mitchell, Nebraska; Elizabeth (Jeremy) Allen of Sunnyvale, Texas; Travis Martin of Scottsbluff, Nebraska; Daniel (Bayley) Martin of Loveland, Colorado; Phillip Martin of Estes Park, Colorado; and great-grandchildren Isaac Bowman of Lincoln, Nebraska; Christian Bowman of Ottumwa, Iowa, Iowa; Adrianna Jo Lunniss of Mitchell, Nebraska; Leo, Miah and Tatum Martin of Loveland, Colorado; Ava, William and Noah Martin of Windsor, Colorado; and Victoria and Isaiah Allen of Sunnyvale, Texas.
Carolina was preceded in death by her husband Harold; her parents; her in-laws David and Katherine Martin; brother George Harimon and his wife Janice; sister Alvina Herbel and her husband David; sister Loretta Miller; brother-in-law John Randall; brother-in-law Robert Martin; Harold's Sister Dorothy; brother-in-law Ervin Martin; brother-in-law Donald Martin and his wife Shirley; sister-in-law Margie and her husband Thomas Meier; son Richard; infant daughter Linda; granddaughter Jennifer Martin; and grandson Michael Klein.
Caroline May Nuss, 99, passed away on October 19, 2023, at Heritage Estates in Gering. Private family services will be held at a later date. It is requested that any memorials in Caroline's honor be directed to Salem Congregational Church in Scotts... Read More
Caroline May Nuss, 99, passed away on October 19, 2023, at Heritage Estates in Gering. Private family services will be held at a later date. It is requested that any memorials in Caroline's honor be directed to Salem Congregational Church in Scottsbluff.
Caroline was born to David and Catherine (Huck) Langhofer on July 15, 1924, in Bayard, NE. She grew up in the Bayard area and in 1945, she married Carl L. Nuss. To this union, 3 children were born: Jennifer, Walter, and Alex Nuss. Carl and Caroline farmed in the Bayard area for 50 years and retired in 1995 on the home place.
Caroline was a devoted, loving wife and mother, always making sure everyone had what was needed. Her life was spent for the most part being a homemaker and helping with farm work when needed. Her kitchen was always the place to be for a cup of coffee, a piece of pie, and good conversation. With her sense of fashion, she was a beautiful person, inside and out, and will be missed greatly.
She is preceded in death by her parents; husband Carl, and 4 brothers and 2 sisters.
She is survived by her three children, Jennifer of Scottsbluff, Walter of Parker, CO, and Alex of Bayard; 4 grandchildren Colby Nuss of Mississippi, Nicole and John Butler of Jacksonville, FL, Taylor and Heather Propp of Scottsbluff, and Cameron Nuss of Parker, CO; as well as 3 great-grandchildren.
Dallas Dale Whiting, Sr., 80, of Mitchell, passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. A memorial service will be held at Central Church of Christ in Gering, NE on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Lyle Hinebauch presiding. Live streaming can be viewed at http://www.geringcentralchurch.org/. A burial service will be held at Westlawn Cemetery in Gering, NE, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent directly to the family. Online condolences may be made by viewing Dallas's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Dallas Dale Whiting, Sr., born on April 26, 1943, in Alliance, NE, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the age of 80 years old. He was the son of Walter Henry Whiting and Helen Mae (Swayze) Miner.
Dallas grew up in Helena, MT, graduating from Helena High School in 1961. As a student, he had a passion for playing the tuba and harbored dreams of joining the Air Force band. His interests also included hunting, fishing, racing stock cars and motorcycles.
In July of 1970, at the Alliance Stock Car Track, Dallas, along with his son Dallas, Jr., had their first date with his soon-to-be bride, Lucille. On June 13, 1971, Dallas married the love of his life, Lucille (Dahlgren), at Zion Lutheran in Hay Springs, NE. Their union was blessed with three additional children.
During his lifetime, Dallas worked in a variety of professions. While living in Montana, he worked for the state as a conservationist measuring stream flow, helped his dad dig graves for the local cemetery and was a concrete truck driver. When he moved to Nebraska in 1970, he had many jobs which allowed his love of people and outgoing personality to shine. Some of the jobs he held were delivering milk for Gillette Dairy, selling cars for Dalton's/Reganis Auto Dealership, being a news broadcaster on KNEB radio and working for Ledbetters/Cash-Wa. What he is probably best known for is being the owner and promoter of Oregon Trail Speedway from 1991-2004. The passion he had for all things stock cars culminated with this one purchase. He was able to provide a place for all levels of drivers to be successful, share his infinite knowledge of cars with others, watch his sons race and ultimately, promote the sport of stock car racing to the Panhandle of Nebraska.
Throughout the years, Dallas was involved in various car clubs, including the REACT CB Radio Club, Toastmasters, Alliance Stock Car Club, Platte Valley Stock Car Club, Western Wheels Studebaker Club, and most recently, a board member for the Nebraska Auto Racing Hall of Fame. He enjoyed working with the youth as a football and basketball referee, influencing the next generation by being a Boy Scout leader, as well as helping the community by being a volunteer firefighter for the cities of Cozad and Scottsbluff.
Dallas was known for his selflessness, acting as a father figure to many and opening his home to those in need of both guidance and a place to live. He was a fixture in the lives and activities of both his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed talking with all of his kids on the phone and giving his undivided attention to anyone he was visiting with. Some of his favorite activities were square dancing, competing in horseshoe tournaments, and playing card games such as Cribbage and Pitch. His orneriness, sarcasm, jokes, uncanny ability to watch NASCAR races with his eyes closed, and famous one-liners were matched only by his infectious smile and belly laughs.
He is survived by his wife, Lucille Ann (Dahlgren); sons, Dallas Whiting, Jr. and wife Brenda of Dillan, MT; Jeff Whiting of Gothenburg, NE; Jared Whiting and wife Karen of Mitchell, NE; and daughter, Monica Noel and husband Reg of Shickley, NE. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Zach Gray (Jude & Summer) of Lincoln, NE; Dylan Whiting of Lincoln, NE; Kim Jorgenson and husband Alex (Bowe) of Gothenburg, NE; AJ and wife Dallin of Oklahoma City, OK; Tyler Whiting of Phoenix, AZ; Kaylee, Eli, and Brady Noel of Shickley, NE; and Alex, Noah, and Isaac Whiting of Mitchell, NE. Siblings include Wayne Whiting of Winston-Salem, NC and Wilma Jean Stacy of Asheville, NC. In-laws include Alberta and French Olson of Hay Springs, NE; Jerry and Cathy Dahlgren of Hay Springs, NE; and Elaine and John Bassett of Parker, CO. As well as many nieces, nephews, and numerous friends. Dallas was preceded in death by his parents, Walter Whiting and Helen Miner, and in-laws, Howard and Alvina Dahlgren.
Danny Ray Knepp (Snowball), 75, a long time Scottsbluff resident, died Wednesday February 14, 2024, at Chimney Rock Villa in Bayard. A memorial service is being scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the family. Online condolences may be made by viewing Danny's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
He was born September 25, 1948, at Maywood Nebraska, the son of Claud Clayton and Lela Frances (Mead) Knepp. He grew up and attended school in Curtis Nebraska.
He enlisted in the Navy in August 1968, was in Vietnam and the Philippines as a postal clerk.
On May 17, 1975, he was married to Kathleen (Kathy) Rose Treinen. To this union 3 daughters were born. The family moved to Scottsbluff in 1986 after Danny was transferred from Wilcox while working for Speedway Transportation in Holdrege. He worked for them as a diesel mechanic then later as a truck driver, until he retired in 2011. Kathleen passed away on May 28, 2012.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Kathleen; six brothers, Donald, James, Arnold, Lee Wayne, Jerry and Gene; three sisters, Anna Osterhoudt, Patricia Mills and Sarah Seiler.
Survivors include daughters Wenona (Wendy) Knepp of Gering, Valerie Knepp (Mike Weil) of Omaha, and Veronica of Scottsbluff; three sisters Frances Daffer of Cambridge, Inez Minderman of Creighton, Ilene Stanley of Haysville Kansas; two brothers Andrew and Burtis both of North Platte; granddaughter Thalia Gonzalez of Kearney, grandson Zane Weil of Omaha, many nieces, nephews and friends.
Darrell Dean Parker, 85, of Scottsbluff, NE, went to be with his Lord on Monday, April 1, 2024 at Monument Rehabilitation and Care Center in Scottsbluff, NE. His Graveside Memorial Service will be held in the fall at Mitchell City Cemetery, Mitchell, NE. At Darrell's request cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be made by visiting Darrell's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Funeral Home and Crematory has been entrusted with arrangements.
Darrell was born on February 1, 1939 at Mitchell, NE to Dale (Chess) and Esther (Frank) Parker. He was raised in the valley attending Scottsbluff, Lake Alice and Bayard schools. He graduated from Bayard High School in 1958. Darrell was baptized my Immersion and placed on the membership at First Christian Church, Disciples of Christ Church Scottsbluff, NE on January 25, 1948 by Reverend Dubbs. Darrell was also a member of the Church of Christ in Bayard, NE.
Darrell moved to Omaha in 1963, residing there until returning to Scottsbluff in 2002. In Omaha he worked for Bausch & Lomb Optical from 1966 to 1968 and then for Physicians Optical supply from 1969 to 1974.
He was married to Charlene Lawson from 1966 to 1971. He later married Eleanor "Elli" Castillo on February 28, 1987. Darrell became disabled due to health issues. He resided at Monument Rehabilitation and Care Center until his death.
Family was important to Darrell and he always said, "We are a close knit family". Darrell enjoyed history consisting of early settlement of the Valley, Oregon Trail and local Indian tribes. He enjoyed taking pictures of family and of landscapes, doing leather work, and had a talent for drawing horses. He also enjoyed singing & playing country western and Christian tapes. He had a sense of humor like his father and brother and liked to joke around. He will be missed by all.
He was preceded in death by parents Dale (Chess) & Esther Parker; brother Jim D. Parker and sister-in-law Muriel Parker; and brother-in-law Dean Blackburn.
He is survived by sisters JoAnne (Scotty) Cookston of Montesano, WA and Jean Blackburn of Scottsbluff, NE and many nieces and nephews.
David A. Stevens, 74, of Scottsbluff, NE passed away on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, at Heritage Estates in Gering, NE. His funeral service will be held 10:30 am Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at Immanuel Weyerts Lutheran Church in Lodgepole, NE with Pastor Bud Gillespie officiating. Interment will follow at Weyerts Cemetery. Visitation will be 4-7 pm on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials may be made to the Cat Pack and Pup Pack Program. Online condolences may be made by viewing David's memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
David Allen Stevens was born February 8, 1949, to Albert E. and Anna M. (Frerichs) Stevens at Sidney, NE. He was the 7th of nine children. His mother had to go to Sidney 6 weeks before he was born at the possibility of snow since they lived 16 miles out in the country. The last seven children all came quickly so the doctor thought to be on the safe side and she needed to be in town. She stayed with her aunt and uncle John and Hannah Frerichs. It was a good thing too, as The Blizzard of '49 happened that year. What an event!
David farmed the home farm in Broadwater most of his life. Starting when he was a boy and continuing until 2001.
He met the love of his life, Penny Zakrzewski, through his sister Susan. They had 39 ½ years together until God took him home to heaven. Fourteen of those years spent on the farm before moving to town.
Those of you who have known or worked with David know how kind and hard working he was, as well as his unique humor. He always liked to laugh and joke. He cared about all of you so much. When we were dating, he always spoke fondly of all his neighbors and friends, so I felt like I knew so many of you before we got married. He was close to all his family, no matter what the connection. Remember not the keenness of his loss but rejoice in whose arms he now is! May God keep and bless you all.
David was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Marvin and Dean.
David Kent Neely, 73, of Bridgeport, passed away on Wednesday, November 22, 2023, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff surrounded by his family that loved him. At his request, a private family service will be held, and cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be made by viewing David's memorial page at www.bridgmanfueralhome.com or sent to 10330 US Hwy 26, Bridgeport, NE 69336. Bridgman Funeral Home in Bridgeport is entrusted with arrangements.
David was born on August 29, 1950, to David J. and Donna Mae (Maurer) Neely. He was raised in Bridgeport and graduated from BHS in 1968. He went to UNL and pursued a degree in Education, and while there was a member of the UNL Marching Band. He attained his master's degree in special education while teaching in El Paso, TX, from there moving to Austin, TX. In 2008 he moved back to Bridgeport to care for his parents.
He was a forever Husker fan and had a soft spot for his dogs. He was a gentle and caring soul and will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his brother Jeff (Susan) Neely of Bridgeport; nephews Ryan (Chantel) Neely of Bridgeport, Brooks Neely of Bridgeport; nieces Erin (Jared) Reynolds of Bridgeport, Megan (Seth) Covalt of Scottsbluff.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
"See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands." Is 49:16a.
Delores (Dee) Catherine Steinbrecher, 99, of Scottsbluff, passed away Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Heritage Estates in Gering. Cremation has taken place at her wishes. An open house visitation celebrating her life will be held at Heritage Estates in the Saddle Gap room from 4:30 - 6:30 on Tuesday, April 2nd. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials in Delores's honor be made to Salem Congregational Church or to the family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing her memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Job Titles:
- Funeral Home Administrative Assistant, Mitchell, NE
Job Titles:
- Pastor
- Funeral Service Assistant
Job Titles:
- Funeral Service Assistant