http://www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com/

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

04/07/2026

Ernie G. Herrera 69, of Scottsbluff, NE passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026, in Scottsbluff. His Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Gering, NE with Father Todd Philipsen officiating. Rosary and viewing will be at 10:00 a.m. and Mass will start at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Morrill, NE, with a reception at the church.
Ernie was born on April 12, 1956, to Guadalupe and Amada (Gonzales) Herrera in Brownfield, Texas.
His loving wife Connie l. (Ramirez) Herrera was born on December 4, 1956, to Guadalupe T. and Maria (Luna) Ramirez in Amherst Texas. Connie passed away on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 67.
They met in Morrill Nebraska in 1974, and it was love at first sight and later married through the Catholic Church. They moved to Brownfield, Texas for a few years and later moved to Lubbock, where Ernie worked for Permian Corp for 10 years as an Oil Mechanic for the big rigs and Connie was a stay-at-home mom.
In 1988 they moved the family back to Scottsbluff where he worked for Simons Construction for a few years, as well as Progress Rail in Bridgeport. Earnie decided to try the farmer’s life. He worked for Alan and Shirley Dillman. Daddy enjoyed the crops and cattle feeding. Mom and Daddy loved to see the baby calves. They both loved working on the farm.
Together they loved long drives and reminiscing about “the good old days”. Ernie loved fishing, camping and especially gardening. Connie loved sewing, cooking and baking. Together they loved going to auctions and estate sales because of the passion of collecting valuables. Momma and Daddy were faithful to the rosary as Momma was unable to attend church.
They will be greatly missed by many.
They are survived by their children Monica Herrera, her children Ulyxsess, Diego and Makayla; Ernie Herrera Jr., and his children Loro, Loraly and Lorna; Carlos Herrera and his children Brenden, Kaleb, Elizabeth, Skylar, Ashton, Taylor, Christian and Aaviana; Liza Herrera and her child Esperanza, and 10 great-grandchildren.

04/07/2026

Mary B. Hunt Schmidt, 68, of Gering passed on Saturday April 4, 2026. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Gering, NE with Rev. Richard Neugebauer officiating. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials may be made in care of Western Nebraska Arts Center. Online condolences may be made by viewing Mary’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements.
Mary Beth, who was also affectionately called Mary B by many family and friends, was born in Fergus Falls, MN on February 20th, 1958. Art was a passion of Mary Bs at an early age. Always drawing and painting, which many times got her out of doing dishes–much to the dismay of her older sisters. She also loved to read and excelled in school. Once, she won a penmanship contest using her left hand after breaking her right arm in a rural school high jump competition. Sewing Barbie doll clothes was many of her pastimes and being outside playing with cats and feeding sheep were just a few things she'd rather do than housework.
Mary B graduated from Fergus Falls Senior High in 1976 and earned a 2-year art degree from Morehead Technical College. While continuing to attend college at St Cloud State, she would spend weekends at Sister Patryce's. Nephew Dylan thought she was his second mom. Just short of a BS degree in art, she went to Colorado and eventually met the love of her life, Roger Schmidt. For over 30 years, this relationship gave Mary the opportunity and encouragement to pursue her art passion and became so talented she was recognized in a feature article by Southwest Art Magazine.
She went on to sell thousands of original and prints of her artwork that are adored and admired in homes and businesses throughout the United States, including many that are enjoyed in and around the Scottsbluff/Gering area. Mary also gave much of her time to the Western Nebraska Art Center both administratively, and as a mentor, teaching art through many children's classes. Mary was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church in Gering, serving on many committees and helping to redesign the interior of the church.
Mary is survived by her husband Roger Schmidt of Gering, NE; her sisters Patryce (Robert) Thomas of Royalton, MN, Gretchen (Arlie) Radway of rural Howes, SD, her brother Paul (Kursten) Dubbels of rural Fergus Falls, MN, and Ruth (Andy) Johnson of Bruce, WI; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents Warren and Esther Dubbels, and her brother John Dubbels.

04/06/2026

Shirley (Stoppel) Reinmuth was an amazing mother, sister, grandma, aunt, and friend whose love, faith, and kindness touched all who knew her. Her absence is deeply felt by her family and community. Shirley passed away on Thursday, April 2, 2026 at Heritage Estates in Gering.
Shirley was born on June 15, 1946, in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, to her loving parents, Edward and Elizabeth Stoppel. She joined her older brother, Vern, and in the years that followed, the family grew with the arrival of her younger sister, Ruth.
Shirley, Vern, and Ruth all attended Sunflower School in Mitchell, Nebraska, where Shirley distinguished herself through her involvement in both athletics and academic clubs. The school held a special place in her heart and played a meaningful role in shaping the person she became. Even after its closing, Shirley remained deeply connected to its legacy, faithfully serving on the Sunflower Historical Society and helping preserve its memory for future generations.
Shirley continued her education at Scottsbluff College. She pursued training to become a switchboard operator for IBM, a path that was ultimately shortened by the rapid advancement of technology. She then found success as a realtor with Century 21 in Scottsbluff, a career she enjoyed until the late 1980s. Shirley later began working for the Scotts Bluff County Treasurer’s Office, a position she was elated to receive. She served her community until her retirement in June of 2019.
Shirley took deep pride in her work, but nothing mattered more to her than her family and her faith. Her children, Lori, Justin, and Levi, never knew a time when her faith wasn’t clearly reflected in how she lived and treated others. She embodied her beliefs each day, staying true to her values with quiet strength and consistency. Though her life was modest, she measured her wealth in the love she shared with family and friends, which she cherished and valued above all else.
Shirley had a special way of making people feel loved. No conversation ended without a hug and an “I love you,” a simple but powerful reflection of the care she carried for those around her.
Life going forward will be just a little less full each day in her absence, but her legacy of love, faith, and devotion will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Family and friends are invited to attend Shirley’s memorial service at 11AM on Saturday April 11, 2026, at Central Church of Christ in Gering Nebraska. A light reception will follow at the church. A private burial will be held for the family at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing Shirley’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Cremation in Scottsbluff is assisting with arrangements.

03/30/2026

Jacqueline Holthus Funeral Service

03/30/2026

Katherine A. Scott, 84, of Mitchell, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. Her funeral service will be held at 10am on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Mitchell Methodist Church in Mitchell, NE with Pastor Craig Collins officiating. Interment will follow at Mitchell City Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9am – 10am at the church. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Katherine’s honor be made in care of the Nebraska Special Olympics. Online condolences may be made by viewing Katherine’s memorial page at www.jones-mortuary.com. Jones Mortuary in Mitchell is entrusted with arrangements.
Kathy was born March 29, 1941, at Alliance NE to Hans and Edna (Kaper) Dickinson. Kathy lived outside of Hemingford on the family farm and later moved into town where she graduated from Hemingford High School in 1958.
After graduating high school, Kathy attended the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, NE where she graduated in 1963 with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing.
After earning her BSN degree Kathy was commissioned as an officer in the United States Navy and served at Bethesda Naval Hospital. On September 17, 1966, Kathy was united in marriage with JD Scott, and 3 children were born to this union. Kathy then served for the next 2 years at the Navy base in Sasebo, Japan.
After being honorary discharged from the United State Navy, Kathy and JD moved to Mitchell NE where she worked in various supervisory rolls at St. Mary’s Hospital, was the LPN instructor for Western Nebraska General Hospital and the Director of Education at Regional West Medical Center until her retirement in 2012.
Kathy had a love of gardening, flowers, all animals, her card clubs, community and the Church. Kathy was an active leader in 4-H, Saddle Club, Boy Scouts, Campfire, and Special Olympics.
Kathy is survived by her children; Cindy (Loren) Braman, Nicole Scott, and Michael Scott; grandchildren Allison (Tom) Place, Taran (Lakin) Braman, and Garret (Jasmine) Braman; 4 great-grandchildren Rowan, Tripp, Archie, & Milo; sister Mary Ellen Brooks; sister-in-law Ruth Scott; nieces & nephews Michell (Michael) Williams and family, Kim (Chuck) Graham and family, Ian (Kristin) Scott and family, and Brandon (Jenny) Scott and family.
Kathy was preceded in death by her parents Hans and Edna, husband JD, brothers-in-law, Roger Brooks, and LJ Scott.

03/25/2026

Jacqueline “Jackie” A. Fifield Holthus, 87, of Gering, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, surrounded by family and friends. A celebration of Jackie’s life will be held Monday, March 30, at 10:30 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church in Gering, with interment to follow at West Lawn Cemetery. Lunch will follow at Faith Lutheran Church. Visitation is Sunday, March 29, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Bridgman Funeral Home in Scottsbluff, NE. Jackie loved flowers, but she also valued books and learning. To continue her legacy, memorials may be made in her name to the Gering Public Library Foundation. Online condolences may be made by viewing Jackie’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
Jackie was born on May 28, 1938, in Galesburg, Illinois, to Clifford and Doris (Carlson) Fifield. She graduated from high school in 1956 and married Neal in 1959, moving to Alliance NE, where she raised their family on the farm. 1972, they settled in Gering, NE where Jackie sold both Tupperware and Avon and later worked in office administration for several Gering/Scottsbluff businesses, and as a floral designer for CO-OP.
In 1985, Neal and Jackie opened Treasured Creations and Treasured Beginning, creating countless memorable weddings and special events for over 15 years. She was known for her creativity, love of beautiful things, and her handcrafted gifts and florals. An avid photographer, she found immense joy in capturing the faces, laughter, and milestones of her beloved family and friends. She delighted in entertaining, decorating, knitting, sewing, crocheting, and traveling. Always ready for the next adventure, her suitcase was ever ready!
Jackie’s greatest adventure was being a mother and she treasured every holiday, gathering, and celebration. Jackie is survived by her five children: Marc Holthus of Gering; Tracy Holthus of Waynesboro, Virginia; Krystal Holthus of Gering; George Holthus of Gering; and Gaylynn Holthus McWaters (Bill) of Gering. Her legacy continues through her eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. Each brought her immense pride and joy. Among them are Keisa (Garrett) Pyle Gardner and their children, Kloee, Maddox, and Lucee, of Scottsbluff; LeiChelle (Logan) Hammer MacDonald of Gering; Jordan Holthus and his children, Dorian and Elliott of Omaha, NE; Alexandria (Cameron) Colerick Schenk and children, Arlo, Boden, Waylon, and Marigold, of Scottsville, VA; Lauson (Samantha) Hammer and children, Paxton and Elijah of Lincoln, NE; Chase Colerick of Denver, CO; Seth Holthus (Delaney) and children, Ascher and Jade, of Gering; and Doug Meyers (Abby) of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by an extensive Holthus family and her cherished “heart sister,” Sharon Sherman (White) of Yates City, IL; her beloved pets, Dorie and Kitty; many lifelong friends, coworkers, and former brides, who were touched by her kindness and creativity.
Jackie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Neal, and multiple in-laws.

03/23/2026

Dave Scharnhorst, age 78, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Oklahoma City, OK. Born in Mitchell, Nebraska on January 14, 1948, Dave was the son of Loren R. and Faye Gladys Scharnhorst.
He was a Vietnam Veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Army. For several years, he worked with Quality Rock, where he operated heavy machinery and was a true friend to his coworkers and an asset to the company.
Beyond his professional life, Dave found peace in the great outdoors. He was an avid outdoorsman who relished hunting and fishing. He was also passionate about bowling. He could often be found at the local bowling alley enjoying the laughter and competition with his family and friends. He was raised in Mitchell, Nebraska until he moved to Oklahoma in 1995.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Mary Hutsell and Clara Ann Doyle.
Dave leaves to cherish his memory his son, LD & Mandy Scharnhorst; daughter, Lora Brown of Idabel, OK; grandchildren, Alicia Hardrick and Kieron, Justin Lewis and Katelynn, Treavor Scharnhorst, Zackery Scharnhorst, Renee Purcell, Cassidee Denison; sisters, Nancy Conlan; grandchildren, great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 p.m., Thursday, March 19, 2026, at the White Family Funeral Home.
Graveside services will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 at the South Mitchell Valley Cemetery in Mitchell, Nebraska.

03/23/2026

Evelyn Joyce Thomas Rose, 79, of Bayard, passed away Saturday, March 21, at Chimney Rock Villa in Bayard. At her request, no services will be held. Cremation has taken place, and a private family inurnment will be held at the Bayard Cemetery. Memorials in Evelyn’s honor will be used to establish a fund supporting community-focused activities and other areas meaningful to her, as determined by her family. Online condolences may be made by viewing Evelyn’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home in Scottsbluff is entrusted with arrangements.
Evelyn was born August 14, 1946, in Ord, Nebraska. She was raised on a farm in the Riverdale community outside of North Loup and Scotia. She attended Riverdale School, a one-room country school her father had also attended, before later graduating from North Loup-Scotia High School, one of the first consolidated schools in the state.
During her youth, Evelyn was active in 4-H, proudly showing her dairy cow, Dolly, at Aksarben. She also participated in a 4-H exchange program that took her to Manitoba, Canada, where she stayed with a host family for two weeks—an experience she always remembered fondly.
Following high school, she was awarded a scholarship from Lockwood Corporation to attend nursing school at West Nebraska General Hospital, graduating with the Class of 1967. She married James R. Rose in 1968, and after a year in Cheyenne, Wyoming, they returned to western Nebraska, settling in the Mitchell and then Bayard area, where they would raise their two children.
Evelyn dedicated her life to caring for others through a nursing career that spanned 46 years. She served patients of all ages—from preschool children to the elderly—with compassion and commitment. Her career included time at the hospital, followed by several years in long-term care at Heritage of Bridgeport and the Residency. She later worked with CAPWN as a clinic phone nurse and as part of the Head Start program. Her dedication to nursing was recently honored with a Living Tribute by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard.
A lifelong member of the United Methodist Church, Evelyn later attended Faith United Church of Christ in Bayard following the closure of the Bayard United Methodist Church. She was deeply involved in her community, serving many hours as a volunteer on the Chimney Rock Pioneer Days committee, as a board member and host at the Bayard Depot Museum, and on the Morrill County Tourism Board, among other efforts.
Evelyn and her husband also shared a love of collecting antiques, which led them to own and operate Brass, Glass, etc., an antique shop specializing in glass and brass pieces they had collected through their travels across Nebraska and beyond.
She is survived by her daughter, Michelle (Dan) Coolidge, her son Jim (Debbie) Rose, all of Bayard, grandchildren Shelbie (Drew) Loutzenhiser of Chadron, Michael Coolidge of Bayard, Ashton (Julia) Rose of Peoria, Illinois; son-in-law Stewart Weiss of Imperial; step-grandchildren Kalli (Kile) Schilke of Imperial, Jared (Brittanie) Zemanek of Haywarden, Iowa and Stefanie (Steven) Sandershaft of Alcester, South Dakota; great-grandchildren Reed Loutzenhiser, Kensington and Kace Schilke, Wesley, Andrew, Trentin, and Zayne Zenanek, and Corbin Vandershaft; sister Betty (Bud) Carlson of North Loup, brother Robert (Penny) Thomas of Grand Island; sister-in-law Mary (Claude) Ryan of Mitchell; numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, step-daughters and son-in-law Lanea and Randy Zemanek and Beverley Weiss; her parents Carroll and Thelma Thomas; parents-in-law James V. and Violet Rose.

03/17/2026

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 a later date. 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.

03/16/2026

Eugene “Gene” Lloyd Hastings, 76, of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, passed away on March 15, 2026, at The Residency in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. His funeral will be held on March 23, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Monument Bible Church with Pastor Jake Roberts officiating. Private family interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Rushville, NE. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Gene’s honor may be made to the Potter’s Wheel Ministries in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Online condolences may be made by viewing Gene’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
Gene was born on April 8, 1949, to Lloyd Hastings and Wilma (Bredenkamp) Kleensang in Alliance, Nebraska. Growing up, he attended school in Rushville, Nebraska, followed by college at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Chadron State College.
Gene spent his entire career in banking. In his early days of banking, Gene was an agricultural banker and was so proud to serve the farmers and ranchers in Western Nebraska. Later in his career, Gene was a commercial banker in Colorado. After his time in Colorado, Gene came back to Scottsbluff to finish his career at Platte Valley Bank.
Gene loved watching Husker football and talking about the weather. Gene had a strong faith and enjoyed fellowship with others.
Survivors include his son Jeff (Katie) Hastings and grandchildren June and Giles; daughter Amy (Tim) Wilson and grandchildren Beckett and Hadley; brother Gary (Cindy) Hastings; brother Larry (Cori) Hastings; aunts, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death his parents Lloyd Hastings and Wilma Kleensang, and sister Judy (Hastings) Gonzales.

03/16/2026

William “Bill” Lee Pierce passed away at his home in Gering, on March 12, 2026. His funeral service will be held on Friday, March 20 at 10:30am at Faith Lutheran Church on 2055 U St., Gering, NE with Pastor Richard Neugebauer officiating. Cremation will follow. A lunch reception to follow at Weborg 21 Centre on 10th Street in Gering. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Bill’s honor be made in care of our local Duck’s Unlimited Chapter. Online condolences may be made by viewing Bill’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
He is survived by his wife, Janet Pierce (maiden name Garrard); his daughter, Carissa Pierce; and his granddaughters, Isabelle McNabb (17) and Gabrielle McNabb (14) of California. He is also survived by his sister, Debbie (Nuss) Smith and her husband, Jerry Smith, as well as several close cousins, nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his son, Phillip Lee Pierce, in 2021, mother Betty Nuss, father Manley Pierce, stepfather Victor Nuss, paternal grandparents Walter and Opal Schmidt, his maternal in-laws Orville and Delois Garrard. Cousins Dick and Rex Schmidt, several aunts and uncles, sister-in-law Janice Schafer, brother-in-law Ken Garrard and his wife Carol.
Bill was the longtime owner of Midwest Farm Service, where he built a successful irrigation business serving farmers across western Nebraska. He retired five years ago after more than four decades in the industry. Bill was an avid hunter who loved the outdoors, he also enjoyed fishing and spending time in nature. He was known for his generosity and kindness and was the type of person who never spoke a negative word about anyone. Bill always chose to see the good in people. He had many friends and enjoyed traveling and taking trips all over the world. He wasn’t afraid to talk to people and was able to make friends wherever he went.
Bill was born in Scottsbluff, Nebraska, on June 22, 1948, to Betty Nuss and Manley Pierce. He was raised by his mother and stepfather, Victor Nuss. Bill graduated from Gering High School in 1966 and later attended college in Kearney, NE. In December 1969, Bill met the love of his life, Jan. The couple married in October 1970 and began their life together in Gering, Nebraska, where their daughter Carissa was born in 1974. A few years later, in 1977, they moved to Moses Lake, Washington, where their son Phillip was born. The family eventually returned to Gering in 1978 when Bill accepted a position at Midwest Farm Service working for Wes Pillstick.
In spring of 1982, Bill was presented with an opportunity to work overseas and moved to Saudi Arabia to sell irrigation equipment. In fall of 1982, Jan and the children joined him there, and the family spent a year living abroad while the children were homeschooled. In 1984, the family returned to the United States, where Bill later purchased Midwest Farm Service. Over the next 40 years, he built a respected irrigation business, helping farmers throughout western Nebraska irrigate their fields with center pivot systems.
Bill served on the Scottsbluff Planning Commission for years as well as the Alliance Ditch Board. He was a community member that loved to give back the area in which he lived. He also was a member of Ducks Unlimited and actively participated in fundraising activities for the area.

Bridgman Funeral Home and Cremation Services

04/07/2026

04/07/2026

04/06/2026

03/30/2026

03/30/2026

03/25/2026

03/23/2026

03/23/2026

03/17/2026

03/16/2026

03/16/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category