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

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.

03/13/2026

Judith Joan Rupp, 84, of Gering, passed away on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. Cremation has taken place, and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials in Judith’s honor be made in care of her family to be designated at a later date. Online condolences may be made by viewing Judith’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
Judith was born on Oct. 5, 1941, in Scottsbluff to Alex and Helen (Achziger) Betzold. She had 6 sisters and 4 brothers. She attended Sunnyside country school until the 8th grade, then attended Scottsbluff High School. She was raised on the family farm until she was 14 years old.
Judith married Roger Dale Rupp on July 25th, 1960, in Scottsbluff; and to this union, 2 children were born: Ricky Len Rupp and Machelle LaRaye Rupp. She lived her life for her husband and her family. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed fishing, camping and cooking out. Spring and summer were her favorite times of the year keeping the flowers and the yard looking nice. She had several jobs throughout her life, the last being a teacher at Headstart in Kimball, NE. She was a member of The Bethel Baptist Church in Scottsbluff.
Judith is survived by her son Rick (Tonia) Rupp of Lincoln; daughter Machelle (Bob) Wynne of Gering; grandchildren Shannon Rupp of Mitchell, Kyle Rupp of North Platte, NE, Travis Barkowski of Lamesa, TX, Kayla Rupp of Gering, and Rikki (Michael) Harden of Lincoln, NE; great-grandchildren Paige Rupp, Jedidiah Rupp, Justice Rupp, Jamie Barkowski, Roger Barkowski, Brylee Harden, Aspyn Harden, Ryann Harden, and Maddox Harden; and 4 sisters and1 brother; special sister-in-law Doris Betzold; and several nieces and nephews.
Judith is preceded in death by her grandparents Peter (Amelia) Achziger and Jacob (Mary) Betzold; parents Alex (Helen) Betzold; husband Roger Rupp; brothers Gary, Kim and Randy Betzold; and sisters Vickie and Patty Betzold.

03/11/2026

James Dwight Kelley (Jim), 62, passed away, March 4, 2026, at Regional West Medical Center in Scottsbluff. Cremation has taken place and there will be a Celebration of Life for Jim at a later date, when the weather is nice; a “LAST RIDE FOR JIM”.
Online condolences may be made by viewing Jim’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com.
Jim was born January 31,1964, in Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Lawrence Kelley and Doris Green.
Jim had many jobs; from driving semi-trucks to running a ranch in Oklahoma, to doing small jobs for friends (handy man). In his free time, he loved riding his Harley.
Jim is survived by his Father, Lawrence Kelley of Gering, brother Larry Kelley of Wyoming, stepbrother, Clarence (Tony), stepsisters, Tammy & Lorri, nephew Lawrence Kelley (Nicole) of New York, niece Amanda (Dustin) Grubbs of Scottsbluff; great niece’s Mariah Kelley, Allissa & Alexis and great nephew Micheal James Kelley all of New York.
He is proceeded in death by his mom (granny), Doris Green, and grandmother (Nanny), Davette Justice.

Life should not be a journey to the grave
With the intention of arriving safely
In a pretty and well-preserved body.
But rather to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
And totally worn out,
And loudly proclaiming.
“WOW!!! WHAT A RIDE!!!”

03/04/2026

Marlene Kuxhausen, 81, died on Feb. 28th, surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with Alzheimer’s and cancer. Cremation has taken place; a memorial service will be held at a later date. It is respectfully requested that in lieu of any flowers, memorials may be made to the Legacy of the Plains Museum or the A.H.S. Germans from Russia Society. Online condolences may be made by viewing Marlene’s memorial page at www.bridgmanfuneralhome.com. Bridgman Family Funeral Home and Cremation is entrusted with her arrangements.
She was born on September 13th in Scottsbluff to Faye and Juanita (Michael) Case. She attended school in Bayard, NE. She married Dean Nab in 1961; to this union three children were born: Brenda, Larry, and Todd. She married Richard Kuxhausen in Elkhorn, Nevada in 1994 and they resided in Scottsbluff. She had various jobs and retired from Brown’s Chiropractic in 2010. She had a love for gardening, and they won the Golden Spade Award in 2008. Marlene was a very lucky person and in 2009 she won the United Way Duck Truck. She was very involved in the A.H.S. Germans from Russia chapter. She loved cooking and Marlene and Dick were featured in NE TV’s “Cooking with the Kuxhausens.”
She was preceded in death by her first husband Dean Nab; parents Faye and Juanita Case; in-laws Ted and Alvina Nab and Molly Kuxhausen; sisters-in-law are Helen Schmer and Elaine Kuxhausen; brothers-in-laws are Donald (Ruth) Kuxhausen and Gary (Ruby) Kuxhausen.
She is survived by her loving husband Dick of 31 years; daughter Brenda (Nab) Higgins; sons Larry (Robin Presher) Nab and Todd (Kerry Meininger) Nab; stepdaughter Rhonda (Jon) Eskam; grandchildren Shannon Nab, Melissa Hof, Michael (Michelle Hof) Nab, Ethan McDaniel, James (Palama) Nab, Kasey Nab, Brittney Eskam, and Jeremy (Megan) Eskam great-grandchildren Robert Murphy, Rebecca Murphy, Caden Hof, Jaxon Hof, and Maya McDaniel; brothers-in-law Alvin (Kethna) Kuxhausen, Norman Kuxhausen, and sister-in-law Shirley (Mike) Bauer. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews and her precious fur babies, Coco and Cujo.
Special thank you to Monument Rehabilitation – you not only treated Marlene with so much love, but you treated her family with love also!

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