Obituaries

Rodney Fred Shelton was born in Gregory, S.D., on J uly 1 2, 1 939, t he o nly child o f F red a nd Ileen (Ludemann) Shelton. His early childhood was spent attending country schools in Keya Paha County and he graduated from Springview High School in 1957. He worked in Wyoming for several years before joining the Army in 1962. He was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., a nd w as d ischarged in 1 965. H e w as married t o E lla M ae P edersen f rom 1 969 t o 1987 and to this union a daughter, Angela, was born in 1971, and settled in Ainsworth in 1975.

Rev. Stanley “Stan” Dale Crawford died June 22, in South Hutchinson, Kansas of complications from dementia. He was born September 11, 1942, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, to William Dale and Mary Lois (Binkey) Crawford. From the moment o f his b irth, S tan h ad a n unquenchable curiosity and a disregard for authority. S tan lived a full and vibrant life a s m uch on h is o wn t erms a s i s humanly possible.

Timothy “Tim” Jon Iverson, 63, of Long Pine, passed away on J une 1 7. Tim w as b orn o n March 11, 1963, in Ord. He was welcomed into the family of Stan and Betty (Daniels) Iverson through adoption, beginning his life on the Iverson Ranch that he would proudly call his home for the remainder of his life. At the age of seven, Tim lost his father, Stan, and t ook o n r esponsibilities f ar b eyond h is years. Helping support his family at such a young age profoundly shaped his character and laid the foundation for a lifetime of hard work on the ranch. From an early age, he found meaningful ways to contribute to the ranch and support his family, developing the strong work ethic and sense of responsibility for which he was known throughout his life. Before he was old enough to drive, he would ride his motorcycle to the hayfield to help Clayton Chase. D uring his h igh school y ears, h e w ould w ork the n ight s hift welding at Daniels’ Manufacturing. And perhaps, his favorite work experience outside the ranch included his stint with Todd Kicken on a wheat harvest crew. Tim graduated from Ainsworth High School in 1981. It is well known among those close to him that school was not his favorite place. Still, he made the most of his time there by participating in activities that aligned with his passions outside the classroom, including FFA, wrestling a nd t he r odeo c lub. In h is f inal y ears o f h igh school, increasing responsibilities on the ranch ultimately took precedence over extracurricular activities. The winter following his graduation Tim's m other, B etty, p assed a way a fter a long b attle w ith c ancer. I n her final days, he made it a priority to spend each evening by her side after the day's chores and responsibilities were complete. His steadfast presence spoke to the depth of his love, sense of responsibility, and unwavering devotion to family. On July 7, 1984, Tim was united in marriage to his love, Joleen Schipporeit, in Grand Island. Together they were blessed with a daughter, Jessica Jo. Life carried on at the ranch, marked by the steady change o f s easons t hat d efine t he r anching w ays. S pring w as his favorite, bringing new calves and the hope of green pastures and lush meadows to follow. He took great pride in ensuring they were well cared for and made it to the sale barn in good condition. In the most recent years, sharing ranch experiences with “the blondes” (Jes, Kalli and Klaire) was truly “icing on the cake!” In addition to ranching, Tim co-owned Long Pine Feed & Grain and was a realtor with Mid-America Land & Realty. He was very involved with Daniels’ Manufacturing and Bassett Livestock Auction. His contribution to the community spanned more than four decades, including membership to Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 1790, serving on the South Pine Volunteer Fire Department, and the Brown C ounty A g Society. O ver t he y ears, a way f rom t he ranch a nd routine duties, Tim enjoyed roping, golfing and other various hobbies. Throughout the summer, he enjoyed spending his downtime at Hidden Paradise. Alumni weekend was a highlight that he regularly attended, his classmates considered Tim the alumni director for their honored years. Vacations to Mexico, Iverson Family Reunions and work trips with Daniels’ Manufacturing venturing as far as Australia were some of his many travels. Tim w ill be r emembered f or h is l oyalty t o f amily a nd f riends, h is respect f or a ll a spects o f livestock handling, always w illing t o lend a hand AND also the first to say, “let’s go have a drink.” Preceding him in death are his parents Stan and Betty Iverson; father-in-law Don Schipporeit; cousin/best friend Danny Daniels; and numerous other family members. He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Joleen; daughter Jessica (Nate) Kempcke; granddaughters Kalli and Klaire; mother-in-law Kem Richstein and special family friend Keith Allison; sister-in-law Tsipi (Mike) Gibson; brother-in-law Tate (Sarah) Schipporeit; brother Tom Iverson; and the “Iverson” cousins whom he dearly loved, along with many extended family and friends. Funeral service was held on Friday, June 26, at the Rock County Fairgrounds Arena in Bassett. Mike Baxter officiated at the services. Music was provided by Joe McBride singing “The Cowboy Rides Away” and “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys.” The CD Selections of “Call A Cowboy” by L ainey W ilson a nd “ Cowboys and S unsets” b y Oliver Anthony Music were played. Casket bearers were Nate Kempcke, Kade Blake, Mark Shaul, Jim Dougherty, Todd Kicken, Bret Younkin, Jake E. Maurer, Shawn Nelson, Robert Seidel, Bob Alberts, Ryan Welke, Jason Good, Paul Josoff Jr. and Jim Hoch. Memorials were suggested to the family in Tim’s name for a future designation. Interment was in the Grandview Cemetery at Long Pine under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home in Ainsworth. Online condolences, photos and memories may be left for the family on Tim’s webpage at www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Maxine Harty of Rapid City, S.D., entered into eternal r est o n April 2 4th. S he w as t he beloved w ife o f t he l ate J ohn ( “Jack”) H arty, and remained the devoted mother of John P. Harty and Maureen (“Sis”) Jackman (née Harty), and cherished grandmother of Aiden Jackman and the late Conner Jackman until her passing. She is also survived by her older brother Jerry (“Duke”); younger sister Sally; and nieces, nephews, and extended family. Maxine graduated from Bemidji State in Minnesota. After college, she lived and worked in Amsterdam and Copenhagen for a season. She later taught English before transitioning to become a stay-at-home mom w ho w as d early l oved by h er c hildren a s w ell a s a ll t he neighborhood kids. Two celebration of life events will be held this summer to honor her legacy—the first in the Black Hills with neighborhood “family” and a second in northern Minnesota in her hometown of Deer River with relatives.

Manford Peters, 90, of Ainsworth, died June 10 at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth surrounded by his family. Manford was born on October 19, 1935, on the family farm near Hubbard to Herman and Grace (Hansen) Peters. He was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at Emerson. Growing up, his family moved between Iowa and Nebraska before settling near Emerson where he graduated from Emerson High School in 1954.

Funeral Service for Timothy J. Iverson, age 63, of Long Pine, will be held on Friday, June 26, at 10 a.m. in the Rock County Fairgrounds Arena at Bassett.

Randall “Randy” Schwindt, 76, of Ainsworth, passed away at his home with his family by his side on Sunday, June 14. Randy was born on August 23, 1949, in Scottsbluff, to Robert and Betty (Schwartzkopf) Schwindt. He graduated from Fort Morgan (Colo.) High School in 1967.

Lynnelle Kathleen (Rap) Cairns died in hospital in Macksville, New South Wales, Australia on 19 May 2026. Lynnelle was born i n A insworth t o L arry a nd L ola (Lotspeich) Rap where she lived until the family moved to Colorado Springs, Colo., where Larry and Lola attended Nazarene Bible College. She later graduated from Longmont High School in Longmont, Colo. She attended Northwest Nazarene College (now University) for two years, then transferred to Hannibal-Lagrange College (now University) when Larry and Lola accepted a pastoral assignment at Hannibal Church of the Nazarene. Upon graduating from HLC, Lynnelle attended Northeast Missouri State University (now Truman State University) in Kirksville, Mo., where she earned a master's degree in English. During her college career, Lynnelle served summer mission trips to the Philippines and Russia. After marrying, Lynnelle moved to Australia with her husband. While in Australia, Lynnelle lived in Morwell, and Werribee in the state of Victoria, later moving to C offs Harbour, N SW. W hile a t C offs Harbour she completed her English teaching certificate and then taught s econdary s chool at C hristian s chools i n C offs H arbour, a nd Nambucca Heads, NSW where she lived until her death. Lynnelle was preceded in death by her parents Larry and Lola Rap; sister Londa; and Lola's second husband Ron Nelson. She is survived by her children Catherine and Chai; brother-in-law Hal Paul; n ephew J oshua P aul; a unt E laine ( Lotspeich) F ling; m any cousins; and Ron's children. A celebration of life was held for Lynnelle on June 13, at the Nambucca Christian Life Centre in Nambucca. Internment will be in a private ceremony where her ashes will be scattered at sea.

Funeral service for Manford P. Peters, age 90, of Ainsworth, was held on Tuesday, June 16, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth. Burial followed in the East Park Cemetery near Ainsworth. Manford Peters died Wednesday, June 10, at the Sandhills Care Center in Ainsworth. Survivors include wife Annette of Ainsworth; children Loren Peters and wife StarrLinn of Jackson, Kevin Peters and wife Diane of Wayne, Janelle Guericke and husband Doug of Alexandria, S.D., Troy Peters and wife Paula of Ainsworth, Aaron Peters and wife Marti of Emerson, and Shawn Peters and Missi of Allen; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren; sisters Maureen Osbahr and husband Myron of Wakefield, Yleen Johnson and husband Bruce of Wayne; sister-in-law J udy P eters of S outh S ioux C ity; a long w ith n ieces, nephews and other family members. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the family in his name for a future designation. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.hochfuneralhome.com.

Arthur “ Arch” J ames F erguson, 8 6, o f Wood L ake, p assed a way a t h is home on June 2. Arch w as born on January 12, 1940, in Sexsmith, Alberta, Canada. At the age of eight, his family immigrated to the United States and settled in Wood Lake, a place he would proudly call his home for the remainder of his life, aside from a few years spent in Omaha. He g raduated f rom N orth O maha H igh School in 1958 before attending the University of Nebraska at Omaha. During his college years, Arch distinguished himself in athletics, excelling i n w restling a nd f ootball. H e graduated f rom U NO in 1963, then returned to the Sandhills to the family ranch, where he would build a life rooted in hard work, family, and community. Arch honorably served in the United States Coast Guard from October 2, 1962, until March of 1963. Following his discharge, on June 1, 1963, Arch w as united in marriage to the love of his life, Jackie Huntley, in Omaha. Together they were blessed with four children: Bobbie, Jimmy, Mike, and Kathy. Arch’s impact on the wrestling community spanned more than five decades. As a coach, mentor, and supporter of young athletes, he helped shape generations of wrestlers, teaching far more than techniques on a mat. He instilled discipline, perseverance, and character i n a ll w ho h ad t he p rivilege o f l earning from h im. H is dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Nebraska Wrestling Hall of Fame, one of many honors recognizing a lifetime of service. Few people possess the unique ability to be firm, tough, maybe even loud at times when coaching young athletes to their full potential, then turn around and be patient, quiet, and gentle to earn the trust of a horse. Arch understood that success came from building confidence, earning respect, and bringing out the best in those around him. His gift for knowing exactly what was needed in each moment made him an exceptional coach, horseman, mentor, and friend. Arch p ossessed a r emarkable g ift w ith h orses. K nown b y m any a s a true “horse whisperer,” he trained exceptional cutting and rope horses while passing his knowledge of horsemanship to his children and countless young riders. Many of those lessons carried on into successful rodeo careers and lifelong passions. His love for the western way of life was reflected through his involvement with the Nebraska H igh S chool R odeo A ssociation a nd t he N ebraska C utting Horse Association. His contributions to ranching and the cowboy way of life were further recognized in the Nebraska Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame. A devoted member of the Wood Lake community, Arch gave generously of his time through the fire department, the Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge. He believed strongly in service, fellowship, and helping others whenever he could. Arch will be remembered for far more than his impressive accolades. He was ornery in the best way, hardworking, quick witted, and never short on laughter or stories. That unmistakable laugh could carry across an arena, and his presence was often larger than life. He was known for his tough love, honest advice, and homemade moonshine, affectionately known as “The Recipe”. Whether sharing a jar of Recipe, a c ompetitive g ame of c ribbage, a h orse l esson, o r word o f encouragement, Arch had a way of bringing people together and making them feel like family. May we honor him by living our lives sharing our talents a nd passions w ith others, serving our family and our country, and “living life like somebody left the gate open.” Preceding him in death are his parents; wife Jackie; and brothers Erv and Rodney Ferguson. Left t o c arry h is l egacy are h is c hildren, Bobbie (Todd) G raff o f Ainsworth, J immy F erguson of J ohnstown, M ike (Sara) F erguson o f Wood Lake, and Kathy (Justin) Hammond of Valentine; sister Donna (Jim) Marvin of Omaha; five grandchildren, Josh (Krista) Graff, Brady (Becca) Graff, Sheyenne (Trent) Solida, Hayes Hammond, Lauren Ferguson; four great-grandchildren Mesa, Kreed, Ivy and Ryle; and a slew of extended family and friends. A b ook s igning w ith family receiving f riends w ill b e held on F riday, June 1 2, at t he Johnstown Fairgrounds H all from 4 u ntil 7 p .m. A memorial service w ill b e o n S aturday, J une 13, a t t he J ohnstown Fairgrounds Arena starting at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Wood Lake Fire Department or the Wood Lake Wrestling Club and may be sent in care of W illiams & K uehn F uneral H omes, 2 41 W est 4 th A ve., R ed Cloud, NE 68970. Online condolences, photos, & memories can be left on Arch’s page for the family at www.wkfuneralhomes.com.