Thomas R. Newtson

Thomas “Tom” Ray Newtson, age 68, of Springview, NE, passed away suddenly on December 31, 2025, at the Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth, NE. He was born in North Platte, NE the youngest of four children born to Melvin and Margaret “Mickey” (Stevenson) Newtson.

Growing up, Tom spent much of his life on horseback, checking pastures and cattle and participating in 4-H. On the family ranch south of North Platte, he developed his love for horses - including his favorites - Wader and Derby, a strong work ethic, and his reputation for being able to “do anything” and “fix anything.” Throughout his life, sharing horse stories with his dad, brother, and sister was one of Tom’s favorite pastimes. They could tell stories for hours and never tell them all. The family also spent time training horses and mentoring local Blue Sage 4-H Club members. As a senior in high school, his biggest highlight was qualifying for the National High School Finals Rodeo in calf roping.

Tom met the love of his life, Aleta Anderson, in 1980. He convinced Aleta to go to the movies with him and a few friends. Afterward, Aleta thought he might be a bit too wild for her, but six months later they were married on January 16, 1981, in North Platte. Tom and Aleta began their life together there, where Tom owned his own trucking business.

Throughout his life, Tom was truly a jack of all trades. There wasn’t a job, task, or project he didn’t approach with his can-do attitude. He worked as a truck driver hauling cattle and grain, a ranch hand, a tree logger, and a lumberman. In July 1996, Tom and Aleta moved their family to Keya Paha County, where Tom went to work for the Swim Sawmill and continued his appreciation for logging and milling lumber. After the Swim Sawmill fire, he went to work for Heartland Elk Ranch in Sparks, NE, giving trail rides alongside his kids and guiding elk hunts. He later started Big Hammer Construction, completing building and remodeling projects, including constructing his brother Jim and Diana’s log home near North Platte. Tom then returned to his love of lumber as manager of the Sawle Mill in Springview, working for Bill Abbott. After the Sawle Mill closed and Tom “retired,” he kept busy working for Russell Schrantz in Springview, repairing and working on tractors.

Tom and Aleta had three children: Ray, Dana, and Cody. They wanted to raise their children in a small community that put God first, taught the value of hard work, and treated everyone like family. Tom and Aleta said that moving to Keya Paha County was the best decision they ever made. This community has been home for nearly 30 years.

Tom and Aleta loved to travel and spend time with their children and grandchildren. At a moment’s notice—or sometimes without notice—Tom would pack up the truck and Aleta and head wherever the kids needed help or to visit his pride and joy, the grandkids. Tom enjoyed traveling to watch Ray and Cody compete in ranch rodeos (even competing himself in earlier years), helping at brandings, hunting, going to Lincoln to watch Husker volleyball, visiting Cody wherever his latest adventure took him, or finding a building supply store to pick up materials for his latest project.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Mickey Newtson; infant brother, David Newtson; and daughter-in-law, Sarah Newtson. Survivors include his wife, Aleta Newtson of Springview, NE; son, Ray (Amanda) Newtson of Ashby, NE; daughter, Dana (Matt) Dolch of Lincoln, NE; son, Cody Newtson of Wellfleet, NE; grandchildren, Maebelle, Carsyn, Mecarty, and Corbin; brother, James (Diana) Newtson of North Platte; sister, Laura “Sis” (Bill) Hammond of Spearfish, SD; and many nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

A Memorial Service was held on Friday, January 9, 2026 at the New Hope Community Church with Pastors Tim Wyrick and Sam Courts officiating. Music was provided by Kayla Schrantz with the CD selections of “Lead Me Home” by Jamey Johnson, “How Great Thou Art” by Lorraine Worth and “Come Ride With Me” by Dave Stamey being played. The Cowboy’s Prayer was read by Matt Dolch. A Eulogy was given by Cody Newtson. Honorary Urn Bearers were: Bill Hammond, Matthew Dolch, Ryan Snyder, Russell Schrantz, Rory Swim, Dick Caulfield and all of Tom’s other family and friends. Memorials were suggested to the Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame, the KBR Rodeo Club, or to the family for a future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of the arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.