Ethan Max Brittenham, age 16, of North Platte, Nebraska, passed away on April 22, 2025 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha. He was born on August 14, 2008, to Alicia Tschetter Brittenham and Duane Brittenham. A sophomore at North Platte High School, Ethan was known for his quiet confidence, strong work ethic, and deep capacity for kindness.
Ethan was a sweet and loving kid: tough, strong, and hardworking, but never too proud to let his mom, Grammy, or aunties love on him. Whether he was talking to adults or working alongside neighbors, he carried himself with a maturity far beyond his years. He was a good conversationalist and an even better listener—composed, respectful, and easy to be around.
Ethan had a deep love for the outdoors and lived for deer season. He shot his first deer at age 12 and filled his license every year after. He never shied away from a job, whether it was mowing lawns, fixing fence, or painting window trim. He began lifting weights with his dad at 12 and rarely missed a day at the gym. He understood the meaning of “What happens with the boys stays with the boys.”
He found a passion in welding and his team recently placed third at the state level in Skills USA. Ethan saw a future in it. He was also an adventurer at heart. He traveled to Alaska with his grandparents in 2022 and 2024 and was already planning a 200-mile float trip down the Yukon River. He loved flying with his Grandpa Carl and was always thrilled to take the controls.
Ethan also had a playful side that shone brightest with the people he loved. He could spend hours playing Gran Turismo 3 or Wii tennis, setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July in Aberdeen, or racing go-karts (once so hard he broke a rib he didn’t tell his mom about). He loved Nerf battles, Minecraft, late-night phone calls, and talking about welding projects or the truck he was fixing up. His humor, curiosity, and creativity made him a joy to be around.
One of Ethan’s proudest projects was restoring a 1959 Chevy truck given to him by his Grandpa Carl. Though it didn’t run at first—and even without brakes—he worked on it with his dad until it ran. Someday he was going to drive it with his favorite music blaring through the speakers: Chris Stapleton and Hank Williams Jr.
Ethan had a soft spot for animals, especially cats, and was something of a cat whisperer. He loved Taco Bell Doritos tacos with green sauce, Five Guys fries, and homemade chuck wagon beans—his go-to dish when his mom wasn’t home to cook. He believed in real mashed potatoes (never from a box).
Ethan lived fully and loved deeply, with a kind heart, a strong spirit, and a generous soul. His presence made life better for everyone lucky enough to know him.
The family members who preceded him in death were his grandfathers: Gary Brittenham, Thomas Tschetter, and Duane Knepke.
Survivors include his parents; his grandparents: Betty Knepke-Hamit and Carl Hamit (Wallace), Mary Tschetter (South Carolina); Denise Brittenham (Gothenburg), his uncle, Dale Brittenham (North Platte); his Cousaunt Erin Anderson and Funcle Brady Shelbourn (Minneapolis, MN); his godparents Treg and Cameron Vyzourek (Superior); and great aunts, great uncles, and cousins of the Tschetter, Anderson, Hamit, and Knepke families. He also held a special place in his heart for his “Aunt” Krissy Rumery.
He is deeply loved and will be missed more than words can express.
In lieu of flowers or plants, memorials may be directed to the family for designation at a later date.
Services will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, April 26, 2025 at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Reverend Patrick Sipes officiating. Those wishing to sign the book may do so 9:00-4:00, Friday, April 25, 2025 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.