Frances Louise Lankford
Born on July 2, 1947. Passed away on June 17, 2023. No service information at this time. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
JoAnn C. Kottmeyer
Born on August 2, 1940. Passed away on June 16, 2023. JoAnn C. (Meyer) Kottmeyer was born August 2,1940 in Minden, Nebraska to Martha (Hubert) Meyer (1912 – 2004) and John W. Meyer (1910 – 2011). To this union two children were born, Roger H. (1938- ) and JoAnn. JoAnn was baptized, confirmed, and married at Fredericksburg Lutheran Church near Minden, Nebraska. She attended 1st grade at Minden Public School, 2nd grade at District 44 rural school, and grades 3 – 12 at Upland Public Schools. JoAnn graduated high school in 1958 as the Valedictorian of her class. JoAnn’s childhood was very formative as she lived on the family farm and learned homemaking skills. She helped Martha in gardening, collecting the eggs, feeding the chickens, canning, washing clothes with a wringer washer, and learning to sew. Later, she began helping John and Roger in the fields on “her” tractor. JoAnn often spoke about her role in setting siphon tubes to irrigate the crops and going out to the fingered pasture to bring in the cows. JoAnn was active in 4-H where she showed dairy cows, competed in homemaking projects and sewing of all kinds. She was active in church, Luther League, volleyball, cheerleading, and various school activities. After high school graduation, JoAnn attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she majored in Home Economics Education. She was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority and always had very fond memories of her time in the KD house. While at UNL, JoAnn met Fredrick Kottmeyer at the University Lutheran Student Center. JoAnn and Fred were married on June 16, 1963 at Fredericksburg Lutheran Church. To this union two sons were born, Jared Kottmeyer of Broken Bow, and Evan Kottmeyer of Lincoln. She enjoyed being a mother and watching her kids grow and participating in their childhood activities. Evan and his wife Jessica gave JoAnn three granddaughters, Kendra, Kera, and Kenly Jo. JoAnn loved her granddaughters, and used her home economics skills to make many special occasion dresses for them when they were little. The family always enjoyed a yearly vacation, but especially loved visiting places in Nebraska. Following UNL graduation in January 1963, JoAnn began her teaching career in secondary vocational home economics and general sciences. During her years as a teacher, she taught at North Loup Scotia, Utica Public, Callaway, and Broken Bow. After her professional teaching career and raising her sons, she went to work with Fred at the dental practice until his retirement in 2005. JoAnn was very active in the Broken Bow community for many years. She was involved in the American Association of University Women (AAUW) and the Custer County Home Extension Club which later became her “lunch bunch”. JoAnn was also the Church Education Superintendent, president of the Vocational Homemaking Teachers Association and represented Nebraska at the 1968 national convention. JoAnn also represented Nebraska in the Lutheran Brotherhood organization as state president for several terms. While involved with Lutheran Brotherhood, they completed many service projects across the region while sharing God’s love and the gospel. JoAnn loved The Lord, teaching people, and sharing her God given talents with them. Her later years were devoted to her family. When Fred passed in 2011, she focused on her home and being a companion to Jared who was there as her helper and caregiver. JoAnn was a devoted and faithful wife and mother who did so much for her family. She loved and cared for her husband and sons and honored her parents throughout their lives. JoAnn was called to her heavenly home on June 16, 2023 at the age of 82 years, 10 months, and 14 days. Victory is hers as she awaits Resurrection Day with the return of our Risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. JoAnn is survived by her brother and lifelong friend, Roger (Betty) Meyer of Utica, NE. Son Jared Kottmeyer of Broken Bow, NE. Son Evan (Jessica) Kottmeyer of Lincoln, NE, and granddaughters Kendra Kottmeyer of Kansas City, MO, Kera (Peyton) Renard of South Royalton, VT, and Kenly Kottmeyer of Lincoln, NE, and you – a special relative or friend. Services will be held on Friday June 23rd – 3:00pm at St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church – 741 S 9th, Broken Bow, NE, with a committal service on Saturday June 24th – 11:00 am at Salem Lutheran Church 944 HWY 14, Superior, NE. The family has designated memorials to St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Fredericksburg Lutheran Church Cemetery Fund, and Salem Lutheran Cemetery Fund. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Ann E. Katona
Anne Elizabeth (Sharpless) Katona, Age 82, of Lincoln, NE passed away on June 14, 2023. She was the youngest daughter of three girls born in Palatka, FL on September 18, 1940 to Hubert and Fanny (Key) Sharpless. After high school she attended dental college to earn her AA and worked as a dental hygienist for 6 years before marrying Navy Lt. Jack Katona, on September 10, 1966 in Sanford, FL. Once her husband retired from the Navy, they took time to travel through Canada and the US. While visiting her family in Florida, she met and fell in love with the Kerry Blue Terrier breed. Once settled in California in the mid 1970’s the first of many Kerry’s came into her and her family’s life. Anne became a breeder, and along with her groomer husband, showed many Kerry’s to their AKC Championships under the Tyrella name. The ‘dog world’ as she so fondly called it, provided her with a wonderful community and satisfied her innate curiosity and love of learning. This ultimately led her to applying to become an AKC dog show judge. She went on to complete 5 full groups of dog breeds and additional breeds in the other 2 groups. Anne was not just a dog judge. Having grown up with horses and other animals, she learned the foundation of structure and movement. She believed these to be the cornerstone of importance in judging. She cared immensely about improving the sport and was an amazing mentor to many novice handlers. She would find ways to encourage people with tips and ideas for improving their showmanship to help bring out the best qualities in the dogs they were showing. She judged her last dog show in November 2022. She enjoyed spending her days reading with her Maine Coon cat, Stellar, warming her lap. Preceded in death by her sister Billye Depratter. Survived by her husband Jack Katona of Lincoln, NE; daughter Audra Katona and son-in-law Scott Perryman of San Francisco, CA; granddaughter, Ava Perryman of Burlington, VT; her sister Joan Murkerson of Florida, in addition to many other loving family members. Please join us in celebrating Anne’s adventure filled life on Thursday, August 3rd 2023 at 2:00pm at Christ United Methodist Church 4530 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510 immediately followed by a reception from 3:00pm – 5:00pm at Grata Bar & Lounge 6891 A St, Lincoln, NE 68510. The Celebration of Life service at the Church will be live streamed on their Facebook site. Please click on the “Go live” button to connect. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the organizations that were dear to Anne’s heart, Arbor Day Foundation and Take the Lead. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Doris Marie Hines
Doris was born December 12, 1926, to Henry Halla and Julia Kotrc Halla on their farm near Cotesfield, Nebraska. She married John Hines, whom she met in 1946 when on a trip with two girlfriends to Gothenburg, Nebraska, on April 19, 1947. They lived for a short time in Cozad, Nebraska, before moving to Grand Island, where they lived for the bulk of their lives together. Doris attended the Grand Island School of Beauty and earned her cosmetologist’s license in 1958. She had her own “beauty salon” in their home and worked as a hairdresser for 25 years. During their years in Grand Island, Doris and the family were members of the Trinity United Methodist Church. Doris spent many hours volunteering in the church office folding bulletins and helping in other ways. She was a faithful friend to many in Grand Island and assisted several elderly friends and relatives in their later years. She was known for her Spring and Fall garage sales which always drew a large turnout! Doris loved to crochet and made countless afghans. After she and John moved to Lincoln, she crocheted stocking caps for the new babies born at the local hospital. She made well over 200! She was an avid reader and kept her daughter-in-law, Dee, busy checking out and returning library books for her to read. Doris was a wonderful cook—her specialties included the best fried chicken and gravy in the world, Bohemian foods such as potato dumplings with roast pork, and her family-famous sour cream chocolate cake. Although she knew really nothing about football, other than to cheer when her team made a touchdown, she was a Husker fan and watched the televised games regularly. Doris almost always had a smile on her face. She was warm and friendly to all, had a ready laugh and a wonderfully fun sense of humor—all of which she kept until the day she died. In the early 1970s, Doris came to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Her faith in Him was strong and carried her straight into His waiting arms upon her death. She knew where she was going and had no fear—rather she couldn’t wait to go and be with the Lord. In 2006, Doris and John moved to Lincoln to be closer to Jim and Dee due to some health struggles. Thanks to the Lord and Dee’s nutritional help, Mom’s health improved greatly and remained strong until the very end. Mom lived alone in their apartment for 11 years after John died in 2009. When the Covid-19 pandemic reared up, the decision was made for Doris to move in with Jim and Dee. They created a cozy mother-in-law apartment for her where she lived until she passed. It was wonderful for her to be with family, taking all her meals with them, but having her own private space. Doris passed away on June 13, 2023. Doris was preceded in death by her husband, John; her parents; her older brother, Rudy (Mary) Halla; her younger sister, Lois (Ed) Penas. She is survived by her son, Jim (Dee) Hines of Lincoln; her daughter, Sue (Mike) Vanlaningham of Ingleside, Illinois; grandchildren Cherie (Jared) Anderson, Jenni Olesen, Becky (Bob) Stevenson, and Tim (Natalie) Vanlaningham, 16 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She has left a legacy of joy, love, laughter, and faith. Her remains will be interred at West Lawn Cemetery next to John in Grand Island, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life service with luncheon to follow is being held on August 5, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Lincoln Berean Church: 6400 South 70th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68516. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
Gwen E. Montgomery
Gwen Eileen Montgomery of Lincoln, NE peacefully passed away on June 13th, 2023 surrounded by her loved ones and pastor after a difficult battle with Heart Disease. Gwen Van Meveren was born on January 9th, 1955 to Glenn and Leona Van Meveren the 5th child of 9 in Tracy, Minnesota. Gwen attended Lincoln High School, Class of 1974. She was passionate about Family, Cats, Gardening, Antiques, Crocheting, Baking and was known for her delicious Banana Bread. She was an avid fan of Nebraska Football and the KC Chiefs. In 1980, she met Robert Montgomery and married in 1982. They were blessed with one child Jessica Montgomery who she loved dearly. Gwen was predeceased by her parents, Glenn and Leona Van Meveren, her brother Charles Christian and infant son Aaron. She is survived by her husband, Robert Montgomery and daughter, Jessica Montgomery. Siblings; Diana & Marv Berg, Ricky and Val Van Meveren, Tim and Sheri Van Meveren, Bradley & Lydia Van Meveren, Stephanie DoRan, Chris Van Meveren, Kim and Mike Stokes A Memorial service will be held at Southview Baptist Church, 3434 S. 13th Street, Lincoln, NE, Monday, July 24th at 2:00 pm. A dessert and coffee reception immediately following service at the church. To leave a condolence please use the form below.
Funeral Home assisting is Aspen Mortuary, 4822 Cleveland Avenue, Lincoln, NE 68504. To view an on-line obituary or email condolences please visit Aspen Mortuary’s website at www.aspenaftercare.com.
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