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Archive for: S

Marcia Lu Stubbs

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Marcia Lu Stubbs, beloved sister, died Wednesday, September 23, 2020.

She was born April 13, 1956 in Lincoln, and graduated from Norris High School in 1974. Marcia then went on to study at Southeast Community College and going to work at Bryan Hospital as a Certified Surgical Technologist. She later went to St. Elizabeth Hospital and worked as an OB Tech. She later became a cosmetologist.

Marcia was preceded in death by two sets of grandparents, her parents, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. Marcia leaves behind two sisters and their spouses.

There will be no services per her request, and she has chosen to be cremated.

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.

Paula Lynn Shufeldt

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Paula Lynn (Lafler) Shufeldt was born on January 7, 1952 in Lincoln, Nebraska to Willie G. “Bill” and Darlene J. (Thompson) Lafler, who preceded her in death.  She passed away on September 14, 2020 at her home in Ashland, Nebraska with her daughter by her side.  Paula was a twin to Paul Lyle Lafler, who passed away on May 23, 1953.  Her most beloved older brother, Darrell G. Lafler and wife, Sharon preceded her in death, as did her most loved brother-in-law, Robert G. “Bob” Bethel.

Paula was the kind of person who would help anyone out in any circumstance.  She had a huge, soft heart, especially for the underdog.  She loved bingo and all her many friends there; it was the highlight of her week.  She had a great sense of humor.  She loved the ocean and took many cruises, which she dearly loved to do.  She retired from the League of Human Dignity in Lincoln, where she had worked for many years.

Paula is survived by her son, Steven C. Bade, daughter, Jacqueline J. (Barber) Lydiatt (Steve R.) and her dearly beloved granddaughter, Shelby F. Lydiatt, the sunshine and absolute heart of her life.  She is also survived by her older sister, Norma J. “Jeanne” Bethel of Tucson, AZ, and younger brothers, William B. “Bill” Lafler, Colorado and  Glenn D. Lafler, Lincoln, honorary childhood friend, Ella M. Carson, Lincoln and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Paula was cremated and her wish was to have a Celebration of Life in the Spring of 2021; details of Celebration will be posted on Paula’s Facebook page.

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 Bertha Sabatka

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Joann B. Koluch-Sabatka, age 69, passed away at home on August 29th, 2020 after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Joann was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on August 12th, 1951, to Joseph and Dora Koluch.  Joann was proud to grow up in Capitol Beach and lived in that neighborhood her entire life.  She graduated High School, but loved her group of lifelong friends from Everett Junior High.   Joann worked primarily as a Manager with MDS Harris, and met some of her best friends working at the Congress Inn Restaurant/Bar, and the The Point After, to name a few. Joann worked hard to support her girls, Jodi and Angie. BUT Joann made things fun wherever she went–the shenanigans that her and her friends caused made her laugh through her final days.  The number of calls, visitors and messages of hope for Joann from those she worked with shows her impact on those around her.

Joann married the love of her life Wayne Sabatka in 1995, in Las Vegas Nevada.  They loved to spend time together at the Cabin in Schulyer, fish, cook, and argue!  Her laugh was contagious, and you could not help being happy around her.  Joann was an amazing cook and many times she showed her love by delivering a meal when you needed it the most.  She was an animal lover throughout her life and passed that love on to her daughters.  Joann was happy with simple things, a glass of wine or cup of coffee shared with someone she loved.

Joann is survived by her daughter Angela Maughan (Lincoln), brother Chuck Province (Broken Bow), Nieces, Nephews, Great Nieces/Nephews, and life long friends.  We are all left to cherish her memory and feel fortunate to have been loved by her.

Joann lost a huge piece of her heart when she lost her daughter Jodi Maughan in April of 2005.  Also proceeding Joann in death, Parents Joseph and Dora Koluch, Husband, Wayne Sabatka, Sister Rosie McMahan, Brother in Law, Ron McMahan, Brother John Koluch, Aunt and Uncle Betty and Ike Stone.

“I love you Mom” …Angela

The Celebration of Life will be held October 4, 2020 from 1:00-3:00 pm at the Isles Reception Hall; 6232 Havelock Ave.

Lunch will be served

Memorials to the Lincoln Humane Society.

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.

Dr. Virginia Ann Simmons

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Virginia Simmons of Lincoln, age 87, died August 23. She was born September 6, 1932 in Darby, Iowa to George and Carrie née Benson Simmons.

She is survived by her brother Royal Simmons of Centerville, Iowa. She was preceded in death by her parents, sisters Ruth Van den Brink, Esther Ray, Edyth Johnson, Madge Peterson, Alfreda Simmons and brothers George, Chester, Ray, Paul and Alfred Simmons.

She attended a one room grade school in Darby and graduated from Centerville High School. She completed her BS (education) at Union College, Lincoln NE and MA (education), PhD (psychology), PhD (education) at George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN. She was a Eunice Kennedy Scholar where she studied with B.F. Skinner and Jerome Brunner of Harvard University. Through the Kennedy Foundation, Peabody had a unique and accelerated graduate program where Eunice Kennedy Scholars completed masters and dual doctorates in three years. In 1969 Virginia was the first to complete that program.

She taught elementary school at Cincinnati, Iowa, Junior High at Moulton, Iowa and Junior High at Hinsdale Junior Academy, Hinsdale, Illinois. After completion of her doctorates at Peabody she was the Principal at Greater Nashville Junior Academy in Madison, Tennessee. She came to Union College in 1973 to teach education and psychology and served briefly as principal at Helen Hyatt Elementary School. Virginia was the driving force and cofounder of the George Stone School at Union College and for 20 plus years served as the chair of the Humanities Department. Education was her passion. She was committed to her students and had high expectations for them.

Virginia was an enthusiastic traveler to all 50 states, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, Russia, China, Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

After retirement she was a volunteer teacher at Lubbock Junior Academy in Texas.

She was a member of the College View Seventh Day Adventist Church.

In Dr. Simmons’ declining years she was cared for by Susan Zimmermann. The family wishes to acknowledge and thank Susan for her attentive and compassionate care.

Online memorial services will be September 5, at 4pm. Service can be accessed at: https://www.facebook.com/unioncampusministries.

A Virginia Simmons memorial has been established for George Stone School, Union College. Union College Advancement Office, 3800 South 48th Street, Lincoln, NE 68506-4386.

Private services will be held at the Haines Cemetery, Centerville, Iowa.

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.

Shari Ann (Fischer) Schmidt

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April 25, 1957-July 21, 2020

Shari of rural Sterling, NE was child number four of eleven, born to Ray L. Fischer and JoAnn G. (Werner) Fischer in Tecumseh, NE. She died peacefully at home with her soul-mate and Prince Charming at her side. Shari was the Queen of four children who, together gave her 10 grandchildren and, what our God given imaginations tell us, the most incredible reunion and ‘Welcome to Paradise’ a mother could receive. Her grandchildren were her most loved and cherished gifts on Earth. She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of her first great-granddaughter coming in October.

Shari’s love for her siblings was as deep and wide as the ocean. She adored her numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews so very much.

She was a friend to many. She had a special and unique bond with each of them, they were her silver and gold.

Prior to her retirement, she loved the daily opportunity to unite with her work family at NMPP Energy. They all brought brought joy and happiness to her working years.

Beyond family and friends, Shari was a faithful child of God, avid reader, excellent cook, out of this world baker and all together incredible human being with many talents. Always smiling, she enjoyed life on the farm, camping, car rides through the countryside, going to movies, and attending all her grandchildren’s activities and events.

Shari enjoyed life on Earth to the fullest, lived it generously and with no regret.

She was preceded in death by, her infant daughter; parents, Ray Fischer and Jo Ann (Werner) Fischer; sisters, Wanda Sue (Fischer) Dorn and Sarah Jane Fischer; father-in-law, Lowell Schmidt; mother-in-law, Arlene (Harms) Schmidt; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Schmidt; brother-in-law, Gary Schmidt.

Survived by, loving husband Glen Schmidt; children, Serena and Scott Brauckmuller, Stephanie Hassler, Seth and Kelcy Weiss; grandchildren, Chelby Brauckmuller and Riley Hoy, Rochelle Brauckmuller, Harlee Brauckmuller, Kennedy Hassler, Kayne Hassler, Layton Brauckmuller, Kory Hassler, Remington Weiss and RaynaJo Weiss; siblings, Becky (Calvin) Wilken, Cindy (Galen) Boldt, Lori (Greg) Meyers, Roxanne (Bob) Aitken, Mitzi (Rolley) Aden, Richard Fischer, Todd (Michelle) Fischer, Troy Fischer, Donna (Larry) Rathe and Darla (Cliff) Huff; numerous nieces and nephews.

For condolences, 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.