Dr. Virginia Ann Simmons
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
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.
John Lloyd Sharp
From Lincoln, Nebraska Born on June 23, 1951. Passed away on June 9, 2020. No service at this time. 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.
Jeffry “Schwep” Mark Eckman
Jeffry “Schwep” M. Eckman, 63, of Waverly, NE passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, June 4th, 2020. Jeffry was born on February 10th, 1957 in Fall City, NE to Hubert G. Eckman and Pauline (Boman) Maughan. He graduated high school in 1975 from Lincoln Southeast then immediately enlisted into the U.S. Marine Corp, followed by a career as supply sergeant with Nebraska Army National Guard. After retiring from his military duties, he then went to work for INS/ Homeland Security Division until his death. A true patriot, Jeff had strong core values and loved serving his country alongside his many close friends. He was well-respected and loved by those whose lives he touched. Family was very important to Jeff, although he had no children of his own he doted on all of his nieces & nephews and had a deep love for gift-giving, especially at Christmas. Always the quiet one, he could usually be found with his nose in a book, or heading off to a movie. He also enjoyed attending auctions, playing cards with his Wednesday night buddies. In his younger days, he was an avid member of a co-ed softball team and also refereed girls’ volleyball games. Jeff gave generously throughout his life, through his community, important military causes, and several charitable organizations helping preserve wildlife, trees, etc. Jeff is survived by his five siblings Scott (Kim) Eckman of Duluth, MN, Kerry ”Toby” Ryan (Mark Homes) of Raymond, NE, Stacy Maughan (Beverly Rettenmaier) of Omaha, NE, Linda Maughan-Hager of Waverly, NE, Lisa (Tony) Ruhge of Lincoln, NE; half-siblings Daisymae Brayton and Mark Eckman; 10 nieces & nephews Nicholas, Jessica, Zachary, Dylan, Casey, Amelia, Emma, Eliza, Madison & Mason; as well as 8 great-nieces; nephews; cousins; and his beloved cat, Boo. Jeffry was preceded in death by parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Graveside Services at Pawnee City Cemetery, Pawnee City NE. Saturday June 13, 2020 at 1 o’clock in the afternoon. 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.
Randall “Randy” Wayne Schroeder
Randy was born in Lincoln on October 23, 1953 and he died in Lincoln after a sudden illness on May 18, 2020, at the age of 66. Randy attended Walton School and transferred to Lincoln schools in fourth grade. He graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1972. He was a farm kid all his life and a lifelong Lancaster County resident living most of his life in the rural Walton community. He collected IH farm toys, and participated in the Parrot Heads and Camp Creek Threshers. He worked over 40 years at Hamilton Equipment Company and held other jobs more recently. He enjoyed attending farm fairs, machinery shows, and local band performances. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, of rural Walton. He is survived by his special friend Deb Pfeifer of Lincoln, his sons Chris (Judi) of Lincoln and Allen (Hillary) of Eagle, his step daughter Kristina Keyser of Eugene, Oregon, his mother Darlene of Lincoln, brothers Ron (Denise) of Lincoln and Ted (Karen) of Riley, Kansas, eight grandchildren, three step grandchildren, five step great grandchildren, a nephew and niece. He was preceded in death by his wife Judy, his son Kevin, and his father Wayne. Memorials to the family. Services at a later date. 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.
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