Joyce Marie Smith
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Joyce Marie Smith, 82, passed away on October 31, 2017 at The Independence House in Lincoln, Nebraska. She was the widow of Vaughn Nelson Smith. They shared 43 years of marriage together. Born January 1, 1935 in Colome, South Dakota, she was the daughter of Frank and Bertha Bertram. She grew up on a farm south of Colome and graduated from Colome High School in 1952. She was united in married to Vaughn Smith on June 27, 1954. In 1961 they moved to Omaha, Nebraska (Millard) Joyce was a member of the St. Paul Lutheran Church in Millard, Nebraska over 50 years and will be remembered for her loving care of others. She was survived by children Cathy Koziol of Cotton Wood, Arizona; Dennis Smith of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren Chelsey Bartholomay of St Petersburg, Florida; and David Koziol of Omaha, Nebraska; sister Maxine Larsen of Colome; and brother Larry Bertram of Colome. She was preceded in death by her parents Frank and Bertha Bertram; husband Vaughn (1997); son Douglas (2017); and brothers Richard, Allan, Bud, Harold, Willis, Vern, Guy and sisters Lois, Erlene, Millie and Dorothy; and many relatives and friends. Cremation. No visitation. The memorial service is on November 10, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul Lutheran Church at 13271 Millard Avenue, Omaha, NE 68137. Visiting with the family will be prior to the memorial at 9:30 a.m. services will be followed by a lunch at the church. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the St. Paul Lutheran Church.
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.
Donald Arno Schlegel
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Don Schlegel passed away November 6, 2017 at his home in Lincoln, surrounded by his family. Don was born on the family farm outside of Green Bay, Wisconsin on August 30, 1934 to Harold and Fern (Johnston) Schlegel. He was the third of six children. He was a red-haired child with a face full of freckles and had the mischievous, live life at a fun run, type of personality that is generally associated with those physical characteristics. He despised bullies and would take on anyone who was tormenting someone else, even if the tormentor was twice his size, teaching him at an early age to protect those who needed protecting and that in this world there were times you had to take a stand. Don married DeVerne (Dee) Christianson on December 25, 1956. He always said he knew from the moment he saw her that that was his wife. They were married for 60 years until her passing last Thanksgiving. They traveled to many countries and lived in several different states. He felt his life was blessed and every day spent with her was an adventure. If asked what his hobbies were, he would say ‘work’. He didn’t hunt, fish, golf or collect trains. He re-roofed buildings, re-built engines, trimmed trees, put up fence, replaced light fixtures and once even jacked up a small barn and repoured the foundation. His family always teased him given enough duct tape he could fix the world. He greatly valued education and acquiring knowledge. He attended the University of North Dakota, the University of South Dakota and UNL. For the majority of his work life he was a teacher. He was certified to teach physics, chemistry, algebra, trig, calculus and biology. He chose to teach high school because he loved that age group. He was a gifted teacher who ran a disciplined classroom, had the ability to explain difficult subjects and encouraged questions. During some class times he would skip the subject matter and talk about life instead: how to make a tough decision, how to decide if a person would make a good mate, how to tell if someone was a reliable friend .He always said he didn’t like when a parent, teacher or any adult would say they just wanted to be a teenagers’, friend. He would say: “These kids have enough friends. What they need is an adult who is strong and steady and lives up to their word, whether that word is a promise of something fun or a consequence for something wrong. They need examples of how to be good adults.” Don is survived by his three daughters Peggy Schlegel, Vicki Schlegel (Brad Plantz) and Terri Lair (Dennis); two granddaughters Lesli Lair and Ashton Lair; a brother David (Jeannette) Schlegel; a sister Joyce (Floyd) Cottrell; & numerous nieces and nephews. Don is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Dee; a brother, Robert Schlegel; two sisters, Marvel Melvin and Vonnie Paulsen; & two nephews and four nieces. Dad, the world feels like a less safe place now that you are gone, but you and Mom gave us the tools to survive and once our grief has ebbed to hopefully thrive again. We miss you both but our love for you will always remain strong and the values you taught us will always guide our way.
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.
Robert “Bob” Noel Sass
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Robert “Bob” Noel Sass, of Eagle, NE, passed away on Thursday, October 12, 2017 at the age of 86.
Robert was born to Harry and Genevieve “Jack” Sass on July 6, 1931 in West Point, NE. Bob enjoyed nature, spending time at the Elkhorn River, and working at the Pharmacy and Soda Shop and the Cumming County Fair. He graduated from West Point Central Catholic in 1949. Bob earned a B.S. Degree in English and then an M.S Degree in Biochemistry in 1955 from Creighton University. After graduation, Bob worked with faculty members at Creighton as a research scientist on government funded projects.
In 1959, Robert began his career with Dorsey Laboratories in Lincoln, NE as a Quality Control Chemist finally becoming a Manager of Production to end his 29 year career.
Robert married Hope Johnson on September 22, 1962. They had one son, Steven. As a family they shared interests in fishing, duck and pheasant hunting, and gardening. They have enjoyed trips to the Rockies among other destinations.
Robert is survived by his wife, Hope J. Sass M.D; his son, Steven T. Sass; his granddaughters, Hannah M. Sass and Camille K. Sass and their mother Kathleen S. Sass; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Harry and Genevieve Sass; brother, Gary David Sass; sisters, Margaret “Peggy” Kaup and Mary Susan “Suzie” Henrickson.
Cremation. No visitation. A Celebration of Life was held at South Lake Village (9401 Andermatt Dr. Lincoln, NE, 68526) on Sunday October 15th from 11-1:00pm. Donations in his memory can be made to the Foundation Fighting Blindness and The Nature Conservancy.
Diane Marie Biever Solee
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Diane Solee, 75, of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2017, in Maryville, Il. She was born May 22, 1942, to John and Marie Biever in Tacoma, Washington. She grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota and graduated from Central High School in 1960. She attended the University of North Dakota, joined the Tri-Delta sorority, later transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
After graduating, she married Raymond Robert Solee and moved to Chicago, Il. where she began her teaching career. After several job-related moves, she and her family settled in Lincoln, NE where they have resided for the past 41 years.
Besides teaching Diane worked as a tax preparer for H & R Block, was a trainer and account representative for Mobile Oil, and the financial director for Houses of Hope in Lincoln, NE for over 30 years.
Diane was active in a variety of volunteer work. Through Lincoln Women’s Club, she taught CPR, helped children with learning disabilities, assisted with the GED program at Southeast Community College, and visited patients at the VA Hospital. The mayor of Lincoln presented her with the Woman Volunteer of the Year Award in 1994.
She was a National Financial Advisor for the Tri-Delta Sorority for over 30 years. Diane has been active in her church in many capacities including handbell choir, JR/SR Counselor and chaperone, Sunday school teacher, Covenant Women’s group, and Hospitality committee. In addition to her volunteer work, Diane found the time to enjoy bridge, participate in book clubs, and two Bible study groups. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Diane is survived by her husband Ray of 54 years, one son Christopher Solee (Jenn), one daughter Jennifer Rosenbaum (Troy), one sister Karen Reyna (Sam), and two granddaughters Rebecca and Amanda Solee, one grandson Jonah Rosenbaum, and nieces and nephews.
Cremation. No visitation. A celebration of Diane’s life will be at 11:00 am Saturday, September 30, 2017, at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 6024 L Street, Lincoln NE with Evan Westburg officiating. A memorial gathering with family greeting friends will be held 6-8 pm Friday, September 29, 2017, at First Evangelical Covenant Church. For anyone unable to attend the service and who would like to join us can view the celebration online at http://firstcovenantlincoln.org.
Memorials to First Evangelical Covenant Church will be used to support Covenant Cedars Camp in Hordville, NE.
Ed Smetter
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Ed Smetter, 63, of Lincoln, NE died September 16, 2017, at Bryan Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972 and then married his wife, Cathie, building a life together for over 45 years.
In 1973, Ed began a 45-year career at Black Hills Energy. He took pride in his work and was respected by many.
Ed is survived by his wife Cathie, daughter Cheri and son-n-law Brett Anderson; sons, Doug Smetter, Kenny and daughter-n-law Alicia Smetter; grandchildren Josh & Nathan Anderson, Chasity, Caitlyn, Chloe & Chance Smetter; sisters Mary Donahoe & Terri Jackson; brother Steve Smetter; special friends Cody Wieseler & Jason Steffen; many nieces, nephews and other family & friends who were all very special to him.
A memorial service was at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2017, at St Luke United Methodist Church, 1621 Superior St., Lincoln, Ne. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are suggested for future designation.
Condolences to www.aspenaftercare.com.