SARABELLE (SEARS) HOEGEMEYER, the daughter of Stephen and Jessie (Reed) Sears was born on August 26, 1917 in Omaha, Nebraska. She passed away Saturday, June 14, 2008, at the Oakland Mercy Hospital in Oakland, Nebraska, at the age of 90 years.

Sarabelle was baptized in the Presbyterian Church of Decatur, Nebraska.  She spent her early years near Decatur, attending country schools in Burt County and graduated from Decatur High School in 1934. She attended Wayne College and taught school while completing requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1970.  During her career of teaching she taught for 22 years in Antelope and Burt Counties of Nebraska. 

On August 2, 1939, she married Marvin W. Hoegemeyer, son of August and Fredricka (Weitzenkamp) Hoegemeyer, at Walthill, Nebraska. To this union were born two children, Neal and Janet. She and Marvin lived on a farm east of Lyons until 2006 when they moved to assisted living and then to Logan Valley Manor in Lyons.

She was confirmed and became a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in rural Lyons in 1940 where she taught Sunday school for 6 years. She was a charter member of St. John’s Lutheran Women's Missionary League and remained an active member for more than 50 years.  She was a founder of the local Home Service Club and member for many years, holding all the offices. She was also president of the local Retired Teachers Association for many years.  She loved to crochet and made many afghans, children’s toys, and baby sweaters.  She enjoyed gardening and tending her fruit trees.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers: James (Peggy) Sears and infant, Arthur Sears.

She is survived by her loving husband: Marvin of Lyons; son: Neal (Paula) of Shelby Twp, Michigan; daughter: Janet (Robert) Ortmann of Omaha, Nebraska; 5 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; step-great grandson; sister-in-law: Fern (Harlan) Stork of Fremont, Nebraska and many relatives and friends. 

FUNERAL SERVICE: Wednesday, June 18, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Lutheran Church, rural Lyons.

VISITATION: Tuesday, June 17, 2008, with the family receiving friends from 5 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Lyons. Visitation will also be held Wednesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: St. John's Cemetery, rural Lyons, Nebraska

MEMORIALS: St. John's Lutheran Church and Donor's Choice

Please feel free to send your condolences to the family.
Each condolence will be printed and given to the family after the service.

pelan@pelanfuneralservices.com