GLADYS MARIE LOFTIS was born July 12, 1922, to Chris and Hilma (Follen) Christoffersen at their farm home north of Kennard, Nebraska.  She passed away Thursday, February 10, 2011, at the Memorial Community Hospital in Blair, Nebraska, at the age of 88 years.

Gladys attended school at Bisbee, March, Brodersen, Herman and Pleasant View Public Schools.  In addition, she was a member of 4-H.  When she began working already as a teenager up until her marriage, Gladys worked and stayed at people’s homes cleaning and cooking for them and caring for their sick or injured family members in exchange for room and board, as well as a modest $2 a week, if it was afforded to her.

On October 9, 1941, Gladys married Marion Loftis of the Herman and Craig area, at the Washington County Courthouse in Blair.  They farmed most of their married life in the Alder Grove neighborhood south of Craig, Nebraska.  In 1983, they retired from farming and moved to Tekamah, Nebraska.

Gladys was a dedicated member of the Alder Grove United Methodist Church in rural Craig, and a member of the Alder Grove Women’s Extension Club for 64 years, serving as County Chairman for two years.  As a member of the Tekamah United Methodist Women, Gladys assisted with bingo and at the Golden Living Center for many years.  Gladys also enjoyed the fun and friendship of the Alder Grove Women’s Birthday Club.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 66 years, Marion; brother, Vernon Christoffersen; and granddaughter, Juliann Gatzemeyer.

Gladys is survived by her two daughters and sons-in-law, Donna and Bob Gatzemeyer of Tekamah, Linda and Wayne Nelsen of Blair; five  grandchildren, Annette (Tom) Oloff, Andrea  (Mark) Imholte, Aaron (Michele) Gatzemeyer, Tim Edwards, Duane Kuhl; six great-grandchildren, Neil and Phoebe Edwards, Greg and Matthew Oloff, and Luke and Alexander Imholte.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, February 15, 2011, 1:30 p.m. Alder Grove United Methodist Church, rural Craig, Nebraska.

VISITATION: Monday, February 14, 1 -8 p.m. with the family receiving friends from 5 - 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Tekamah. Visitation Tuesday will be held at the church one hour prior to the service.

BURIAL: Tekamah Cemetery

MEMORIALS: 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.

pelanfuneralservices@hotmail.com