Gladys L.Rennerfeldt 1905 ~ 2008

GLADYS  L. RENNERFELDT was born April 12, 1905, on her grandfather’s homestead, a few miles west of Oakland, Nebraska, one of fourteen children born to Victor and Lizzie (Johanssen) Johnson. She passed away, Thursday, October 16, 2008, at Oakland Heights at the age of 103 years, 6 months and 4 days.

Gladys was baptized by Lutheran Rev. Chas. Sandvahl in 1907. She attended rural school through the eighth grade, thereafter, for some years, helped at home with her younger sisters and brothers, household and farm chores.

In 1925, she married Ellory Rennerfeldt. They farmed in the Oakland and Craig area until 1936 when the “Dirty 30’s” brought an end to their farming. They then moved to Oakland, by now, the family had grown to seven. While  living in several different homes in Oakland, they lived near the park for 50 years. This made it very convenient for grandkids (and friends who were always welcome) coming from swimming or the 4-H grandkids from the fair grounds to enjoy grandma’s home-made rolls, cookies, cake, fudge, Kool-Aid, etc. She was still there for two of her great granddaughters through their entire 4-H years. It was also a great “spot” to sit and watch the parade during the Burt Co. Fair.

In the late 50’s, youngest daughter, Yvonne, and her two sons, newborn Jon and 1 ½ year-old Monte, made their home with grandma and grandpa for nine years. All these things kept Gladys “young” and the happy person she was!

For many years she had a vegetable garden, and always lots of beautiful flowers. The flower boxes by her back door were admired by many passing by.

Her husband, Ellory, passed away in 1972, leaving her a widow for 36 years. At the age of 99 ½ years, Gladys went to make her home at Oakland Heights Assisted Living and at 101, went to the Nursing Home.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ellory; daughter, Beverly Jean Lemke Brockemeier (a twin to Harley Dean); grandson, Mark Lemke; great grandchildren, Amy Anderson and Christopher Plummer; great-great grandchildren, Katie Holbrook and Jacob Kreikemeier; twelve brothers and sisters, Floyd Larson, Harry, Emil, Walfred, Oscar, Irving and Clarence Johnson, Myrtle (Mrs. Oscar) Erickson, Dora (Mrs. Sakel) Johnson, Mayme (Mrs. Chas.) Fulton, Inez Johnson and Grace (Mrs. Lloyd) Camp.

Survivors include her three daughters: Shirley Smith and Janice (Mrs. Jack) Schroeder of Oakland; Yvonne (Mrs. Bob) Magill of Tekamah, Nebraska; son: Harley Rennerfeldt of Blair, Nebraska; sister: Nona Newman and sister-in-law: Evelyn Rennerfeldt  both of Oakland; 19 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; 10 great-great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, October 22, 2008, 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Oakland, NE.

BURIAL:  Westside Cemetery, rural Oakland, NE

VISITATION: Monday 1- 8 p.m.  with the family receiving friends from 6 – 8 p.m. at Pelan Funeral Home in Oakland. Visitation will also be held Tuesday at the church one hour prior to the service.

MEMORIALS:  Oakland Heights or to the family