Elda Roethemeyer

Elda Regina (Wendland) Roethemeyer began her life in the depression era. She was the seventh and last child born to William H. and Ella (Sydow) Wendland on the farmstead north of Arapahoe, NE on November 23, 1921. She received her early education in Immanuel Lutheran School and Arapahoe Public Schools. She worked hard as a farmer's daughter earning her the nickname "Tommy", however, she had plenty of wonderful childhood memories- simple family gatherings, playing games, making taffy, going fishing or helping an older brother fix a car.

After completing tenth grade, Elda left Arapahoe to work as a housekeeper in North Platte, NE. She met her husband, Melvin William Roethemeyer while living in North Platte. They were united in marriage on September 18, 1941 in Oberlin, KS. She followed her husband to a farm north of Maywood, NE, working by his side and raising a family. As a farm wife, mother and later as a nurse she labored tirelessly and unselfishly; always thinking of others needs before herself. Melvin and Elda were blessed with ten children: Jerry, Melva Jean, Joyce, Donna, Phylis, Donald, Gordon, Stanley, Virginia and Randall.

In 1969, Elda fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming a licensed nurse. She attended the Alliance School of Practical Nursing, passed the State Board exams and began a nursing career at Sunset Haven in Curtis as charge nurse and later as director of nursing services. She continued her education to meet the requirements necessary to practice nursing home administration. Melvin and Elda moved to Curtis in the middle seventies to enjoy semi-retirement, while Elda worked at Sunset Haven as an administrator until 1989.

She and Melvin traveled and collected antiques. As Melvin's health deteriorated, Elda cared for him until his death in July of 1996. She continued living in Curtis until August of 2001 when she moved to Gothenburg, NE, living there until her death.

Elda was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church of Curtis and upon moving to Gothenburg joined her current church, American Lutheran Church. Elda cherished her Lord, her faith and her family. Special interests included living life to the fullest, gardening, bird watching, sewing and making quilts for grandchildren and great-grandchildren, crossword puzzles, cooking and family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two brothers, four sisters, a son-in-law Dennis Geiser, and grandsons: Matthew and Wayne Jesse and Lane Geiser, and granddaughter DiAnne Roethemeyer.

She leaves behind five sons: Jerry (Pat), Donald, Gordon (Mary), Stan and Randall; five daughters Melva Jean, Joyce (Garry) Jesse, Donna (Jim) Brown, Phylis (Jay) Anderson and Virginia Roethemeyer; 18 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held Sunday, April 22, 2007 from 1 P.M until 8 P.M with the family present from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, April 23, 2007 at 11 A.M. at the American Lutheran Church, Gothenburg, Nebraska, with Pastor Matthew Groenke officiating.

Graveside services will be on Monday, April 23, at 2 P.M. at the Curtis Cemetery, Curtis, NE.

Memorials are suggested to American Lutheran Church or the Special Olympics.