Lavon Pape
June 27, 1926 — September 11, 2015
LaVon J. Pape, 89, of Gothenburg, Nebraska, died September 11, 2015 at her home in Gothenburg, NE.
She was born June 27, 1926 in Cozad, NE, daughter of Johnny and Olive (Love) Berryman.
LaVon grew up in Cozad and moved to Long Beach, California where she graduated from high school. She always felt Cozad was her school and always attened the reunions there.
LaVon married Paul Pape on February 14, 1947 at Yuma, AZ to this union three children were born: Johnny, David and Susan.
LaVon was a member of the Gothenburg Community Playhouse, the Nebraska Writers Guild, P.E.O, and the Gothenburg Historical Society. She was a member of the Methodist church for over 75 years. She enjoyed traveling to England where she was a seven time tour guide. LaVon wrote two books and numerous articles for many magazines. She kept a daily journal until she could no longer write. LaVon was so moved after teaching the Bethel Series that she wrote A Christmas Pageant that was preformed for seven years by the Community Playhouse and Choir. She directed several productions for the Gothenburg Community Playhouse.
Surviving are sons, Johnny (Peggy) Pape, David (Gidget) Pape, daughter, Susan O'Keefe, grandsons, Ryan O'Keefe, Ben (Kristy) Pape, Paul (Lindsey) Pape, Josh (Stephanie) Pape, Jeffrey (Stephanie) Pape, granddaughters Wendy Jensen, and Katie O'Keefe, 12 great-grandchildren: Patrick, Ty, Aliyah, Quinn, Hailey, Michael, Xander, Dresden, Gideon, Brendon, Mira and Issac; along with and a host of extended family and friends.
LaVon was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Pape, her parents, and three sisters, Elyse McNulty, Arleen Christiansen, and Opal Pearson.
Visitation will be held at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska; Tuesday, September 15, 2015, 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm with the family present from 5:00-6:00 pm.
Funeral Services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, September 16, 2015 at 10:30 am with Pastor Joel Plisek officiating.
Interment will follow in the Gothenburg Cemetery.
Memorials may be given to the Gothenburg Community Playhouse or the First United Methodist Church.