Andrew J. Sandoval, (AJ)

Elkhorn –

AJ Sandoval

March 24th, 1982 to May 17th, 2022

AJ Sandoval loved life, people, and God.

He was an accomplished song writer, guitar player, and singer. He was a natural performer who captivated listeners with his unique sound. He played blues, bluegrass, and rock with passion. As a songwriter, he poetically combined lyrics and music with imagination and beauty. AJ was part of a team who helped plant The Water’s Edge Church 16 years ago. As worship leader, AJ led thousands of people. He played at hundreds of weddings and funerals over the years, celebrating with people in times of great joy and comforting people in their time of need.

AJ was a man of diverse interests. He was as skilled in the kitchen as he was with the guitar. His smoked meats and chicken wings were nothing short of amazing. He loved soccer and was the captain of his soccer team in college.  He continued playing as an adult and a was a longtime fan of the Liverpool and KC Sporting Football Clubs. He also was a walking Star Wars Encyclopedia who loved to put together Star Wars Lego sets.  He loved taking on new challenges like working on redoing a whole basement with his father and truly valued the moments they spent and conversations they shared while doing home repairs.  AJ was thoughtful and introspective and gave genuine, authentic feedback in conversation.

AJ worked at PayPal for the last 11 years. He found great value in serving clients and being part of a team. He developed meaningful relationships with co-workers and was grateful to work at PayPal. AJ was a practical joker and was a master of pulling pranks on friends and family. His laughter could light up a room.

AJ’s favorite roles in life were husband and dad. He married Kristen on October 20th, 2007. It was a celebration full of love with friends, family and chicken wings.  Together they enjoyed music festivals, trips to see family, hiking, camping, game nights, and they knew how to celebrate Halloween like no others.  AJ’s other love was his daughter Avery, born 4 ½ years ago. AJ loved being a dad. When he wasn’t busy teaching her the ways of a lightsaber, he painted her nails, and cuddled during movie nights. They cheered on Liverpool together as a family.  Avery learned the value of good lawn care while riding on her daddy’s shoulders while he mowed.  AJ strummed his guitar while Avery danced and bounced along to the rhythms.   Avery’s giggles filled the room with joy when her daddy playfully tossed her and played chase.  That same playfulness will forever remain a treasured memory by each of his nieces and nephew as well.   It was a joy for him to generously provide and care for Kristen and Avery.

AJ is survived by Kristen and Avery as well as many family and friends. AJ’s visitation will be Tuesday afternoon, May 24th, from 4:00 to 7:00. The Celebration of Life service will be Wednesday morning, May 25th, at 10:30 with a lunch to follow. Both events will be held at The Water’s Edge Church, 19600 Harrison Street. The service will be streamed at www.youtube.com/weomaha.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to Avery’s College Fund.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com

 

Clarence A. Algiere, Jr.

Read more

Mildred J. Erlenbusch

11/14/1945 – 5/12/2022

Gretna –

Born 11/14/1945 in Spencer, NE

Grew up on a farm Southwest of Spencer and graduated from Spencer High School in 1964.

Micki was married to James Erlenbusch on 9/4/1966.  After Jim’s deployment in the service they settled in Gretna, NE in 1974.

Micki worked various jobs before becoming a union drywall finisher until her retirement.

Survived by husband James, children Jody, Ann (Matt) Reicken, grandson Dylan, sister Maryann (Frank) Baker, family and friends.

 

Visitation Wednesday 5 – 6:30 PM with Prayer Service 6:30 PM at Roeder Mortuary. Graveside Service Thursday 1:00 PM at Bohemian Cemetery at Spencer, NE.

 

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com

 

Charles D. Brewer

6/23/1935 – 5/12/2022

Gretna – Charles was born June 23, 1935 in Omaha, NE. His family lived in Bellevue and then moved to Missouri.
After graduation from Skidmore High School, Charles and his family moved back to Bellevue, Nebraska.
There he worked for an excavating company installing infrastructures. In 1955 he began working for the City of
Bellevue.
In April 1958 he was drafted into the Army. He trained in Fort Hood, Texas and Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was
then assigned to a combat engineer company in Hanau, Germany for eighteen months. While there he
traveled to Spain, France, Austria, Netherlands and Switzerland. After returning from Germany and
successfully completing the Civil Service Exam, he secured a position in the Civil Engineering Squadron at
Offutt Air Force Base. As a civilian employee, he spent thirty-two years of service there, retiring as an
Environmental Support Chief in March 1992.
In 1966, he married Laurel Elscher from Clatonia, Nebraska. They lived in Gretna, Nebraska where Laurel
taught school for thirty years. They were married for 55 years. Through their years together, Charles served
as a Boy Scout leader and was active in the Gretna United Methodist Church. He owned and operated Brewer
Water Treatment Service for many years after his retirement from Offutt and also served on the Gretna City
Council for 17 years. Charles was very active as a farmland owner and enjoyed being involved in the farming
process. Laurel and Charles loved traveling. They especially enjoyed their trips to Alaska, New England, and
their yearly winter vacations to Arizona where they supported the Chicago Cubs as die hard fans.
In his words, Charles was the father of “two fine children”, Jason and Tricia. He was the kind of father who
hiked mountains in New Mexico with Jason as his Boy Scout leader. And the kind of father who helped Tricia in
her hobby of crafting. He was so pleased to be able to help them build their houses and support them in
anything they did. Charles was also the grandfather of Colin, Devin and Jenna. He enjoyed spending time
with them and attending their activities such as Colin’s baseball games, Devin’s musicals, and Jenna’s tennis
matches.
Charles passed away peacefully at home on May 12, 2022 and leaves behind family and friends and many
others whose lives he touched. In his memory, the family will donate any memorial funds to the Gretna Fire
and Rescue Department.

Visitation Tuesday May 17th 5:00 -7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary with Private Burial.

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel
11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE                                                                                                                                                                                                             402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com

Charlene J. Charron

Read more

Wandalee Martha (Knigge) McMillan

Sept. 4, 1931-April 29, 2022

Age 90, died Friday, April 29, 2023 in Fremont , NE. Wanda was born Sept. 4, 1931 in Alexandria, NE to David Levi Knigge and Pauline (Komrs) Knigge. She grew up in the area and graduated from Alexandria High School in 1948. On November 14, 1951, Wanda married Charles McMillan in the Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. After raising their four children in Grand Island, Wanda and Charles lived in the communities of Schuyler, Columbus, and retired in Omaha. They spent their winters in Arizona.

Wanda is survived by her children Lynne (Fran) Olivigni, Cathy (Dan) Schmaderer, Bob (Pam) McMillan, and Mike(Kathy) McMillan, 9 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren . She has 6 surviving sisters, several sister and brother in laws, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband Charles, her parents, 1 sister, and 3 brothers.

A memorial service will be held at the Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, NE on Friday, June 3 at 11 am.
Memorials suggested to the Alexandria Cemetery or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Roeder Mortuary Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.roedermortuary.com

Theophilus Foster “Theo”

July 22, 1953 – May 4, 2022

Theo chose to make Omaha his home. He built a life, a family and a career. He was well known by generations of people and made himself an invaluable part of the community. He will never be forgotten and forever be missed.
FUNERAL SERVICE: 12pmFriday, May 13, at Salem Baptist Church, 3131 Lake St., with VISITATION one hour prior to Service. INTERMENT: Mount Hope Cemetery.

Helen C. Rickerl “Debbie”

March 14, 1942 – May 8, 2022

Omaha – Preceded by parents Harold and Ethel Boyle, brothers James and Michael. Survived by husband David Rickerl, children Christine (John) Chorostecki, Timothy Rickerl (Starr Kennedy), Kathleen (Rob) Hubbard, Ann (Paul) Hinrichs, Stephen Rickerl (Heather Davey), grandchildren: Samuel Chorostecki; Audrey, Flynn, Greta and Julia Rickerl; Owen Hubbard; Corinne, Thurston and Elise Hinrichs; Josephine and David Rickerl, many nieces and nephews. Memorial Service 2:00 PM Friday (5/13/2022) at Roeder Mortuary.  Memorials to Holy Name Housing.

Diane M. Saigh

11/12/1951 – 5/5/2022

Gretna – Preceded in death by parents Maurice & Delores Ludwick, brother Mory. Survived by children Christopher (Rebecca) Durand, Heather (Aaron) Mowinkel, Holly (Derek) Hummel. 8 grandchildren Faith Durand (Sam Kydney) Jocelyn Durand , Charley Durand , Murphy Durand , Jacob Mowinkel, Julia Mowinkel, Cecilia Hummel , William Hummel, 2 great grandchildren Grayson Kydney and Elijah Kydneyn, brothers Dale (Sue), Tony (Beckie) Ludwick, family and friends.

Diane was a pillar in our small community owning and operating a local cafe for many years.  She loved traveling with her family, especially if there was a road trip involved.  She enjoyed shopping, decorating for every single holiday, and of course, she always wore festive clothing.  She loved her family with everything she had, and was the best mom and grandma anyone could ask for.

She taught her family to be strong, to always advocate for themselves and she truly exemplified what love is.  She was feisty and stubborn and not one person could ever tell her what to do, yet at the same time, would have walked through fire for anyone closest to her. She was as tough as they came. She created a beautiful legacy and will be missed by many.

 

Visitation Tuesday 5:00 – 7:00 PM at Roeder Mortuary. Funeral Service 10:30 AM Wednesday (5/11/22)  at Roeder Mortuary. Interment Evergreen Memorial Park Omaha. Memorials to the family to be determined later.

 

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com

 

Vonda L. Conant

10/1/1936 – 5/2/2022

Gretna – Vonda Lou (Boyd) Conant

Vonda was born October 1st, 1936 to Lillian and Russel Boyd in Belgrade, NE.  She was raised on family farms and attended country school in Cedar Rapids.  She would often tell stories of life on the farm growing up with her 6 siblings.  One of her favorite stories to share about her childhood was when her and her younger brother, Arnie, played doctor in the barn and he chased her with scissors as he tried to “operate” on her.  In her attempt to escape she fell from the hay loft, but miraculously did not endure any serious injuries.  She always said he was the ornery one of the bunch!  Vonda graduated from Cedar Rapids High school in 1954.  Following graduation, she attended Wayne State college where she obtained a teaching certificate and then went on to teach country school for two years.  As a young and ambitious woman, she decided to move to Omaha where she began working at Brandeis Department Store with some close friends.  Vonda later met the love of her life, Jim Conant, in the fall of 1954.  The two were set up on a blind date by Jim’s sister, Caroline and quickly fell in love.  Vonda moved to Columbus to be closer to Jim and began working for BD, making needles in their factory.  After a year of dating, Jim proposed.  The couple married on June 19th, 1956 in Cedar Rapids at St. Anthony’s Catholic church.  Following the wedding, Jim proudly pulled Vonda down main street in a little red wagon to show off his new bride.  After they married the couple settled in Genoa and welcomed their first child, Patty, on January 14th, 1959.  Just over two years later their son Dick was born on March 3rd, 1961.  Mary came on November 5th, 1962 and finally Eddie on November 23rd, 1966.  Jim’s trucking job transferred him to Omaha so they moved their family to Gretna where they would plant their roots and watch them grow.

Vonda was very active in her children’s activities.  She served as a den mother, girl scout leader, pep club sponsor, and softball coach to name a few.  Her children’s friends would often call her “mom” as she truly was a mother to all.  She was very involved in the community and St. Patrick’s parish.  She belonged to the Starlighters, the women’s altar society, and she was a news reporter for the Gretna Guide. She was also active in the local Legion.  Vonda worked at Schering Plough for almost 20 years where she packaged medicines and eventually took a job with Gretna Elementary school working alongside her husband.  This would allow them to see their grandchildren every day, they were their pride and joy!

After retiring Vonda and Jim enjoyed traveling in their fifth wheel to various sites.  Vonda loved camping, bird watching, and flowers.  She would construct priceless memories for others through scrapbooking for all of her family and friends to enjoy.  She loved lottery tickets and scratch offs. She loved her cross stitching even when her hands no longer allowed her to stitch the way she once could.  Vonda enjoyed family history and created numerous family trees and traced back family through several generations.  She wore many hats over the years with her favorites being a mother, grandmother, and lastly Mimi to the great grandchildren.

Finally, Vonda was woman of faith.  She converted to Catholicism at a young age.  Weekly and daily masses were important to her.  She always prayed for others before herself.  She greeted family and friends at mass with a kind wink and warm smile.  She reminded us all that it was her faith that got her through the trials and tribulations of life.  She tried to live her life like Jesus.  Her doors were always open to take in weary family and friends in need.  She always made sure there was room at the table and a warm bed to sleep in. She made everyone in life feel so incredibly special, especially her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.  She was the families rock, the light in the dark, she brought hope when things seemed hopeless, and bestowed her love upon all who knew her.  It is hard to think of a world without Vonda, but there is peace knowing she is with our Lord and all those who have gone before her.  She will truly be missed by all.

 

Vonda is preceded in death by her husband Jim, son Richard Allen, great grandchildren Maddie and Walker Buckman, brothers John, Melvin, Alfred, Arnie, sisters Leona Heft and Donna Fleck, and parents Russel and Lillian Boyd. She is survived by children Patty (Mark) Hotz, Mary (Greg) Jones, Ed (Lori) Conant, sisters in law Caroline Frederick and Beverly Boyd, brothers in law Richard (Kathy) Conant and Dick Lorence, grandchildren Valoree (Aaron) Stuhr, Mark (Erin) Hotz, Alex (Jon) Moore, Lindsey (Jerry) Buckman, Shelby (Garrett) Bolander, Dillon Jones, Beau Conant, great grandchildren Corbin, Aiden, Jaxon, Ellie, Henley, Cora, Carter James, Elsie, Maryn, and baby Korie, along with many family and friends.

 

Visitation Monday 4:00 – 6:30 PM with Vigil Service 6:30 PM at church. Funeral Service 11:00 AM  Tuesday (5/10/22)  at St. Patrick Catholic Church 508 Angus St. Gretna, NE. Memorials to the family.

 

Roeder Mortuary, Inc. – Gretna Chapel

11710 Standing Stone – Gretna, NE

402-332-0090 www.RoederMortuary.com