LOIS J. BLINDE
Lois Jean (Harms) Blinde, one of three children of Richard and Bertha (Bohling) Harms, was born December 8, 1934 on a farm northwest of Auburn, Nebraska. She was baptized December 30, 1934 at her home by Rev. Freuhling of St. Paul Lutheran (Hickory Grove) Church and confirmed May 15, 1949 by Rev. W.A. Hummel at Hickory Grove Church. Lois attended Linden Rural School and graduated from Auburn High School May 20, 1952. She went on to receive a one-year Teacher’s Degree from Peru State College.
She taught for three years at Independence Rural School near Johnson, Nebraska and then taught grades 7 and 8 in Johnson for two years. Lois earned a 2-year degree from PSC.
On May 13, 1956 Lois married August H. Blinde at St. Paul Lutheran (Hickory Grove) Church. Five children were born to this union: Susan, Linda, James, Teresa, and Sandra. Lois was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, homemaker, and gardener who loved to sew and quilt.
Lois was a meat wrapper and cutter for 42 years, and also mowed St. Matthew and St. Frederick Cemeteries. Joining St. Matthew Lutheran Church in 1956, Lois was very involved in the church. She taught Sunday School for 55 years, Vacation Bible School for many years, and served as Sunday School Superintendent. Lois also was on the Youth Ministries Committee, was Youth Staffer Mom for 7 years and was the first woman to serve on the Church Council. As a member of Lutheran Church Women, Lois was local president many years and was a District Board Member.
A project very dear to Lois’s heart was making Lutheran World Relief blankets. The past year alone she personally put together over 80 blankets, and with the help of St. Matthew Church women, tied them for those in need. She made hundreds of those blankets over the last 10-15 years of her life. Making those blankets gave her life daily purpose because she knew they were bringing warmth and love to someone in need.
In her community Lois was very active also. She served on the Johnson Rescue Squad for 14 years, including two years as Captain. During her 50+ years as an American Legion Auxiliary Member, she was local and district president many times. Lois was a volunteer for the Johnson Rag and on the Neighbor to Neighbor Board.
Lois became a resident of the Heritage at Legacy in Omaha, Nebraska in November of 2019. It was there she passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2019 at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 19 days. She was preceded in death by her husband Augie on September 16, 2012, her brother Donald Harms, and her sister and brother-in-law Carol and Gary Mitchell.
Lois is survived by her children and their spouses Sue and Tim Maschmeier of Beatrice, Linda and Mark Kuhlenengel of Omaha, Jim and Lisa Blinde of Auburn, Teresa and Michael Parde of Wymore, and Sandy and Brian Wahl of Omaha; grandchildren Josh and wife Nicole Maschmeier; Elizabeth, Matthew, and Michael Kuhlenengel; Steve, Eric, and Kevin Blinde; Nathan and wife Julia Vogel, Ryan and Aaron Vogel; Caleb and Macey Wahl; great-grandchildren Jacob and Emma Vogel; other relatives and many friends.
A funeral service was Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Johnson, officiated by Rev. William Shaner. Susie Hogrefe was organist and accompanist for congregational hymns. Casket bearers were her grandchildren. Burial was in St. Matthew Lutheran Cemetery.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.