Leola June Ohm

OBITUARY OF LEOLA (KUNNEMAN) OHM June 28, 1922 ~ May 7, 2011 Leola June Kunneman was born on a farm northeast of Elkhorn, NE to parents, Otto and Elsie (Otte) Kunneman on June 28, 1922. Leola was the third of five girls born to the couple and attended Elkhorn Public Schools graduating in 1939. Education was very important to her parents as her dad made sure, that in spite of inclement weather, the girls continued their schooling, many times walking to and from their grandparents’ home on Pacific St. in Elkhorn.. Leola was a spelling champion and also was named princess at the Douglas County Fair. Upon graduation, Leola attended Midland Lutheran College in Fremont, NE for one year pursuing education after which time she married her sweetheart, Edward W. Ohm of Yutan. A lifelong Elkhorn resident, she lived her entire active married life on Main Street in Elkhorn. A typical World War II wife, Leola supported the cause during the war by making bandages and faithfully supporting the troops with prayers. And naturally, she corresponded with her husband by writing many letters and anxiously awaited the day of his safe return. Finally in January of 1946 Eddie returned to Elkhorn and they began a new life. Daughter Carmen was born in 1944, son, Douglas in 1949 and daughter Ardeth in 1958, all of whom graduated from Elkhorn High School. The couple has nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. She was baptized and confirmed in Bethany Lutheran Church and holds charter member status. Leola has also served in many ways as Sunday School superintendent, worship opening leader for Sunday School, choir member, teacher of Sunday School and Bible School, committee member/chair, participant of many church women’s activities and supporter of all. She spent much time preparing and serving food for the famous Bethany Lutheran Fair Stand at the Douglas County Fair and serving church events, as well as many committee and club meetings for her and her family. She became a leader of Girl Scouts/Brownies and 4-H clubs for her children, served in Women’s Club, Library Board, American Legion Auxiliary Post #362 since 1945 and became a member of the select “Eight and Forty Club” recently. Leola was honored for 60 years of membership in the Elkhorn American Legion Auxiliary in 2005. She and Eddie were also members of the Elkhorn VE Grange in which she served as Chaplain. They are also members of the Elkhorn Historical Society and encouragers of the preservation of the rich history of Elkhorn. One of Leola’s favorite privileges was being on the selection committee for the Girls’ State representative each spring and meeting the outstanding candidates on behalf of the Auxiliary Unit. Leola has always loved her school and city and has served in many ways. She became the first Elkhorn Alumni president in 1958 and for nearly 30 years she served as reservation chair for the banquets. Many committee meetings have been attended and many hours of service were given by this devoted lady. She looked forward with such enthusiasm to each year’s banquet and seeing alumni from near and far was a delight. The Ohms were proprietors of Elkhorn Hardware, Elkhorn Feed Mill and Elkhorn Propane Co. Leola assisted her husband in these business endeavors with her bookkeeping skills and excellent rapport with the public they served. She skillfully organized numerous high school and family reunions. She was fortunate later on to be a stay-at-home mom, however, she did work for the Elkhorn Schools in the cafeteria in Westridge School, the first independent elementary building in the system. She loved seeing the children and she enjoyed this time in her life. Lee was also employed by American Interstate Bank as a filing clerk for many years. As a gift to their parents, the couple’s extended family gave Leola and Eddie the opportunity to attend the World War II Memorial Dedication in Washington D.C. in 2004 which was a highlight for them. Daughter, Ardeth Ohm-Moser and granddaughter Becky Sheets performed with The Avi8ors, a well-known vocal group singing music of the greatest generation for the dedication ceremonies making Eddie and Leola very proud.. Music has always been a large part of Leola’s life. Having married “Mr. Music” who shared his talents with many, Leola and Eddie were members of a dance club for several years and have together enlightened and thrilled many with the big band sounds. Leola had been at his side, keeping his schedule and making appointments for his musical “gigs”. She and Eddie made great harmony as they brought joy and smiles to so many. Leola also loved to bake, cook, quilt, read.and travel. Leola’s trip to The Holy Land was a highlight of her life and one she cherished. Leola’s dignity, charm, grace and patience are attributes we admire. The coffee pot was always on and a plate of cookies or cake offered was such no one could refuse. Leola loved family gatherings, preparing foods for others, especially German Pfeffernusse and her rye bread, and special recipes for holidays and special celebrations. She loved her Lord and her family and was so very dedicated to both. Leola was named Elkhorn Schools Alumnus of the Year in 2007 at a banquet sponsored by the Elkhorn Public Schools Foundation. Most of Leola’s family were present as she received her well-deserved honor. Leola suffered a stroke in March, 2007 and had resided at Elkhorn Life Care Center since April, 2007. Her beloved husband, Eddie, continued to be at her side every day and on July 20, 2010, they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary. Leola was surrounded by family on May 7, 2011 as she was taken to her eternal rest. Leola was predeceased by her parents, Otto and Elsie (Otte) Kunneman and her three sisters, Arlene Zimmerman, Evelyn Paul and Alice Hollins, brother-in-law Wm.Kentopp. She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of 70 years, Edward; three children, Carmen (Dennis) Dau and Douglas (Helen) Ohm, all of Elkhorn, and Ardeth (Robert) Moser of Omaha; one sister, Marilyn Kentopp of Falls City, NE., and sisters-in-law Rosella Snelling of Wahoo, Irene Purcell of Newcastle, CA and Alberta Ohm of Lubbock, TX and many nieces and nephews. The couple has nine grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. God bless the memory of Leola J. Kunneman Ohm. Ohm, Leola J. (Kunneman) Age 88 of Elkhorn. Survived by husband Edward; children Carmen (Dennis) Dau and Douglas (Helen) Ohm all of Elkhorn; Ardeth (Robert) Moser of Omaha; 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren; sister Marilyn Kentopp of Falls City, NE; many nieces and nephews; visitation Tuesday noon to 8 PM with family receiving friends from 6 to 8 at the funeral home. Celebration of Life Wednesday 10 AM at Bethany Lutheran Church in Elkhorn; Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery; memorials to the Elkhorn Public School Foundation or the church. Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222

Leola June Ohm

June 28, 1922 - May 7, 2011