Lorene Kay Halferty

Lorene Halferty was born in Gunnison, Colorado, on July 21, 1956, to Lester Andersen and Marian McDonough (Willmer). When Marian met George Christensen, he adopted Lorene as his own, and they made their home in South Omaha. The family later moved to Louisville, Nebraska, before Lorene started school—because, as her loved ones fondly remember, she was “too friendly” to attend school in Omaha. She went on to attend school in Arlington, Syracuse, and Plattsmouth, Nebraska, as the family continued to grow with the addition of siblings Kenny, Lee, Linn, Lisa, Donnie, and Michelle. On April 17, 1973, at the age of 16, Lorene married David Halferty in Nebraska City, Nebraska. Together they lived in Escondido, CA; Glasgow, MT; Plattsmouth, NE; and Fremont, NE. In June of 1978, they welcomed their only child, Tara. The couple divorced later that year in December. Lorene and Tara lived in Valley and later in Yutan, Nebraska, until after Tara graduated high school. Lorene eventually returned to Valley, settling across the street from the elementary school her granddaughter attended—a perfect location for a proud and involved grandmother. In 2018, she made the move to Missouri to be closer to her grandchildren, never wanting to miss a moment of their lives. Lorene spent the majority of her professional career in telecommunications, working for Greyhound and Marriott before retiring from TD Ameritrade due to health concerns. She formed deep and meaningful relationships with her coworkers, many of whom became lifelong friends. She lived her life as a devoted grandmother, mother, sister, daughter, and friend. Her faith was quiet but strong, shown through her kindness, her generosity, and the way she treated others. She believed in the goodness of people, loved fiercely, and forgave easily. Her circle of family and friends only grew with time, as she welcomed everyone with open arms and never let go. Lorene loved music and was an avid reader, but her greatest joy over the last 22 years came from being a grandmother. She attended every event her health would allow, always cheering on her grandchildren with pride. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Jim Kotlarz; her granddaughter Katelyn and grandson Matthew; her siblings Kenny (Kris) Christensen, Lee (Yadi) Christensen, Linn (Mike) Moore, Lisa (Jim) Davidson, Donnie (Angie) Willmer, and Michelle Beaver; as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends. She was preceded in death by her mother Marian Willmer, her bonus dad James Willmer, and her father George Christensen.

Lorene Kay Halferty

July 21, 1956 - April 21, 2025