Marie Helena Paasch

Marie Helena McArdle Paasch was born with her twin brother, Donald on March 17, 1917 at home in Elkhorn Nebraska. She grew up on the farm and married Fritz Paach on January 29, 1941. She was a lifetime member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Elkhorn Nebraska. Marie spent her years as a farmer’s wife caring for her husband and family. She took great pride in her home and spent her years taking care of others. She always sent cards to her family and friends with a handwritten note for Christmas, birthdays, special occasions, or when someone was ill. Company visiting Marie’s house knew that they were always loved by the way she could never sit still. She always tended to their needs, making sure everyone had enough to eat or drink. At the end of their visit, Marie would stand by the door to watch them leave, a gesture to make sure they knew how important they were to her. Marie had a wonderful family filled with love and laughter who meant so much to her. Her three daughters, Barb, Ann and Linda spent precious times with their mother. Everyday spent together was a wonderful day, whether it was shopping, going out to lunch or visiting in her home. Even in the last several years, when Marie was not able to get out of the house as easy and visits were limited to her home, they knew that any time spent with their mother was always a good day. Through marriage, Marie was blessed with three son-in-laws, George, Bill and Rich and through the years as a family they enjoyed many good times. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always an important part of her life and she always enjoyed spending holidays and special occasions with them. Marie’s dry sense of humor made everyone laugh right up to her last weeks of life. When the physical therapist stated he didn’t want her going home alone, Marie quickly chimed in “Why? Do you want to go home with me?” At the hospital the nurses let her know they were going to ask her some questions. Marie let her know that she shouldn’t ask her any questions about math because she was not very good at math. As the nurse completed her checklist she asked Marie if she did drugs. Marie simply replied, “Well, yeah.” Marie showed her family and loved ones how to live. She was strong in faith and lived a quiet, simple life devoted to her family and friends. Her instructions to all of us were as simple as the life she lived. “Be happy for me and don’t cry” Marie enjoyed her family and loved ones during her time here, yet she missed her husband, parents and brothers. Marie passed away on October 2, 2008 in Elkhorn Nebraska at the age of 91 years, 6 months and 15 days. She joins her loving family who preceded her in death. Husband, Fritz Paasch; Granddaughter Debbie Jenkins; Parents, Joseph and Freda McArdle; and Brothers, Roy, Edwin, Clarence, Henry, Lawrence, Frank and twin brother Donald McArdle. Marie is survived by three daughters, Barb and husband George Hendricks, Ann and husband Bill Mack, from Lincoln, Linda and husband Rich Kwapniowski, of Elkhorn; Sister Alice and husband Gene Witaker, of Fremont; Sisters-in-Law, Ella Wildhagen and Margaret Paasch and Brother-in-Law Roy and wife Marion Paasch, of Elkhorn; Grandchildren Suzie and Joe Damico, John and Teresa Hendricks, Bob and Emily Hendricks, Jim and Stephanie Mack, Dan and Georgia Mack of Lincoln, Michelle and Brent Krecklow, of Wahoo, Kevin and Lisa Kwapniowski, Scott Kwapniowski, Ron Kwapniowski, of Elkhorn, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Marie Helena Paasch

March 17, 1917 - October 2, 2008