Wanda Joy Tibke

Wanda Joy Tibke was born October 13, 1938 to Earl and Minnie Surber. She grew up in Ida Grove and Danbury, Iowa where she spent most of her time on the family farm. She was the third of five children, older sisters Marlene and Janis and younger twin brothers, Jon and Jim. The family moved to Omaha, Nebraska where she met the love of her life, Edward Tibke. They were neighbors and met when Ed was out working on his car. Young romance developed into a lifetime of happiness. Together they enjoyed car racing, swimming at Peony Park, and going to drive-in movies. They were married, November 5, 1954 at American Lutheran church in Omaha, NE and were blessed with nine children: Lance, Clayton, Kathy, Kristie, Tracie, Valerie, Linnea, Michele and Keith. Her girls were treasured and her boys were spoiled. Her passion for life was Ed and her children; she truly loved everyone getting together for any and all occasions. If you missed one of these holidays, birthdays, weddings, or graduations, you were definitely given a call the next day. She had a gift for remembering all family and friends birthdays and wedding anniversaries. Wanda’s many endearing qualities included being a great listener and her children’s best friend. She was a mom to all, welcoming everyone into her home and enjoyed hearing the kids and their friends’ stories. No one ever left her house hungry. Wanda’s home was always beautiful because of her talent for decorating and growing flowers. To the family softball team, she was their biggest fan and Ed’s favorite pitching “coach”. From playing backyard volleyball to sledding, she participated in it all. She was the leader of the pranks, but if Ed found out, you were on your own. For 30 years, each November, Wanda looked forward to the family hunting trip to Chadron, Nebraska. She enjoyed the get-a-way, but what she didn’t realize was everyone else went along just to be with her. From cooking, playing games, listening to country music, and dancing, Wanda’s cabin was the place to be! Wanda’s children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren were the pride and joy of her life. She had a smile that would touch your heart and she will be loved forever. Her love is our strength and her family was her life. She will be remembered for her loyalty, devotion to family, kind spirit, and unconditional love. Wanda J. Tibke, age 76, Oct. 13, 1938-Sept. 17, 2015 Survived by loving husband of 60 years, Edward H. Tibke. Beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Preceded in death by parents Earl and Minnie Surber and sister Marlene. Survived by 9 children: Lance (Kathy), Clayton (Robin), Kathy Saathoff, Kristie (John) Vecchio, Tracie ( John) Novak, Valerie, Linnea (Keith) O’Dowd, Michele (Gerald) O’Dowd, and Keith (Connie), 21 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, brothers Jim and Jon, sister Janis, nieces and nephews. Wanda passed away in the loving arms of her family, and was a unique and exceptional wife and mother who touched all who knew her. She will be loved by all and remembered forever. Funeral service 10:30 AM Monday, Covenant Presbyterian Church, Omaha . Interment Prospect Hill Cemetery of Elkhorn . Visitation Sunday Noon to 6 PM with family receiving friends from 3-6 PM and a prayer service at 6 PM at the funeral home in Elkhorn . Condolences to www.reichmuthfuneralhomes.com Reichmuth Funeral Home 21901 W. Maple Rd. 402-289-2222

Wanda Joy Tibke

October 13, 1938 - September 17, 2015