Melanie Dawn Hergenrader

Melanie Dawn Prucha Hergenrader, 46, of Omaha, Nebraska, died on April 8, 2025, after living with cancer. She was surrounded by her family. Born in Lincoln on August 10, 1978, Melanie was the daughter of Beverly (Keim) and the late Michael Prucha and the sister of Ty and aunt to Teddy. She graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School and earned her B.A. in Psychology and Ed.S. from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Her Kappa Delta sisters remained a steady source of support and friendship throughout her life. On June 20, 2003, she married Matt Hergenrader. They made their home in Omaha and raised their two children, Max Eliot and Emmy Marie. Melanie was always present at games, recitals, competitions and school events. She noticed what her kids loved and supported them in practical, thoughtful ways. Melanie worked as a school psychologist in the Gretna, Bennington, and Ralston Public School districts. She was respected for her professionalism, trusted by families, and valued by colleagues for her steady presence. She was dedicated to her dogs—Chloe, Zoe, and Jose. She read more than 50 books a year and kept a Duolingo streak for more than 940 days. She loved to paint, decorate for holidays and was the best gift-giver. She followed rules, recycled carefully, and cooked healthy, delicious meals. She encouraged healthy habits and often had suggestions for how others could reach their goals. She loved all Nebraska sports, vintage glassware and cookbooks, and music—especially ’90s songs and The Avett Brothers. She appreciated both new trends and old favorites and rarely threw anything away. Through her inspirational fight with cancer, she received many miracles and lived a story of hope. Melanie will be remembered for her wit, intelligence, and care. Her commitment to doing the right thing and wholehearted love for her family and all who knew her. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Scare Away Cancer, an organization providing the Omaha community a direct path to help local families facing cancer. www.scareawaycancer.org A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 21, 2025 at Lutheran Church of the Master, 1200 North 181st Ct., Elkhorn, NE 68022. A livestream of Melanie's service can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=bLHecxVW6SQ

Melanie Dawn Hergenrader

August 10, 1978 - April 8, 2025