Susan was born on May 26, 1934, in Blair, Nebraska, to William Thomas Wilkinson and Claire Nelson Wilkinson. The oldest of three children, she grew up in Nebraska and graduated from Blair High School in 1951. She earned a Bachelor of Arts at Nebraska Wesleyan University in 1955 and later earned a Master of Education degree at the University of Nebraska, in 1978. During her college years, she was a member of Phi Gamma Nu and Kappa Delta Pi.

On December 22, 1956, Susan married Gary Robert Clifford. Together they enjoyed fifty-three years of marriage and a shared interest in antiques, history, and genealogy. They lived in Lincoln, Nebraska, Schooley’s Mountain, New Jersey and Lititz, Pennsylvania before returning to Lincoln in 2009. After living for eight years at the Grand Lodge in Lincoln, Susan relocated to Austin, Texas in 2025 to be near her daughter and family.

A dedicated educator, Susan devoted more than four decades to teaching and inspiring young people. Her career in education began with Washington County, Nebraska Schools in a one room schoolhouse in 1951. She went on to teach with Lincoln Public Schools from 1960 to 1985, and Roxbury Township, New Jersey, from 1986 to 1995. She retired in June 1995 after a distinguished career in education.

Susan was actively involved in her community and church. She was a member of Phi Mu Fraternity Alumni, PEO, DAR, First Plymouth Church, the Women’s Wesleyan Educational Council, and the Lancaster County Republicans. She also served as a Docent with the Lititz Historical Foundation and enjoyed taking OLLI classes through the University of Nebraska. Her love of learning, service, and fellowship enriched the lives of those around her.

Susan will be remembered for her kindness and sense of humor, lifelong love of learning and unwavering dedication to education, and her commitment to family and community. Her legacy lives on in the many students she taught, the organizations she served, and the loved ones who will cherish her memory.

Susan is survived by her daughter, Karen S. (Clifford) Freche, and son-in-law, Steven M. Freche; her grandchildren, Amanda Freche and Lauren Freche; her sister-in-law, Beth Wilkinson and beloved cousins.  She will be laid to rest at Wyuka Cemetery in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Memorial contributions are welcome to the Food Bank of Lincoln in memory of Susan Clifford to support the Backpack Program which helps students and their families maintain access to nourishing foods when school meals are unavailable.

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NOTICE AND AGENDA OF MONTHLY MEETING WYUKA BOARD OF TRUSTEES June 18, 2026 Draft 3

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Marilyn was leader for her children’s Scouts, 4-H, Methodist Youth Fellowship and Guardian for Job’s Daughter’s Bethel #50.

She was past president of the Gordon Art Department, the Lincoln Civic Newcomers, and the Pink Lake Ladies Golf Association. She was a member of P.E.O. Chapter F.G., Fifty-Fifty Dinner Bridge Club, and played marathon bridge for Symphony Guild and the Daughters of the Nile. She loved to play bridge, especially when dessert was served.

Marilyn was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.

She worked at Miller & Paine as supervisor of the Books and Camera department and was proprietor of the “Nuttshell” Gift Shop located in the Gunny’s Building at 13^th & Q Streets in Lincoln.

Marilyn loved to travel and except for Alaska and Hawaii, had visited all 50 U.S. states plus Mexico and Canada. In addition, she had enjoyed a forty days and forty nights jaunt touring Europe and the U.K. Her favorite days on the trip were spent at the Sistine Chapel viewing the work of Michelangelo and the day she walked the Old Course at St. Andrew’s Golf Course in Scotland.

She enjoyed designing and sewing clothing and costumes, and interior decorating. She wrote a light-hearted autobiography book, “What’s Luck Got to Do with It?” and was working on a biographical novel about family from 1830 to the present time.

At age 85 she had only two things left on her bucket list. Since she had already learned to country western line dance and dance to Celtic music, she needed to learn origami and painting. After conquering the origami bird, she tackled oil painting lessons with gusto and created some satisfactory work while in class but liked painting in whimsical animal settings at home, including “We Shall Gather at the River”, “Love Ya to the Moon”, and “You are My Sunshine”, none of which may ever be hung.

Surviving Marilyn are her daughter, Nikki Scott, Lincoln, and son, Bob Nutt and wife Melanie, Cozad. Grandchildren include Eric Scott and his wife, Deanna, Elizabeth (Libby) Scott, Amber Fredericksen, Samantha Medlock, Tom Fredericksen, Michaela Nutt, Mallory Nutt, Amber Cochran and her husband, Joey, and Brandon Ross and his wife, Kelsey. Great-grandchildren include Alexa (Scott) Caulkins and her husband, Tyler  and Braxton Scott and his wife, Olivia; Darien and Granger Medlock-Fredericksen; Brantley and Lennox Bradshaw; Carter, Mackenzie, Lawson, Jameson (JJ), Cy, and Marissa Cochran; and Austyn and Kannon Ross. Great-great-grandchildren are Baker, Banks and Barringer Caulkins and Ledger Green.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughter Nancy Fredericksen, husband, George Nutt, sister Yvonne Marron, brother Robert Schrader, brother-in-law Rollin Soderling, son-in-law Rex Scott, and special aunts and uncles.

Marilyn was cremated and requested no funeral service. She said if there was one, she wouldn’t come. She always said her epitaph should read: “See, I told you I was sick.”

According to poet Henry Scott Holland: “Death is nothing at all…whatever we were to each other, that we have still. Laugh as we always laughed at little jokes and enjoyed each other. Play, smile, think of me and pray for me. All is well.”

Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 11^th & M Streets, Lincoln, NE. 68508.

A Graveside Service will be held on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 1PM, at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 “O” St., Lincoln.

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Brian was known for his larger-than-life personality and the joy he brought to everyone around him. Deeply caring, sincere, generous, and easygoing, he had a remarkable gift for making people feel seen, welcomed, and valued. His charisma and energy could light up any room, and his laughter, warmth, and magnetic spirit left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Brian was a devoted husband, father, family member, and friend whose loyalty, tenacity, and cheerful nature defined his life.

A man of deep faith, Brian’s love for Jesus guided the way he lived and cared for others. He was always ready to lend a helping hand, share encouragement, or strike up a meaningful conversation. He loved teaching and inspiring others, and nowhere was that more evident than in the Civil War Club he founded at school. Students eagerly participated in the club’s activities, especially the Gettysburg Address competitions he organized each semester, creating lasting memories and fostering a love of history in countless young people.

Brian was an avid civil rights advocate with a special interest and adoration for Abraham Lincoln. He held a deep passion for Civil War history, Husker sports, classic movies and television, musicals, reading, and all things Nebraska. He possessed a beautiful speaking voice and an absolute passion for singing. At times his singing could have been considered somewhat delightfully off key, but his pure enthusiasm and joy drew people to him all the same. Wendy will always remember their strong connection, his intensity, positivity, and the fun and excitement he brought to everyday life. Above all, Brian’s devotion to his family, his zest for life, and his unwavering desire to help others will remain his enduring legacy.

Brian is survived by his wife, Wendy; sons, Daniel and Dennis; and numerous family members and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at 1 PM, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68510.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to People’s City Mission.HERE

Brian’s Service will be livestreamed HERE

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NOTICE AND AGENDA OF MONTHLY MEETING WYUKA BOARD OF TRUSTEES May 28, 2026 Draft 2

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She tragically lost her mother and father in her early 20s, which affected her for the rest of her life. Julie, Mike and Tim (and their spouses), leaned on each other for family, love and support. She remarried in 1983, to Kenneth Kempton. She took her sadness from grief and used it to become a mother to all through daycare for over 20 years and becoming a foster parent to children in need of loving homes. The only thing Julie loved as much as motherhood was becoming a grandmother in the spring of 1993 and a great grandmother in 2011. She had 5 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. All of whom were the most important people in her life, and she poured her love into them.

Julie loved to sing and socialize. Her favorite pastime was karaoke nights and spending nights out with friends, well into her 60s and 70s. She also loved garage sales and thrift stores, and nothing delighted her more than finding a hidden treasure or a good bargain.

She was close with her best friend of 50 years, Cindy, who took the best care of Julie in her final days and was by her side when she passed away. Julie loved animals and always had a pet dog and cat (often multiple) throughout her life. Raising the children around her to love animals as much as she did. She loved to bake for her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren while singing songs about love and friendship. She loved to host and attend regular family and friend get togethers and holidays. Julie was very proud of her nephews and their accomplishments. She loved and was always protective of her brothers.

Julie was a two-time breast cancer survivor, but cancer ultimately took over in the end. She first fought cancer in 2008 and won. She again had to fight cancer in 2016. In 2026, cancer ultimately took her life, but did not win. If you beat cancer, it dies. If cancer takes your life, it still dies. Cancer always loses. She fought relentlessly to be there for the ones she loved. In her final moments she was told that it was okay to finally rest from the battle she had fought so tirelessly for nearly 6 months, and she was taken to heaven in her mother’s warm embrace.

She is survived by her daughter, Jody Topil; grandchildren, Jazmin(Pinto) and Torrey Samland, Justice(Pinto) and Micheal Minter, Marco Pinto, Malik Pinto (partner Crystal Gomez) and Kelly Pinto; and great grandchildren Forest, Sage, William, Sofia, Selena, Sabrina, Micheal, and Amari. No one ever had anything bad to say about her and she was deeply loved by all who had the privilege to meet her.

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April 12, 1939 — May 6, 2026

Bethel Rose Ann (Tidyman) Stewart, 87, of Lincoln, passed away May 6, 2026. She was born April 12, 1939, to Oscar Earl and Helen Emma Tidyman.

Bethel was a sweet and gentle spirit, known for her ability to listen and her kind words for everyone she met. She found great joy in the simple pleasures of life—watching the birds, bowling, bingo, and her love for chocolate. Above all, she cherished her family and the dear friends she made at Waterford Williamsburg Assisted Living, where she found a wonderful community that allowed her to be a “mother” all over again.

Bethel was preceded in death by her husband of over 65 years, Thomas Stewart; her parents Oscar Earl Tidyman and Helen Emma Tidyman; her sister, Carol Ann Tatman; and her brother, Kenneth Tidyman.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Stewart, Stephen Stewart (Kathy), and Claryce Fritsche (Dennis); her sisters, Naomi Ruppert, Donna Behnke, and Hollis Gwin; and her brothers, William and Dean Tidyman. She is also survived by her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 15, 2026, at Wyuka Cemetery, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.

Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation.

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November 16, 1932 – May 6, 2026

Robert Mook, born November 16, 1932, lived a life much bigger than his modest stature suggested. He was a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, gentleman farmer, businessman, proud University of Nebraska-Lincoln graduate, Navy veteran of the Korean War, storyteller, fixer of things, restorer of treasures, and occasional expert in the strategic use of colorful language.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Nancy, to whom he was married for 68 years. Robert adored and doted on Nancy throughout their life together. His devotion to her was one of the clearest measures of the man he was: loyal, steady, attentive, and deeply loving, even if his tenderness sometimes arrived wrapped in a grumble.

He leaves behind his sons Brian and his wife Joni, Allen and his wife Cynthia, and Andrew and his wife Kim; eight grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind Rachael of New Zealand, who became, in every way that mattered, a daughter to the family. Rachael eventually took over Mook Appraisal Service, the successful real estate appraisal business Robert built and operated with pride.

Robert loved working on his farm, “The Ranch”, whether the task at hand called for common sense, persistence, a tractor, or, according to family legend, a ten penny nail. He had a lifelong interest in how things worked, and in later years he found great joy in restoring steamer trunks, exploring new farm implements, and watching videos of such discoveries on YouTube. He was always curious, always opinionated, and never shy about offering commentary.

His family knew him as a man with a big presence, a sharp wit, and a heart that showed itself most clearly through loyalty and action. He loved his children, adored his grandchildren, and took real delight in his great-grandchildren. He was also beloved by his multitude of cousins on both coasts, along with nieces, nephews, their families, and many others lucky enough to be part of his wide and lively circle.

Robert will be remembered for his devotion to Nancy, his pride in his family, his service to his country, his love of the farm, his successful work through Mook Appraisal Service, his curiosity, his humor, his stubborn streak, and the countless stories that will continue to be told–some polished, some embellished, and some probably still requiring a ten penny nail!

Condolences for the family may be sent to Wyuka.  A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

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Darlene Mora was born on January 2, 1944, in Beatrice, Nebraska. She grew up in Blue Springs and Wymore, and later made her home in Lincoln, where she spent most of her life. She passed away on April 24, 2026.

Darlene was a devoted wife to Jon Mora, a loving mother to Brad (Jennifer) Runge and Brian Runge, and a proud grandmother to Kailee Runge and Kiersten Runge.

She found joy in spending time with her family, especially watching movies and playing games together. She also loved staying connected with her granddaughters through text messages, something she enjoyed.

Darlene had a deep love for animals, especially her cats, who were an important part of her life. She also enjoyed watching birds and tending to her flower garden, appreciating the quiet beauty of the world around her.

She was kind and caring, always willing to help friends and family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William “Bill” Agena and Tillie Agena (Buhr), and her sister, Evelyn Starnes.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.

For those who wish to honor Darlene’s memory, donations may be made in her name to The Cat House HERE.

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Born on June 13, 1931, in Milligan, Nebraska, Virgie was the daughter of Emil and Tonie Havel. She grew up in Milligan and graduated from Milligan High School in 1948. On January 23, 1954, she married Bill Smith, and together they shared 59 wonderful years of marriage.

Virgie was known for touching the lives of everyone around her with her sweet, generous, honest, and genuine spirit. She had a deep love for cooking and took great joy in making sure everyone was well fed; always with plenty of extra to take home. She cherished time spent with her grandchildren, especially attending their sporting events. She also enjoyed her weekly bowling leagues with close friends and faithfully followed the Huskers, the Saltdogs, and the Kansas City Royals.
To those who knew her, Virgie will be remembered for her spirited “spitfire” attitude, her love of music, and her familiar evening declaration: “The kitchen is closed—but there’s always ice cream!”

Virgie is survived by her daughter, Barb (Mike) Honerman of North Platte; daughter-in-law, Jane Smith of Lincoln; and son-in-law, Dr. Brad (Laura) Lockee of Pierce. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Ryan (Jocelyn), Reed (Corinna), Kyle (Sara), Scott (Katie), Stacy (Tyler), Matt (Tanya), Brian, Amy (Collin), Brent, Aaron, Jake, and Katie; her great-grandchildren: Aiden, Ethan, Luke, Leo, Addison, Jack, Wyatt, Benny, Leon, Vivian, Savannah, and Ryker, as well as nieces, Pat Hoffschneider and Norene Kidder; and nephews, Larry Michl, Gary and Richard Havel.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Tonie; siblings, Emil, Don, Irma, and Sr. Frances Ann; husband, Bill; daughter, Sue Lockee; and son, Gene Smith.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2026, at St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, 7601 Vine Street, with a rosary preceding the Mass. Father Lyle Johnson will officiate. Interment will follow at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln.

Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” St, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Catholic Social Services or to the family for later designation.

Virgie’s family extends their gratitude to all her friends and long-time neighbors for their love and support over the years.

Livestream for Virgie’s service is available here: https://youtube.com/live/xjhHJqLFurY?feature=share

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