Mirdza (Rullis) Jesauckis, age 97, of Lincoln, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on December 24, 2025.

Mirdza was born on May 23, 1928, in Valka, Latvia, the oldest child of Julijs and Melanija Rullis. During World War II, in 1944, Mirdza and her family fled Latvia. While living in Germany, she served as a nurse at a Displaced Persons Camp, where she met her future husband, Arturs Jesauckis. They were married in 1950.

In 1951, Mirdza and Arturs immigrated to the United States and settled in Tacoma, Washington. She was employed for many years at the Regis Paper Company in Tacoma, where she worked until her retirement. Following the passing of her husband, Arturs, Mirdza relocated to Lincoln, Nebraska, in 2005 to be closer to family.

Mirdza was a lifelong member of Daugavas Vanagi, the Latvian welfare organization, and a devoted member of United Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church, where her faith and Latvian heritage remained central throughout her life.

She greatly enjoyed baking rye bread and piparkūkas at the Latvian church alongside her friends and was well known for her homemade caraway seed cheese. Mirdza loved flowers and took great pride in tending her garden. She also enjoyed traveling, visiting the casino, and swimming.

Mirdza is survived by her sister, Rasma (Rullis) O’Connell of Lincoln, Nebraska; her nephew, Chris (Nigora) O’Connell of Nixa, Missouri; Susan O’Connell of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Danica (Scott) Shafer of Seward, Nebraska. She is also survived by great-nieces Tonya (Ethan) DuPree, Harley (Terry) Haverkost, Jessica O’Connell, Natalie O’Connell, and Chloe O’Connell; great-nephews Robert (Kimberly) O’Connell, Norton Hickman, and Nathan Shafer; her great-great-nephew Callan O’Connell; and many relatives in Latvia.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Julijs and Melanija Rullis; her younger sister, Inta Rullis; her beloved husband, Arturs Jesauckis; and her brother-in-law, Robert O’Connell.

Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with family present from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to the family for later distribution to United Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church and Daugavas Vanagi.

Mirdza’s celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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During his life on earth he was a salesman for Gotfredson’s Chrysler Plymouth for many years until he left to go into business for himself as a remodeling contractor. In his retirement he managed his rental properties along with Dori. He was so proud of his family and their accomplishments, both sons and grandchildren. Left to remember him are his wife Dori, his sister Lynda (John) Ponec, son’s William L. Meader, Timothy A. Meader, (Tonja), 4 Grandchildren Trevor Meader (Amber), Ashlee Meader (Casey McGarvie), Abby (Cal) Hehnke, Nicklaus Meader all of which brought a sparkle to his eye and 3 Great Grand daughters that he simply adored, Emmett and Madden Meader and Stevie Jo Hehnke.

Preceded in death were his parents and sister, Judi Hunteman.

A memorial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 9, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

A celebration of his life will be held on, Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Garden Room, at The Legacy, 5600 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln, Nebraska. Please use the west entrance.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Capital Humane Society.

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Elizabeth Ann “Teddy” Schroeder, 78, passed away on December 28, 2025. Teddy was a God-fearing woman whose life was grounded in faith, family, and service.

She cherished time spent with her grandchildren and family, finding special joy in reading books to her grandchildren, especially The Polar Express during Christmastime. Teddy loved quilting and was extremely talented in the craft. Homemaking, decorating, and her fondness for barns and eagles brought her great happiness. Above all, she treasured her time with Jesus and studying the Word.

Teddy enjoyed visiting with her friends, Linda and Dick Stephens and their family in Rockport and delighted in adventures to fabric stores across the states, antique shops, and discovering special treasures along the way. She came from a prestigious and decorated military family, and America, its troops, and freedom were very near and dear to her heart. Reflecting that devotion, she proudly served as a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and deeply loved her country.

She was born to Lloyd Arnet Gillespie Sr. and Beulah Grace (Wilcox) Gillespie, who preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Herbert Schroeder. She is also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Louise Gillespie

Survivors include her sons, Patrick (Buffy) Schroeder of Lincoln, Nebraska, Michael (Francine) Schroeder of North Platte, Nebraska; and her granddaughters, Alicia (Seth) Wenz of Lincoln, Nebraska, and their children Landon Schroeder, Liliana Wenz, and Brynlee Wenz; Cheyenne (Allen) McCallum and their children Atlas and Remi McCallum; and Caitlin (Ryan) Weatherly and their child Dawson Weatherly; Taelar Johansen of Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is also survived by her brother, Lloyd “Bud” Gillespie Jr.

Teddy and everything about her will be dearly missed.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Memorials may be directed to the family for further designation.

The memorial service may be viewed live by clicking the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@wyukafuneralhome1760/streams

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Erik graduated from Newport High School in Bellevue, Washington, in 1996, and then attended Edmonds College. He loved working with children, and worked for many years as a day care teacher and administrator. In 2014 he met Tanna Shoyo and they were married on May 20, 2015. Erik was a doting husband and during their 10 years of marriage, they did nearly everything together. They most treasured caring for their beloved dog, Stevie. In 2021 Erik and Tanna set off for a new chapter and moved to Lincoln, Nebraska. Erik was a sports fan and also enjoyed working for the Seattle Mariners, the Seattle Seahawks, the Seattle Sounders, and then the Nebraska Cornhuskers, where he and Tanna both worked for the teams during their respective seasons.

Erik will be remembered for his cheerful and positive spirit. He worked hard and persevered through difficulties. He easily found the humor in a situation and laughed loud and often. He will be dearly missed by his family and all who knew him.

Erik is survived by his loving wife, Tanna Dieken; his mother, Patricia Dieken, of Phoenix, AZ; his brothers Bud Dieken (Kayla) of Seattle, WA and Alexander Dieken, of Phoenix, AZ; his sister Katherine Dieken (Chris) of New York, NY, and his nephew Patrick. Erik is also survived by his aunt Barbara Murphy, of Seattle, WA, and his uncle William Murphy (Linda) of Clayton, NY.

Erik was preceded in death by his father, his grandparents, and his uncles Richard Murphy and Roger Dieken.

Erik had a very big heart for children.  His favorite charity was the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Seattle, WA in 2026.

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Julie married the love of her life, Duane Ellis Baker, on December 25, 1963, at United Christian Campus Chapel in Lincoln. They moved to Arizona after Duane graduated from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Medicine in 1968. They went on to be blessed with four children: Ty, Trent, Troy, and Tarese. Julie loved being a mother, and was fully devoted to her family. The family moved back to Nebraska in 1981, to Grand Island. Duane and Julie lived there until 2007, when they decided to make the move to Lincoln to be in the same city as children and grandchildren.

Julie deeply loved her Savior, Jesus Christ, and wanted everyone to know His love. Over the years, she gave many hours of her time as a volunteer, helping at pregnancy centers in Grand Island and Lincoln, cooking at Nebraska Youth Camp, and serving in numerous ministries at her church. She was also an avid scrapbooker, creating beautiful pages displaying family memories and activities. Reminiscing through many years of scrapbooks is a favorite activity for Julie’s children and grandchildren to do at Grandma’s house.

Everyone who knew Julie could see how proud she was of her family and how dearly she loved them. She is survived by her sister, Ruth Baker, who is married to Duane’s brother David; her children Ty (Chanée) Baker, Trent (Robin) Baker, Troy (Katie) Baker, and Tarese (Phillip) Quelle; and her grandchildren Micah Baker, Lydia (Ethan) Robertson, Caleb (Klaire) Baker, Delaney Baker, Levi Baker, Hannah Quelle, Nolan Baker, William Quelle, and Josie Baker. She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Duane.

She will be greatly missed.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 10th at 10:30 a.m. at Heartlands Church, 10000 Yankee Hill Rd, Lincoln, Nebraska. The service may be viewed live by clicking the following link: Julie Baker Memorial

In lieu of flowers, please give any memorials in Julie’s name to the Lincoln Pregnancy Center. Donate – Pregnancy Center Partners

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Eric graduated from Cortland High School in 1986, where he was an active student-athlete, playing both soccer and basketball for his high school teams. He continued his education at Nazareth College, attending on a scholarship, and graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics.

While in college, Eric worked at a bookstore, a job that would shape much of his professional life. Following graduation, that experience led to a management position with the Nebraska Book Company, where he worked until 2011. He later served as a store manager for Hobby Lobby from 2012 to 2018, before returning to college bookstores through Follett from 2018 to 2023. Eric concluded his career as an insurance agent with Farm Bureau.

Eric met Alison in 2000, and they were married in 2004, sharing over 21 years of marriage together. He was a devoted husband and a proud father to their two children, Ethan (16) and Ella (12).

Family was central to Eric’s life. He was an active and dedicated parent, proudly serving as a member of the Blue Crew, the parent support group for Ethan’s show choir, where he helped set up and prepare for competitions. Eric faithfully attended all of Ella’s baton recitals, including her national competition this past summer at Notre Dame.

Eric believed strongly in giving back to his community. He rang bells for the Salvation Army, volunteered through his church at the Ronald McDonald House, delivered treats to local law enforcement and fire departments, volunteered with the Saving Grace organization, and participated in many other service opportunities through his church.

In his personal time, Eric loved both watching and playing sports. He especially enjoyed golfing and bowling, activities that reflected his lifelong appreciation for teamwork, competition, and fellowship.

Eric is survived by his wife, Alison, and their children, Ethan and Ella.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 324 S. Jackson Street, Papillion, Nebraska. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Papillion. Eric will be laid to rest privately at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Memorials may be directed to Alison for future designation.

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Michael “Mike” Bomberger

Mike graduated from Lincoln Northeast High School in 1971. He was a proud, certified union plumber and steamfitter with Local Union 464. To help provide for his large family, he kept busy with more than one job. He thrived on hard work from a very young age. His outgoing, salesman-like personality contributed greatly to his success in any path he chose, personal or professional.  After many years of dedicated service and brotherhood in the Union, Mike most recently retired from Union 464 Steamfitters.

Mike was the proud father of five children: Mike Bomberger Jr., Leah Barkley, Erin Jenkins, Kelsey Bomberger, and Briana Johnson.  He taught his children the importance of family, hard work, and always doing what is right. His work ethic skills transferred to his grandchildren later in life, with him passing on his knowledge.

Known for his strong work ethic and “always willing to help” personality, Mike had a smart-aleck sense of humor and truly enjoyed meeting new people. If you met him once, you would feel like you had known him for years. As a young man and into his retirement age, he was always on the go—rarely sitting still—and often lived by one of his favorite sayings: “Why put off until tomorrow what you can get done today.”

Mike had a passion for gardening and model airplane building, hobbies that reflected his creativity, and love for working with his hands. He spent weekends out dancing with close friends from the singles group at church. He enjoyed participating in group outings, often dressing up for Halloween, and bringing in the New Year with his crew, dressed to the nines. He was also an active member of St. Mark’s Methodist Church. Mike volunteered his time at church and the City Mission. He participated in the Teammates program here in Lincoln as well. One of his love languages was gift giving.

He is survived by his children: Mike (Jonne), Leah (Joel), Erin (Ryan), Kelsey, and Briana (Scott); his siblings: Delmar Bomberger Jr., Barbara Brown, and Brian Bomberger; and nine beloved grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar and Dorothy Bomberger, and his sister, Carol Fine.

A funeral service will be held at Wyuka Funeral Home on Sunday, December 21, at noon. His headstone will be placed at a later date next to his parents and sister.

In lieu of flowers please send all donations to the Peoples City Mission.

The service may be viewed live by clicking on the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@wyukafuneralhome1760/streams

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Tina graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School, Class of 1980. She then attended Union College in Lincoln, receiving a Commercial Art degree. She was a very talented, but humble, artist.  Those fortunate to see her various pieces were amazed at the detail and emotion she put into her work.

Although her subsequent adult life was not in commercial art, the traits of a good artist carried through her professional career.  Her last employment was at Assurity Life Insurance Company in Lincoln, with a tenure of nearly 25  years.  She was loved and respected by all who knew her.

Her personal life was filled with close friends and two 4-legged children, Pepper and Cinnamon, who have already found a new loving home. Girls nights and trips were frequent occasions for relaxing and fun.

Tina is survived by: brother John (Deena) Slama of Clever, MO; brother Roger Slama of Lincoln, NE; nephew Robert Slama of Thousand Oaks, CA; niece Ann (Brian) Bulik of Fargo, ND; niece Kathryn (Ray) Ruotolo of Sherman Oaks, CA; grand nephew Nico Ruotolo;  and other extended family.

A Celebration Tina’s of Life will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln. Reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Cancer Society (ACS); or People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) would be appreciated.

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George Edgar Mitchell

Born in Great Bend, Kansas, on August 5, 1943, to Marvin and Roxie (Purcell) Mitchell. George grew up hunting, fishing, and reading voraciously, finishing every book in his school and local libraries by eighth grade.

A lifelong educator, George earned advanced degrees in mathematics and business and spent the majority of his career at Southwest Minnesota State University in Marshall, Minnesota, where he served as a professor and later as Academic Dean. After retiring in 2007, the family relocated to Malcolm, Nebraska.

George leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and integrity. He is survived by his wife, Risë (Kaylor); his three children—John; Stephanie and son-in-law James; and Joseph and daughter-in-law Christine; and his eight beloved grandchildren: Grant, Laurel, Kjirsten, Nick, Reid, Alex, Maddie, and Brooklyn. He also leaves behind dozens of nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, and his dear friend and companion, Truman the cat.

A celebration of George’s life will be held at 12:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 1014 N 6th St, Seward, Nebraska. Memorials to the family for further designation.

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Bob grew up in a close-knit family and attended Randolph and Sheridan Elementary Schools, Irving Junior High, and Lincoln High School, graduating with the Class of 1955. Bob cherished his years at Lincoln High, where he made lifelong friends and proudly played on the 1955 State Championship football team. That team, remembered for its heart and grit, was later inducted into both the Lincoln High Athletic Hall of Fame and the Nebraska State Athletic Hall of Fame— honors that Bob never forgot.

In addition to football, Bob spent his high school summers playing American Legion baseball with the Lincoln Optimists. The highlight came in 1955 when the team advanced to the national finals and was flown to Minneapolis—a thrilling adventure for a group of teenagers. They finished as national runners-up after a hard-fought 1–0 loss on a wild pitch, a memory Bob loved retelling throughout his life.

Bob attended the University of Nebraska before pausing his studies to serve his country in the U.S. Navy. He spent almost all of his four years of service in San Diego. Hoping to escape the crowded life aboard an LST (landing ship, tank), he auditioned for the Navy’s newly formed vocal ensemble, The Chanteymen. He earned a coveted place in the group, traveling the country to perform at military events, civic celebrations, and special engagements. Highlights included performing for the King of Greece, appearing at the Beverly Hills Hotel where he met Bob Hope, and singing on The Ed Sullivan Show. These years remained among his fondest memories.

After returning home, Bob completed his degree at Nebraska Wesleyan University and later earned his Master of Education from the University of Northern Colorado. His early career took him to Denver, where he taught special education and touched the lives of many students. He later transitioned into sales with 3M, working in both Denver and San Francisco before returning to Lincoln.

Back in Lincoln, Bob resumed teaching at Prescott Elementary. It was there that he met Catherine Stump, the love of his life. They married and built a joyful, devoted partnership centered on kindness, humor, and a deep commitment to family. Bob was immensely proud to become a father to their daughter, Amy. He eventually returned to sales, where he worked until his retirement in 2002.

Service to others remained at the heart of Bob’s life. He served on the boards of the Capitol Humane Society, Sertoma, and Cedars Home for Children, giving generously his time and talents to causes he believed in. In retirement, he embraced roles at Legacy Retirement Communities and Wyuka Funeral Home and Cemetery, where he found meaning in connecting with families and supporting people through important life moments. His favorite retirement role, however, may have been volunteering as a train conductor at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo—a position that combined his love of children, animals, and friendly conversation.

Family was Bob’s greatest joy. He adored his granddaughters, Annie and Emma, and was a devoted part of their daily lives. He proudly chauffeured them to choir practice, school events, and later to their college jobs as pages at the Nebraska Legislature. Time spent with them—laughing, talking, and simply being present—was one of the great treasures of his life.

Bob was also a lifelong lover of animals, sharing his home with many rescued dogs and cats over the years. His four greyhounds held a particularly special place in his heart. His passion for animals extended to the natural world, and he supported numerous conservation efforts, national parks, and organizations dedicated to protecting wildlife.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister, Karen Harrington, and his brother-in-law Tom Harrington.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years Catherine and daughter Amy (Tim) Himes, along with their family who deeply cherished him, including grandchildren Annie, Emma, Tim Jr (Sara), Chris Himes.  Additionally, nieces Terri Harrington, Heidi (Rick) Hammond, Abbi (Kurt) Kleinschmidt, and Jenni Harrington (Mike Newton), many great nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Art Blackman and sister-in-law Susan Blackman, their children Art Jr. (Sarah), Jeff (Sue), Lincoln (Lori), Sunny Blackman and their children. Also, sons Richard (Kellie) Dean, Kevin (Sandy) Dean, their children Kacie (Cameron) Simmons and Tyler Dean.

A memorial service to honor Bob will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 19, 2025, at Wyuka Funeral Home, 3600 “O” Street, Lincoln.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to Lincoln High School Athletics, 2229 J St., Lincoln, NE 68510 or Camp Kitaki, c/o Jason Smith, Executive Director, 14917 East Park Highway, Louisville, NE 68037.

https://secure.qgiv.com/for/ymcacampkitaki/

To view the service live please click the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@wyukafuneralhome1760/streams

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