Leona Nora Marie (Dorn) Trauernicht

Leona Nora Marie (Dorn) Trauernicht, 92, died peacefully at The Monarch Hospice Care in Lincoln on Wednesday, October 13, 2021. She was born on February 26, 1929 near Filley to George and Hilda (Riensche) Dorn. Leona was baptized into the Christian faith at Zion Lutheran Church near Filley on March 12, 1929 by Rev. J.B. Reents. She was a life long member of Zion Lutheran. On October 22, 1948, Leona was united in marriage to Elmer Marvin Trauernicht. To this union, three children were born, Devonna Kay, Betty Jo and Eugene Alan.

Leona loved sharing life with everyone but especially her family. She loved teaching and serving others through her home church Zion Lutheran where she taught confirmation for 25 years, teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. Leona completed her certification as a Parish Ministry Associate in the Nebraska Synod, ELCA. She was a lay minister bringing communion and visitation services to shut-ins and those who were home bound. Leona was a Chaplain’s Assistant with the Nebraska Department of Corrections and regularly provided bible study and visitation to death row inmates.

Leona was an entrepreneur, and as such she was a business partner with Betty Breck of Beatrice in The Root Cellar, a health food store. She also owned the Beatrice Decorating Center where she engaged regularly in assisting many with painting and wallpapering. Leona loved helping and serving people with a smile and ‘get er done’ work ethic. She also enjoyed a good game of pitch, singing, yodeling and playing the piano.

Leona worked hard on the farm with Elmer milking, gardening and tending beautiful flower gardens. After a journey of farming and much more, Leona retired to Lincoln where she resided at Yankee Hill Village. There, she continued to teach, read devotions to residents, played bingo and crafting. She loved for family and friends to visit her in her new space, especially her visits with Maggie the dog.

Leona is survived by her children, Devonna Primavera (Jim) of Lincoln, Betty Schoen (Eldon) of Roca, Eugene Trauernicht (Christine) of Hallam; grandchildren, Kendra Lienemann (Myron) of Virginia, Douglas Baehr (Jenn) of Lincoln, Casey Fix (Tenile) of Cortland, Tabitha Kaiser (Brian) of Lincoln; great grandchildren, Corbin Fix, Taden Fix, Shaylee Fix, all of Cortland, Scarlett Baehr of Lincoln, Autumn Schoen of Firth; sister, Norma Foreman of Lincoln; brother, Arden Dorn of Pickrell; sisters-in-law, Arlene Kelle, Lola Dorn, both of Beatrice, Arla Dorn of Lincoln, Roxanne Dorn of Pickrell; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Elmer on October 1, 2000; brothers, LaVern, Marvin and Roland Dorn; and sister, Evalena Kelle.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 AM Saturday, October 16, 2021 at Zion Lutheran Church near Pickrell with Pastor Jerry Gilbreath officiating. A family prayer service will be held at 10:15 AM Saturday at the church. The service will be livestreamed on the church’s Facebook page. The body will lie in state Friday, October 15, 2021 from 9 AM to 8 PM at Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice and at the church one hour preceding services on Saturday. The family will greet friends from 5 to 8 PM Friday at the mortuary. Memorials are suggested to Zion Lutheran Church with Gary and Brenda Gronewold in charge. Harman-Wright Mortuary in Beatrice in charge of arrangements.

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