Saturday, October 22, 2016 ~ 10:00 a.m.
Word of Hope Lutheran Church ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Interment at Ashland Cemetery ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Friday, October 21, 2016 ~ 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Marcy Chapel ~ Ashland, Nebraska
Word of Hope Lutheran Church or Ashland Rescue Squad
Frances Penke, 98, of Omaha, NE, formerly of Ashland, died Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Heritage Pointe in Omaha. She was born July 30, 1918 in Bonesteel, SD to Frank and Amanda (Frank) Vetter. As a teen Frances moved to Omaha where she met Rudolph Penke. They were united in marriage on November 30, 1947 at the Lutheran Church in Bonesteel, SD. They lived in Bennington, NE on the Penke farm for 4 years. In 1951, Rudy and Frances moved to a farm near Memphis and they retired to Ashland in 1990.
Frances was a farm wife that enjoyed caring for her rose garden and her family. She loved gardening, canning, and especially loved her grandchildren and great grand kids. Frances was a member of Word of Hope Lutheran Church.
She is survived by her children: Janet (Don) Anderson of Fort Collins, CO, Marla (Frank, III) Holmes of Omaha, and Lorna (Jerry) Reeves of Fort Collins, CO; grandchildren: Alan (Lisa) Bates of Portland, OR, Lisa (Chris) Winkler of San Clemente, CA, Frank (Jamie) Holmes IV of Omaha, Nick Harpin and fiancé Jenna Rawson of Dallas, TX; great-grandchildren: Nolan and Colby Bates, Rylen and Reese Winkler, and Tinsley Holmes; 7 step-grandchildren and 12 step-great-grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband Rudolph Penke, 4 sisters, and son-in-law Phillip Bates.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you mourn the loss of Frances. We are so sorry for your loss!
Marla, My deepest sympathy to you and your family for the lose of your dear mother. God has a plan and needed her home now. 1 year ago he needed Carol.
Janet, Marla and Lorna: Our deepest sympathy to you and your family for the loss of your mother. She was a wonderful person and I will always remember their visits to Bonesteel. May you take comfort in knowing how brightly your loved one’s life still shines. Though the voice is quiet the spirit echoes still.
Lorna, Janet, Marla…I was so sorry to hear about your mom and I’m sorry I wasn’t at her services. I didn’t know about her passing until the services were over. I have lots of good memories of growing up in Memphis of your mom & dad and you guys. She lived a great life and you have lots of great family memories. May God be with you all at this time.
Bev
Janet, Marla, and Lorna … We are sorry to hear of the passing of your mom and that we were unable to attend her funeral. I remember her keen mind and love of children. It’s sad to realize that Grandma’s sisters are now all gone from us. May you all be comforted with God’s perfect peace this first Christmas. Hugs, Nancy & David