Wilma L. Andersen

Wilma Louise Andersen, age 91 of Cozad, passed away on February 27, 2017, at the Meadowlark Pointe assisted living center in Cozad, Nebraska. Wilma was born October 11, 1925, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Chester and Myrtle Wells. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1943, and was employed at the Dawson County Courthouse in the Old Age Assistance office. On October 13, 1946, she married her sweetheart and love of her life, Don Andersen, in the First Presbyterian Church in Lexington. They moved to Don's family farm north of Darr where he worked for his father, and they never left, spending their whole lives there together. In honor of their 65th wedding anniversary, they had a private family ceremony and renewed their vows. Another family celebration party was held at the farm for their 70th wedding anniversary in 2016. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Meadowlark Pointe. Wilma loved caring for her flowers and had belonged to the Town and Country Garden Club. She was involved with the First Presbyterian Church of Cozad, and had served as a Sunday School teacher, trustee, elder, and held offices in the Women's organization. Music was a big part of Wilma's life. She started taking piano lessons when she was 62 years old. She sang in the church choir for many years. She was also very close to members of the neighborhood Birthday Club. Wilma loved her family so much. She looked forward to the visits of daughter, Patty and son-in-law, Gary. In turn, she and Don would make trips to their daughter's house to see them and the grandchildren, Scott and Amy. They would often travel to California to visit their other daughter, Susan, and grandchildren, Anders and Karly. In Don and Wilma's younger years, they enjoyed traveling throughout the United States. It was always special to her when her grandchildren and great-granddaughter, Lydia, visited for all of the holidays and birthdays. She appreciated it so much. Wilma had made plans that her body be donated to science, and her ashes will be strewn over her flower bed. Even at the end, her last wishes were to aid the plants and community that she cherished. Predeceasing her were her mother, Myrtle Daniel, her father, Chester Wells, her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Vi Wells, of Springfield, Missouri, her sister and brother-in-law, Delpha and Jack Francois, of Vista, California, her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Anders and Ella Andersen, many aunts, uncles, and cousins, and numerous dear friends. Surviving is her beloved husband, Don, daughter and son-in-law, Patty and Gary Lockhorn, daughter, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, Susan Holthaus of Coronado, California, grandchildren, Scott Lockhorn and Kazi Jestribek of Greeley, Colorado, Amy and Sean-Casey King of Aurora, Colorado, Anders Holthaus and Karly Holthaus of San Diego, California. A special gift from above was when her little great-granddaughter, Lydia Elyse King, was born. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, dear friends and wonderful caregivers of Meadowlark Pointe. Memorials are suggested to the First Presbyterian Church. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 6, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with Pastor Jill Boyd officiating. Those wishing to sign the memorial book may do so on Friday, March 3, 2017 from 9 to 5 at Berryman Funeral Home.