Paula Jolene Gonzales

Sept. 12, 1955--Jan. 26, 2011

LINCOLN, Nebraska -- Paula Jolene Gonzales, 55, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 26, 2011), in Gretna, following a 20 year battle with Multiple Sclerosis. Paula was born to Paul and Norma (Richter) Gonzales on Sept. 12, 1955, in McCook, Nebraska.

Paula was preceded in death by her mother, Norma (Richter) Pennington; and grandparents, Clarence and Hazel Richter, Peter James and Mary Reyna Gonzales.

Paula is survived by her daughters, Jessica Cleckner and Teal Cleckner, both of Lincoln; three grandchildren, Kiley Cleckner, Medin and Lola Cleckner; ex-husband and devoted friend, Mark Kaestner of Weatherford, Texas; father, Paul Gonzales of Omaha, Nebraska; stepfather, Larry Pennington of Crestview, Florida; siblings, Ramonda and husband, Kerry Naylor of Omaha, Cassandra and husband, Fred Gregory of LaVista, Nebraska, Christopher Richter of Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Tony and wife, Jessica Richter of Omaha; aunts, Twila Brown of San Diego, California, and Verda Wegener of McCook; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Special thanks to the residents and staff of Lancaster Manor, Paula's home for the past three years. We also give gratitude to Gretna Living Community who cared for Paula in her final days.

Memorial services are Saturday, 10:30 a.m., at Carpenter-Breland Funeral Home in McCook with Jerry Beckenhauer officiating. Inurnment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Paula had a special love for animals, especially those in need of shelter. Her family requests memorials in her honor to be made to the Capital Humane Society in Lincoln.

Friends may send condolences to the family at www.carpenterbreland.com.

Carpenter Breland Funeral Home of McCook is in charge of the arrangements.