Barbara Jo (Kollmorgen) Horner

Sept. 30, 1946-Aug. 28, 2011

BENKELMAN, Nebraska -- Barbara Jo (Kollmorgen) Horner was born Sept. 30, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Martin and Clara (Porter) Kollmorgen. Barb left this earth, and her beloved family and friends, on Sunday, Aug. 28, 2011, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, Nebraska.

Barb was raised on the family farm south of Stratton, Nebraska. She loved country life, and this is undoubtedly where she developed her driven work ethic and love of animals. Barb attended school in Stratton and graduated with the class of 1964.

Her continued education led her to Nebraska Wesleyan University where she graduated in 1968. It was here that she met her future husband, Neal, when he needed help with a stray cat.

Barb and Neal Horner were united in marriage on May 24, 1969. Together, they taught and coached for a number of years in Cedar Rapids, Nebraska. Barb was very proud of her state-qualifying volleyball team. The busy couple also lived briefly in Lincoln, Nebraska, before making their permanent home in Benkelman in 1975.

Barb and Neal were blessed with two sons, Trevor and Justin. Family was the cornerstone of their lives. There was never a dull moment in the Horner household as the family was always on the go with activities ranging from sporting events to 4-H.

Barb owned and operated her own business of Barb's T-Shirt & Embroidery. The T-shirt house was a busy place, especially during the sporting seasons. Barb worked for Dundy County Stratton High School as a library aide, keeping books, kids, and faculty in order. She also managed the clubhouse at Benkelman Country Club.

Barb played many roles over the years as she never hesitated to help, and the word "no" didn't seem to be a part of her vocabulary. She served as a caregiver, animal shelter, volunteer, fund-raiser, and sponsor. Over the years, Barb coordinated the summer baseball program, open gym, gymnastics/tumbling, youth wrestling program, baseball and track concessions, and music boosters club. She sponsored the high school cheer team for eight years. Barb could be found on the sidelines keeping score and stats for football, basketball and track. Barb enjoyed being an NSAA volleyball official for more than 20 years. She served Benkelman as a City Council Representative and Mayor. Barb managed at swimming pools, and taught lessons and lifesaving for a total of 15 years. She played an integral part in the fundraising and building efforts of the new public swimming pool in Benkelman.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church, Eastern Star, Lions Club and American Legion Auxiliary.

Her special honors included the "Good Guy" award from the Benkelman Chamber of Commerce as a result of her many volunteer hours, and the Nebraska State Athletic Administrator's Association Volunteer Award for all of her years of service to the school. Her commitment and involvement in the schools and community was extraordinary.

Barb was a giver. Her generosity was all encompassing. Even in death, Barb is still helping others with the gift of organ donation. She helped to save three lives with this final ultimate gift.

Barb was preceded in death by her husband, Neal; parents, Martin Kollmorgen, and John and Clara Burks; parents-in-law Ernest and Ruth Horner; brother-in-law Robert Horner; and sister-in-law Judy Horner.

Survivors include sons, Trevor and wife, Molly of Benkelman, and Justin and wife, Sara of Fremont, Nebraska; grandsons, Corbin, Dante and Breck; brothers, Richard (Beth) Kollmorgen, Don (Joan) Burks, Geoff (Pam) Burks; sister Diana (Kenny) Ham; brothers-in-law Roy (Helen) Horner, Paul (IdaLou) Horner, John Horner; sisters-in-law Ann (Ron) Hoback, Erma (Dave) Sebek, Dorcas (Paul) West, Grace (Vernon) Thomsen, Terri Horner, Mary Jo Horner; and many nephews, nieces and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in her name are requested.

Visitation will be today from 4-7 p.m. MT with family present to greet friends at Forch Funeral Chapel in Benkelman.

Funeral services are to be conducted Friday, Sept. 2, at 10 a.m., MT at the United Methodist Church in Benkelman with Rev. Brian Fong officiating. Barb will be laid to rest in the Benkelman Cemetery.

Forch Funeral Chapel of Benkelman is in charge of the arrangements.