Lillian Tepley

Lillian Tepley

Jan. 26, 1924 - Dec. 5, 2011

ELSIE, Nebraska -- Lillian Minnie Melita Wicke Tepley, 87, of Elsie passed away Dec. 5, 2011.

Lillian was born Jan. 26, 1924 and was the only daughter of Frederick and Anna Louise Hillman Wicke. She was born seven miles south of Wauneta, Nebraska on a farm.

Lillian was baptized Feb.17, 1924, and confirmed April 14, 1934, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church South of Wauneta. Living in a German settlement, English was her second language as a child. Starting first grade at St. Paul's Lutheran School and only speaking German brought many challenges for several weeks. She grew up following three brothers around the farm: Vern, Kenneth and Victor Wicke; who all preceded her in death.

Lillian married Jake Tepley on Oct. 10, 1945. The couple celebrated their sixty-sixth wedding anniversary this past fall.

Lillian was a long time member of the Sunshine Extension Club, a ladies afternoon pinochle club. She and Jake were members of a couple's pinochle club that was together for over 25 years. She was also a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta.

She loved following her granddaughters and great-grandchildren in their 4-H events, volleyball and basketball games. And of course, she and Jake traveled to many places for their dog races. Jake and Lillian loved their polka dances, attending with many of their friends. She also enjoyed embroidery and making scrapbooks.

Jake and Lillian moved to Westview at Grant, Nebraska in January 2008, then moving to Golden Ours Nursing Home in Grant in January 2010.

Lillian was preceded in death by her husband less than two weeks ago on Nov. 22, 2011, her parents, and three brothers.

She leaves to mourn her: daughter Mary Ann and husband, Bruce Fulk of Wauneta, Nebreaska; two granddaughters, Stacy and husband, Ryan Kuhlman of Wallace, Nebraska and Brenda Christensen of North Platte, Nebraska; three great-grandchildren: Tyler Christensen of North Platte, Nebraska, Dylan and Skyler Kuhlman, both of Wallace, Nebraska; three nieces: Roxanne Wicke Pena of Louisville, Kentucky, Cindy Wicke McChesney of Hotchkiss, Colorado and Kristy Klenk of Fort Collins, Colorado; and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services for Lillian Tepley will be held Thursday morning Dec. 8, 2011, at 10:30 a.m.. (MT) at the Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta with Pastor Greg Stuckwisch officiating. Internment will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Wauneta.

Visitation will be held Wednesday afternoon Dec. 7, 2011 from 2 -- 6 p.m. (MT) at the Funeral Home in Wauneta.

All services will be closed casket per the wishes of Lillian's family.

A memorial has been established to Redeemer Lutheran Church of Wauneta.

Online condolences can be left at liewerfuneralhome.com

Liewer Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.