Glenva Margaret (Eland) Unger

Monday, April 2, 2018

Oct. 2, 1928 - March 31, 2018

McCOOK, Neb. — On Saturday, March 31, 2018, Glenva Margaret (Eland) Unger was called by God from this earth to her Heavenly home. Glenva was born on Oct. 2, 1928, in Arapahoe, Neb. She was the youngest daughter born to Glenn and Margaret (Wendland) Eland. Glenva became a child of God through her baptism on Oct. 28, 1928, and was confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Trinity. She enjoyed growing up on a farm, loved animals and helping her dad with chores. She was a graduate of Arapahoe High School, Class of 1946. Glenva attended McCook Community College and the University of Nebrask-Lincoln. After graduation, she was employed by McCook National Bank. She met her future husband, Melvin, in McCook at the roller skating rink he owned. They were married on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1953, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Arapahoe. To this union, three sons were born.

Glenva’s vocation was to be a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and volunteer. She was always busy taking care of her children, playing sports in the back yard or getting them involved in church activities. She enjoyed gardening and at harvest time, was busy canning fruits, vegetables and making jams and jellies. She baked everything from scratch and always enjoyed cooking for her family. Her family believed she made the best cinnamon rolls and kraut runzas they ever tasted. She spent countless hours sewing, and as a seamstress, she lovingly made doll clothes, Halloween costumes, prom dresses, and clothes for her grandchildren. She enjoyed crocheting, making elaborate afghans, and doing needlepoint.

A member of Peace Lutheran Church for 65 years, Glenva was a woman of faith and a devout Lutheran. She was an active member of Peace Lutheran Women’s Guild, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, the Altar Guild, Lutheran Laymen’s League, Forerunner’s Club, the church choir, bell choir, and she taught Sunday school for many years. She was always available to lend a helping hand.

Community service was also important to Glenva, and she served many years as a volunteer at the Ed Thomas YMCA and the McCook Health Clinic.

After Melvin’s retirement, they enjoyed traveling and spent every winter in California and many weeks every year in Estes Park, Colo. One of Glenva’s greatest joys was attending her grandchildren’s sports, choir and school events. She had a very special relationship with her grandchildren. She was deeply loved by her family and friends.

Glenva was preceded in death by her parents; loving husband Mel; cousin, Robert Eland, whom she considered a brother; sisters-in-law, Phyllis Clapp and Anita Callan; brothers-in-law, Vernon Howard, Willis Unger, Harold Clapp and Ralph Greenlee.

Glenva is survived by her children, Dave (Patricia) and Dan, all of McCook, and Garry (Leigh Ann) of Orange, Calif. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Angela (Justin) Williby, Chance (Lora) Unger, Brittany, and Tanner Unger; great-grand-daughters, Olivia, Elliana, and Hailee and great-grandsons, John Paul, Von, and James. She is also survived by her sister, Doris Howard of Fremont; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Wagner (Dale) of Denver, Colo., Marlene Unger of Apache Junction, Ariz., Erma Greenlee of Spearfish, S.D. and brother-in-law, Neal Callan of Alliance, as well as many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Memorials may be given in her name to Peace Lutheran Church or KNGN Christian Radio.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 3, 2018, from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., with family present to greet friends from 5 to 7 p.m., at Herrmann Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook.

The Funeral Rite will be at Peace Lutheran Church on Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Lonnie Felcher officiating. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook is entrusted with arrangements.