She was born on May 16, 1922, on a farm outside Bancroft, the fifth of nine children. Her parents, Herman and Lucinda (Leimer) Repschlaeger, raised their family in a farming community centered around the rural Zion Lutheran Church. She attended the parochial elementary school and then Bancroft High School, where she graduated in 1940 (the only one of her sisters to have this privilege). During World War II, she supported her country by building airplanes in Wichita, Kansas. After the war, she returned to Nebraska and worked at Mutual of Omaha.
On June 4, 1950, Lydia married Herbert Ronnenkamp and settled back in Bancroft, where Herb worked at the Citizens Bank. They had three children: Joan, Bob and Sue.
Lydia was active in church and community activities. She served on the Altar Guild at St. Paul's Lutheran Church and taught Sunday school for many years. She was also a Girl Scout leader, delivered Meals on Wheels, and was a member of several clubs and bowling teams. She began quilting when she was in her 40s and made beautiful and cherished bedspreads and wall hangings.
One of Herb and Lydia's favorite things was dancing on Saturday night at the Veteran's Club in West Point, where they shared great times and expanded their social circle. Lydia also loved reading and writing. She was an excellent and faithful correspondent. Each of her children received weekly letters after they left home, and she kept in close touch with friends and family too.
After Herb's retirement, he and Lydia became "snow birds." They spent 18 winters in the south, mostly on South Padre Island, Texas, where they enjoyed the warm weather, walking on the beach and eating great seafood. In 1996, they moved to Fremont from Bancroft. They joined Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and became members of the YMCA. These years marked a new chapter of life filled with a positive focus, good people, fun times, and memorable experiences.
Herb died in December 2011 and Lydia's last four years were spent at Nye Legacy in Fremont. Lydia's family is grateful to all the Legacy staff for their kind and caring support. They'd also like to thank everyone at Home Instead who helped Lydia (and Herb) over the years. They came to assist with chores and became friends. Special thanks to Aileen Heintzelman (former neighbor and Home Instead companion), along with Dale and Alma Rohde from Good Shepherd for their faithful monthly visits.
Lydia is survived by her son Bob (Fremont), daughters Sue (Doylestown, Penn.) and Joan (Seattle, Wash.), Joan's husband Glenn Bonci and their son Bennett Bonci. She is also survived by two brothers, Elmer Repschlaeger (Lawrenceburg, Ind.) and Marvin Repschlaeger (Fremont), as well as many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, we ask that memorials be given in Lydia's name to the charity of your choice. Condolence and remembrance cards can be sent to Sue Ronnenkamp, 1409 Whitehall Dr., Doylestown, PA 18901.
A memorial service and burial will be held at a later date.
Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(6)
Barb Kennedy
boise, ID Sunday, June 22, 2014 That eloquent tribute to Lydia brought back so many great family memories. Lydia was blessed to be surrounded and cared for by Joan, Sue and Bob and loving family and caregivers and her contentment was so evident when I visited her in April. She was graceful and articulate through her life and her last words telling me she cared deeply for me will remain with me forever.Arna Farabee
Waukomis, OK Wednesday, June 18, 2014 To all of you - Joan, Sue and Bob and your families - sorry for the loss of your mother. She kept her smile until the end. Always gracious. You were a great family and were all a great help to your mother. I am real glad Cheryl and I went to Fremont this spring and had a chance to visit with her. Gods peace to all of you!Love from Oklahoma
Glen & Joyce Rodick
Bancroft, NE Wednesday, June 18, 2014 We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. You are in our thoughts and prayers.Rod Repschlaeger
El Dorado, CA Tuesday, June 17, 2014 We send our love and sympathy in this sad time. Our prayers are with you.Rod and Marsha Repschlaeger
Keith Miller
Odenton, MD Tuesday, June 17, 2014 Bob,I wanted you to know I was thinking about you.
Keith
Mark and Debbie Lee
Austin, TX Monday, June 16, 2014 Though we did not know Lydia, we can see from her face and the beautiful obituary that she was a warm and loving woman, full of good spirit. I wish we had had the privilege. As a friend of her daughter, Sue, I can see that her goodness lives on in those she nourished and loved. Love from Debbie and Mark