Lauretta Becher

Lauretta S. Becher, 95, of Lincoln and formerly of Columbus, died Nov. 24, 2013. She was born Sept. 3, 1918 to Charlie and Minnie Grossnicklaus. She graduated from Platte Center (PC) High School in 1935 and married Carrol Becher, raising four children: Errol, Shirley Kay, Mark and Charles, all of whom received higher education degrees from the University of Nebraska. Carrol & Lauretta managed a Grade A dairy along with the farming operation; after college Chuck returned and partnered in the farming operation with his parents. In 2002 they received the Knights of AK-SAR-BEN Foundation Pioneer Farm Family Award for their family consecutively owning land over 100 years.

Both Carrol and Lauretta were active members of Grace Lutheran Church in PC, and were instrumental in starting Grace Lutheran Elementary School. Laurettas strong commitment to education also influenced grandchildren in their pursuit of higher education degrees. As a member of an Extension Club, Lauretta participated in a variety of community activities. As a 4-H leader, she guided a number of children through their projects, teaching them sewing and cooking skills, and encouraging them in raising their dairy cattle. As President of the PC Alumni Association, she invited a home town boy, General Alfred Grunther, to speak at their reunion. In 2007, at the 4th of July Parade in PC, Lauretta reigned as the Grand Marshall.

Lauretta graduated with the charter Practical Nursing class from Platte Community College. She then worked at Columbus Manor for 16 years, orienting many young nursing aides to nursing care for long term residents. Lauretta assisted in developing Realife of Columbus and served on the Board of Directors for seven years. Through Lutheran Family and Social Services, she & Carrol provided a safe home for victims of spouse abuse. For 13 years, they took in women and children at crisis points in their lives.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters. She is survived by sons and daughters-in-law, Errol & Cheryl Becher, Farmington, N.M., Mark & Roseann Becher, Greer, S.C., and Charles & Vickie Becher, Platte Center, and daughter and son-in-law, Kay & Lee Rockwell , Lincoln, 12 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and 1 great- great grandson, nieces & nephews.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service will be January 4, 2014 at Peace Lutheran Church, Columbus, NE. Visitation will be Friday, Jan. 3, 2014 at McKown Funeral Home, 2922 13th Street, Columbus.

Memorials may be made to Peace Lutheran Church or to Center for Survivors.