Roxanna Degner

Roxanna Marie Degner (Sanders), age 63, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of deep faith, immense love for her family, and a lifetime of cherished friendships.

Services are pending

Roxanna was born at 6:22 AM on November 6, 1962, at St. Mary Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to the late Veronica Jo Sanders (Kalavas) and Gene Sanders. Raised in Chicago, she attended Maternity BVM for her early elementary years. She later attended St. Peter Canisius school from 4th through 8th grade. During these formative years, she walked to and from school every day with her neighbor and best friend, Frank Pantaleo, who would later honor their lifelong bond by becoming the godfather to her only son. She proudly graduated 8th grade during the historic bicentennial year of 1976.

She moved on to Foreman High School, graduating in 1980. There, she formed a lifelong friendship with Joyce Solvis (O'Donnell). Following high school, Roxanna attended the Sunnyhill Beauty School and worked as a licensed beauty culturist for several years.

On July 6, 1985, Roxanna married the love of her life, Kenneth W. Degner. Together, they built a beautiful, devoted family. In 1987, Kenneth’s career transferred the family from Chicago, Illinois to Columbus, Nebraska. Roxanna completely embraced her most treasured role in life—being a mother. As her children grew, she also entered the Columbus workforce, bringing her strong work ethic to establishments including Appleton, Cargill Sanitation, Columbus Hydraulics (Welding Department), and BD/BD Medical, before eventually retiring due to health reasons.

Roxanna loved her extended family of grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins fiercely. She poured her heart into being a good daughter, sister, aunt, wife, and mother. Her family extends a special thank you to Herman Janssen, who was a steadfast, loyal friend and truly like family to Roxanna and her children.

Roxanna is survived by her loving children and grandchildren: her son, Michael Degner, and grandsons, Camryn and Michael, of Columbus; her daughter, Elizabeth, and husband Mike Zuerlein, along with grandchildren Piper and Dylan Zuerlein of Elkhorn; and her daughter, Rosanna, and husband Justin Stamm of Gretna. She is also survived by her brother, Olen Sanders, and his wife Katie, and her sister, Deborah, and her husband Steve Pila, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Kenneth W. Degner, and her beloved parents, Veronica and Gene Sanders.