Stokes, Emilie Marie (Strenger)

July 9, 1940 - May 14, 2024

Family will receive friends Monday, May 20th, from 5 to 7 p.m., at West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd. FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, May 21st, 11 a.m., at Salem Lutheran Church of Fontanelle, 11022 11th St., Fontanelle, NE. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer's Association or American Diabetes Association.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN-DWORAK-CUTLER West Center Chapel, 7805 W. Center Rd.

#2 Emilie Strenger was born in Fremont, Nebraska and was the first child to Dalton and Margaret Strenger. She grew up in Fontanelle, Nebraska learning the many aspects of living on a farm. Emilie had 4 children with her beloved husband, Evert. They later had 3 grandchildren on which to lovingly dote.

In school, Emilie had an interest in reading, journalism and singing. She eventually went to Midland College where she met the love of her life, Evert; and graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor in Education. She married Evert on December 27, 1960 at Salem Lutheran Church in Fontanelle. Emilie was an English teacher in Prague, Silver Creek and Wakefield, Nebraska. She also supported her husband's efforts as coach, while also starting their young family.

Family life kept Emilie busy. She had to keep an eye on her 4 children–Lisa, Brian, Shawn & Sherrie– and manage a household. Emilie also dealt with her family being somewhat "nomadic." They moved to various places in Nebraska, Iowa, and Arizona. Their brief Tucson adventure gave her an appreciation for Nebraska's green springs and snowy winters. She missed the changing seasons.

Emilie worked much of her professional life for NP Dodge Company. She started as a real estate agent; and then worked her way from a commercial property manager to the executive assistant to the company president. She had extensive knowledge of Omaha and its many neighborhoods and was a valued member of the NP Dodge Family.

After retirement, Emilie enjoyed traveling with Evert, attending grandkids' events, and cheering on the Chicago Cubs. She volunteered at Rejoice Lutheran Church and found great comfort in this community. She could also solve a crossword puzzle like a master.

Several years ago came a frustrating diagnosis of dementia. She handled this change with practical fortitude. As Emilie needed more care, which required moves to assisted living and memory care, she appreciated the love and support that surrounded her. She focused on her faith and her family.

Emilie was preceded in death by her husband, Evert Stokes; her parents, Margaret & Dalton Strenger. She was also preceded in death by her mother- and father-in-law, Cora and George Stokes; brothers-in-law, Ivan, Carl, Vernon "Brick" and Eldon Stokes; sister-in-law, Irene Guy; and other family members, including Marjorie Stokes, Patricia Stokes, Phyllis Stokes, Claire Guy, Leo Lindahl and several nieces and nephews.

Emilie is survived by daughters, Lisa Stokes, Sherrie (Mark) Graeve, Shawn Stokes (Cory Smathers); by son, Brian (Christine) Stokes; and by beloved grandchildren, Calvin and Sophia Graeve and Andrew Stokes; by brother, Jon (Darla) Strenger; by brother- and sister-in-laws, Eugene (LaRue) Stokes, Deta Lindahl, and Leo (Sylvia) Stokes; many loving nieces and nephews

Family will receive friends on Monday, May 20th from 5-7 pm at Heafey, Hoffman, Dworak & Cutler in Omaha.

Funeral will be at 11 am on Tuesday, May 21st at Salem Lutheran Church of Fontanelle, Neb.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association.

#3 Funeral leaflet

(photos)

In Loving Memory of Emilie Marie Stokes (nee Strenger)

Born July 9, 1940 Fremont, Nebraska ~ Entered Into Rest May 14, 2024 Omaha, Nebraska

Age 83 years, 10 months, 5 days

Funeral Service 11am Tuesday, May 21, Salem Lutheran Church of Fontanelle, 11022 11th Street, Fontanelle, Nebraska. Officiant: Rev. Allison Siburg

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the Alzheimer's Association or the American Diabetes Association.

~~~obituaries and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska ~~~

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