Elizabeth Hannah (Steffgen) Berkbigler

Last Rites for Mrs. Berkbigler, Long A Genevan

Hannah Berkbigler, daughter of Mike and Marie Steffgen, was born November 29, 1882, in Hamilton County, Nebraska, passed away March 16, 1976, at the age of 93 years, 3 1/2 months.  She had been in the Fillmore County hospital the last six and one-half months and had been at Heritage since June, 1968.

She was married to Henry Berkbigler October 18, 1910, at St. Mary's church north of Shickley.  Four daughters were born to them, Mrs. Marguerite Weber of Red Cloud, Neb., Mrs. LaVerna Johnson of Miami, Okla., Mrs. Helen Gray of St. Cloud, Minn., and Mrs. Madeline Barrett of Waldport, Oregon.

She spent most of her life in Fillmore County and lived near Shickley on a farm until 1935 when she and three daughters moved to Geneva.

Her husband, Henry, passed away in 1933.  Besides her husband, she was preceded by death by her parents, sisters, Katie, Agnes (unknown) baby sister; brother, Henry, a son-in-law and an infant great-grandson.

Surviving are four daughters, three sons-in-law, 11 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Rosary was recited Friday evening at the Farmer & Son Funeral Home.

Funeral services were Saturday morning at the St. Joseph's Catholic church with Father Banach officiating.

Music was furnished by Mrs. Clarence Najmon, Mrs. Ves Weis and Susan Najmon.

Pallbearers were Thomas Biegert, Bernard Budler, Dean Reinsch, Francis Weber, Francis J. Reinsch and Lawrence Weber.  Burial was in the St. Mary's cemetery north of Shickley, with Farmer & Son Funeral Home in charge.

Relatives and friends of Hannah Berkbigler attending the services or rosary were from Hebron, Bradshaw, Exeter, Sutton, Fairmont, North Platte, Bruning, Shickley, Red Cloud, and Geneva, Neb., Waldport, Oregon, Miami, Okla. and St. Cloud, Minn.