Kathryn “Kathy” Rose Stokebrand, was born Aug. 15, 1938, in Lincoln.
Kathy was a lifelong Nebraskan. She graduated from Syracuse High School in 1956, and Bryan School of Nursing in 1959. She devoted her life to the care and well-being of others, first as a radiant daughter and then as a loyal wife, a nurturing mother, a doting grandmother and great-grandmother, and a supportive sister. Kathy's journey from Syracuse to De Witt was marked by a deep sense of service, most notably in her career as a nurse for Dr. McCleary in Beatrice, the Wilber Care Center and Beatrice Community Hospital/Home Health Department.
Kathy's life was a testament to her belief in the power of love and kindness. Her life was beautifully intertwined with her husband, Harold Stokebrand, whom she married on Nov. 22, 1959. Together, they enjoyed Husker football and their grandchildren's activities, traveling and serving in their church and community. A devoted mother to Ellen and Doug (Jan) Stokebrand, a loving grandmother to James (Anna) Timberlake, Elizabeth (Steven) Svoboda, Megan (Ben) Skiles, and William Stokebrand and her seven great-grandchildren, and sister to Mary Ann and Lowell (Pam) Leefers, She also leaves behind several nieces and nephews.
Kathy's empathy was matched only by her passion for Husker football and attending Husker women's basketball games, grandchildren's activities, quilting and flowers, which she used to bring joy and warmth to her community. A committed member of the Senior Diners and the Area Agency on Aging, Kathy's work extended beyond the boundaries of her home and into the broader community. As a proud member of Trinity Lutheran Church in DeWitt, she served as the church organist and directed the choir, filling the church with rousing and moving melodies that touched the hearts of all who heard them. Her dedication to service was recognized when she was named to the Governor's Advisory Commission on Aging.
Kathryn Stokebrand was preceded in death by her loving parents, Fred and Marian (Pearson) Leefers. Her memory will continue to inspire her family and all those who knew her.
The funeral service will be Wednesday, July 3, at 11 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, with interment e at the Oak Grove Cemetery, DeWitt. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the family's choice for future designation with the funeral home in charge.
In remembering Kathy, we invite you to share your memories and upload photos to the memorial page found at www.ghchapel.com, and also watch her service and video tribute. Let us remember and celebrate Kathy Stokebrand's compassionate spirit, her unwavering loyalty, and her supportive nature that touched so many lives. Arrangements by Venrick-Griffiths-Hovendick Chapel in DeWitt.
