"Dear Von MInden family, Our deepest and heartfelt sympathy to all of you in the recent loss of Tootie. She was always such a gracious lady in all that she did. What a role model for her family and friends! May God heal your broken hearts and comfort you in the days ahead knowing He is always with you. We send our love to each of you! In Christ, "
In loving memory of
Darlene "Tootie" Von Minden
June 23, 1925 - August 29, 2013
Darlene (Tootie) Von Minden, 88, of Martinsburg, NE died on Thursday, August 29, 2013 at Regency Square Care Center in South Sioux City, NE
Services will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsburg, NE on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Klaus Raab officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., with the family present at 6:00 p.m. and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. on Monday, September 2, 2013 at the church. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca, NE. Online condolences to the family may be posted at www.mohrfuneralhome.com. The family asks that memorials be directed to Trinity Lutheran Church 5106 Douglas St Ponca, NE 68770
Darlene (Tootie) Von Minden was born June 23, 1925 to Charles (Bob) and Alma (Schroeder) Ellis on a farm in rural Allen, NE. She attended Allen Consolidated Schools, graduating in 1942. She graduated with normal training and taught in a country school outside of Allen. On February 22, 1944 she married Harold Von Minden at Trinity Lutheran Church in Martinsburg, NE. She was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran. To this union were born four children, Steve, Jan, Nikki and Kim.
After Harold returned from his service in WW II, they farmed and fed cattle and hogs in the Martinsburg area until 1981 when they retired and moved into Martinsburg. They received a Pioneer Farm Award in 1979 for the original Koeppe farm being in the family for over 100 years. Darlene worked at the Atokad Race Track in South Sioux City for over 20 years. She was a Sunday School teacher and member of the LWML at Trinity Lutheran Church. She was a 4-H Leader for many years and was also a member of the Ponca Post 117 American Legion Auxiliary. She was an avid reader, enjoyed playing cards in a Canasta Club and at the Ponca Senior Citizen Center, watching golf on TV (especially Tiger), doing water aerobics and enjoyed an occasional trip to the casino. Darlene and Harold were faithful attendees at their children's, grandchildren's and great-grandchildren's many events. Her family enjoyed having coffee and eating homemade rolls at her house every Saturday morning.
Harold died on September 8, 2009. She continued to live in Martinsburg until shortly before her death.
Survivors include her children: Steve and Susan Von Minden of Dakota Dunes, SD; Jan and Patty Von Minden of Martinsburg, NE; Nikki and Dennis Carnell of Ponca, NE and Kim Bainbridge of Omaha, NE. She was blessed with12 grandchildren; 13 great-grand children and another great-grandchild due in February. These include Kris, Stacey and Brady Carnell; Kurt and Lynette Von Minden; Tracy, Ken, Camryn, Casey, Jacob and Carrie Hirschfeld; Betsey, Scott, Lauren and Jae Seger; Stephanie, Josh, Tyler and Sam Trout; Aaron Von Minden; Jill and Mitch Deisley; Sarah, Heath, Matthew, Hope, Luke and A.J. Wilson; Chris and Shannon Von Minden; Kyle and Samantha Bainbridge; Justin Bainbridge; and Kristin Bainbridge. One brother Gaylen Ellis of Lakewood, CA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Merle and Deenette Von Minden of Allen, NE and Ann and Reid Clausen of Highlands Ranch, CO. She was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers Vernon (Doc) and Ronald (Bus) Ellis; five sisters Opal Allen, Frances Anderson, Dorothy Fegley, Amber Schlines Truby, and Barbara Ellis.
Casket bearers will be granddaughters with grandsons serving as honorary pallbearers.
Tributes
"Phil and I send our condolences at this time of your mother's passing. We know how difficult it is to no longer have your living parents any longer. God be with you. "
"It's been a privilege to know Tootie and Harold and their wonderful family! Tootie was such a pretty lady and a delight to visit. We'll look forward to celebrating her life and seeing everyone on Tuesday! God Bless!"
"Kim--I am sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. All of you are in our prayers and thoughts. "
"TO ALL OF TOOTIES' CHILDREN, SPOUSES AND GRANDCHILDREN: TOOTIE WAS A VERY LOVELY LADY WHO ALWAYS HAD KIND WORDS TO SAY WHEN YOU VISITED WITH HER. I WILL NEVER FORGET ALL THE TIMES OUR FAMILIES VISITED BACK AND FORTH ON SUNDAY EVENINGS WHEN WE WERE GROWING UP. I KNOW THAT SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY ALL OF HER FAMILY AND FRIENDS. BILL AND I WISH TO EXTEND OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHIES. BEV & BILL UTECHT"