Mary Ellen Ehlers

Mary Ellen (Hahn) Ehlers was born on January 29, 1936, in Beatrice, Nebraska, to Joel and Violet (Lafollete) Hahn.  She entered her heavenly home on October 30, 2020 at Thayer County Health Services in Hebron, NE, at the age of 84 years, nine months, and one day.                         .

Mary was baptized on May 15, 1949 by Rev. E. F. Freese at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice, Nebraska.  Mary’s faith was affirmed on April 2, 1950, when she was confirmed by Pastor Freese.  Mary’s confirmation verse was Revelation 3:11: “Behold I come quickly:  hold that fast which thou hast that no man take thy crown.”  Mary held fast to her faith throughout her life no matter what she faced.  She knew that Jesus was her Lord and Savior, and she shared that love and faith with others throughout her lifetime.

In May of 1954, Mary graduated from Beatrice High School.  After graduation she worked as the high school secretary for two years until May of 1956.

Mary was united in marriage to Warren Dean Ehlers on February 11,1956, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Beatrice by Rev. E. F. Freese.  For the first eighteen years of their marriage, Mary and Warren lived on a farm south of Hebron near Stoddard.  During that time, Mary worked as an administrative professional at Thayer County Soil and Water Conservation District, Thayer County District Court, and the law office of Orville Baldwin.  Mary was a conscientious, detail-oriented employee in all of these jobs and took pride in all of the work that she did.

On November 24, 1973, a daughter, Lara Elizabeth, was born.  At that time, Mary decided to stay home and raise her daughter.  Mary described these years of motherhood as the best time of her life, and she was the most extraordinary mother.

Those who knew Mary hopefully got to experience her amazing cooking, especially her pies and homemade bread.  No one could top a holiday meal prepared by Mary. Her family and friends also knew of her selflessness, her kindness, and most importantly, her faith.  They also knew of her intelligence and her interest in a variety of subjects, including world events.  Mary was a skilled artist who could paint, draw, and do ceramic work like no other.  The nativity set she painted will forever be a cherished family heirloom.  Beyond all of these attributes and skills, Mary was the most loving wife, mother, and grandmother to her family.  She always put her family before herself and always provided a loving shoulder to lean on during any struggles her family faced.   Her selfless love for her family, her words of wisdom, and her compassionate ways will be forever missed by those who loved her.

Mary is survived by her husband Warren of Hebron; daughter and son-in-law Lara and Scott Harms of Hebron; three beloved grandchildren - Broderick, Ashley, and Brennan Harms; brother-in-law Harold Fangmeyer of Covina, CA; sister-in-law Frankie Sue Hahn of Camarillo, CA; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joel and Violet; her step parents, Ella and Joe; sister Margaret Fangmeyer; half-sisters Jo Sedler and Barbara Hahn; and half-brothers Edward and LeRoy Hahn.

A private funeral service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church on Monday, November 2nd, 2020, with Pastor Brian Francik.  Visitation will be public 2-6 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Recorded selections “Because He Lives”, “How Great Thou Art” and “I Can Only Imagine”. Pallbearers are Ron Fangmeyer, Broderick Harms, Ashley Harms, Brennan Harms, James Hansen, and Douglas Davenport.  Interment was in the Hebron City Cemetery.  Memorials can be directed to the family and will be given to Faith Lutheran Church and the American Stroke Association. Condolences may be left at www.krollfh.com. Kroll Funeral Home of Hebron, NE is in charge of arrangements.