Rae Jean Syverson, 72, passed away on Friday, May 13, 2022, at Emerald Nursing & Rehab in Cozad.

Rae was born March 14, 1950, in St. Paul, where she grew up and graduated from St. Paul High School with the class of 1968. After high school she attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she met and married John Olsommer in 1970. Three daughters were born to this union: Jennifer Marie, Jacqueline Michelle and Jessica Rae. The couple lived in Omaha and Syracuse, New York before settling in Apple Valley, Minnesota for several years. They later divorced.

She then married Joe Syverson in Minnesota, and a few years later, daughter Kayla was born.

Rae loved camping and baking, but her favorite pastime was enjoying a cup (or several cups) of coffee while visiting with friends and family sharing stories and laughs. She entered the care of Emerald Nursing & Rehab in May 2020, as her Parkinson’s Disease progressed.

Less than 48 hours after her passing heaven gained another member of the family, as Rae’s brother, Howard Hadenfeldt, age 66, passed away in Branson, Missouri, after a short battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis.

Rae is survived by her four daughters, Jennifer (Guido) Lipske of Gurnee, Illinois, Jackie Olsommer of Lincoln, Jessica (Jeremy) Goehring of Lincoln, and Kayla Syverson of Minnesota; and four granddaughters.

Howard is survived by three children, Jennifer, Nick and Jaime, all of California. He was preceded in death by a son, Kyle.

Rae and Howard are also survived by their siblings, Ellen (Jody) Mortensen, Thomas (Katie) Holley and Tim (Theresa) Holley, all of Gothenburg, Pat (Penny) Holley of Lincoln, Richard (Jerri) Fries of Cairo, David (Sharon) Fries of Lincoln and Dianne (Jeff) Berger of Surprise, Arizona.

They were preceded in death by their parents and grandparents, and a brother, Donald Eugene Lantz.

Graveside services for Rae Jean will take place on Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 10:30 AM at the Elmwood Cemetery in St. Paul, NE. Graveside services for Howard will follow in Cairo, NE. 

Blase Strauser Memorial Chapel of Gothenburg assisted the family.