LaVada J. Fichtner

LaVada J. Fichtner

Feb. 17, 1929 - Jan. 4, 2016

GOTHENBURG, Neb. -- LaVada J. Fichtner, 86, of Gothenburg, died Jan. 4, 2016, in Gothenburg.

She was born Feb. 17, 1929, in Porum, Oklahoma, daughter of B.L. and Vera (Matthews) Lucas.

LaVada grew up in Porum. She lived in Bakersfield, California, and Curtis, Nebraska. She also lived west of Maywood, McCook and Gothenburg. LaVada graduated from high school and attended Mary Lanning School of Nursing. She was baptized in April 1941 at Muskogee Central Baptist Church and confirmed Aug. 5, 1951, at St. John's Lutheran Church in White, Nebraska. LaVada married Lesley Leon Fichtner on March 31, 1950, at St. John's Lutheran Church in White, Nebraska. They had four children: Lesley Joe, Larry, Bruce and Beth. She was a faithful member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Curtis, Nebraska, for many years.

LaVada was a member of the LWML and the Merry Jane's Extension Club. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and great grandkids. She followed the kid's sporting events and enjoyed watching sports on TV. LaVada loved gardening, flowers and the Huskers on TV and attending games. She served Hayes County as an Avon consultant for 35 years.

Surviving are son, Pastor Lesley Joe (Ann) Fichtner of Fort Wayne, Indiana: daughter, Beth (Mike) Messersmith of Gothenburg; sisters, Costella "Lou" Dunkin, Virginia "Ginny" Kitchen, Leah (Jim) Winton, Joan Fox, Eileen (Doug) Beaver, and Reva Lucas; sisters-in-law, Esther Bahrand and Vivian Fichtner; grandchildren: Paige (Paul) Mills, Michael Messersmith, Breanne Messersmith, Patrick Messersmith, Kim (Andy) Jipp, Tracey (Dan) Tresley, Katie (Jarred) Chappell and Brandon and Chris Fichtner; 12 great-grandchildren, Adriana, Kysen, Keiley, Kole, Annalynne, Matthew, Faith, Joy, Brayden, Greyson, Jakoby, and Karter; and many nieces and nephews and friends.

LaVada was preceded in death by her husband, Lesley Leon Fichtner; parents, Vera Lucas, Madeline Lucas, B.L. Lucas; sons, Larry and Bruce Fichtner; brother-in-laws, Allen Fichtner, Marlin Fox, Calvin Bahr, Ben Dunkin, and Butch Kitchen; sister-in-law, Ruth Fichtner; brothers, John and Junior Lucas; and great-grandson, Eli Jipp.

Visitation will be at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, Gothenburg, Nebraska, on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2016, 1 to 8 p.m. with the family present from 4-6 p.m.

Services will be at Trinity Lutheran Church, Friday, Jan. 8, 2016, at 10 am. Interment will follow in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, Nebraska.

Memorials may be given to the Trinity Lutheran Church, 2002 27th Street, Gothenburg, NE 69138 or Our Hope Lutheran Church, 1826 Interurban St, Huntertown, IN 46748, or Gothenburg Senior Center, 410 20th St, Gothenburg, NE 69138.

To sign the online guest book, go to www.blasestrauser.com. Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel in Gothenburg is in charge of arrangements.