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 Merna Markussen  

Merna Markussen was born Merna Margaret Brockmoller, the oldest of six children, of Wilhelm and Johanna Brockmoller on May 11, 1919 in Clearwater Nebraska. She entered into rest on April 28, 2007 at the Sedgwick County Nursing Home in Julesburg, Colorado.

    Merna started school in Clearwater. Her parents moved the family to a farm near Big Springs Nebraska in 1926. Merna completed her schooling in District 57, a country school in Keith County. After finishing the 8^th grade, she lived with her Grandparents and cooked and took care of them.  

     Merna went to work for the McGinley Ranch near Keystone. Her duties included cooking, cleaning, and doing laundry for the ranch hands. It was there she met the Cowboy of her dreams. She married Clyde Markussen on March 19, 1939. To this union 8 children were born, one son and seven daughters. They raised their family while living in Keith and Arthur Counties, then moving to North Platte and on to Gothenburg, finally settling in Ogallala and making that their permanent home.

      Merna worked primarily in the home taking in ironing and raising her children until they were all in school. She then joined the work force once again, working at TRW until her retirement.

     Growing up in the times that she did taught Merna to make the best of everything she had. She learned to cook and clean at an early age, taking care of her younger brothers and sisters. It seemed she was always cooking for her family, baking bread at least once a week. She always had cake or cookies or pies on hand, in case someone stopped by for coffee and a visit. She would sew for the girls and especially liked to embroider.

     Merna was always very much a part of her children’s lives. She worked hard, being a Mom and Grandma. She enjoyed cooking for her big and growing family. Becoming a Grandma made her so proud. Each new grandchild, great grandchild and then great, great grandchild became a new jewel in her Crown of Glory.

     Merna was a country girl at heart and enjoyed the simple life. She and Clyde raised a huge garden, sharing the harvest with their family and neighbors. Many hours were spent canning the summer harvest for the winter supply. Merna enjoyed reading anything and everything. She always looked forward to spring and the annual trip to the local green houses to pick out the plants for her many flower pots and beds.

     Merna is survived by daughters Barbara and husband Rex Harrington of Sedgwick Colorado, Phyllis of Ogallala, son Buck Markussen and wife Judy of Keystone Nebraska, and daughters Connie and husband Roger Biggs of Norton Kansas, Bev and husband Lon Hollingsworth of Sedgwick Colorado, Sandy Talley of Middleton Tennessee, Karen and husband Gary Hershfeldt of Holyoke Colorado and Terrie and husband Jay Hollingsworth of Sedgwick Colorado; 23 Grandchildren, 19 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great, Great Grandchildren; sisters Rachel Markussen of Brady Nebraska, Melpha Barnica of Big Springs Nebraska, Bonnie Dixon of Julesburg Colorado, and Wilma and husband Amzie Blake of Julesburg Colorado; one brother Kermit Brockmoller  and wife Marge of Ogallala Nebraska; sisters-in-laws, brother-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.

     She was preceded in death by her husband Clyde, her parents, her brother Don Brockmollor, a son-in-law and an infant grandson and granddaughter.

    Services for Merna Markussen will be held on Friday, May 4, 2007 at the United Methodist Church in Ogallala at 10:00 A.M. with Pastor Kelo Kaleuati and Pastor Kristie Firm officiating.  Inurnment will be in the Arthur Cemetery in Arthur Nebraska.

     A memorial has been established in her memory.  Gubser Funeral Home in Ogallala is in charge of the arrangements.