Katherine "Katie" M. (Engler) Anderson

Katherine Mae “Katie” Anderson passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 26, 2024. She was born January 24, 1928 to Jennie (Gill) and Paul Engler in Bassett, Nebraska, where the family resided.

After graduating from Rock County High School, Katherine attended nurses training in Denver, Colorado, and later worked for an ophthalmologist in Lincoln, Nebraska.

On September 22, 1947, she married her high school sweetheart, Norris Anderson. Their love story lasted 71 years. Norris passed away November 26, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska.

Born to this union were two beloved daughters, Paula Sue and Julianne. Besides caring for her family and being a working partner with Norris at Hidden Paradise and Anderson’s Market, Katherine was a very active member of the VFW American Legion Auxiliary, the Alter Guild and thoroughly enjoyed bowling. 

In 2020, she spent one last summer in her beloved home on Pine Creek which Norris built for their 25th wedding anniversary. Together, they spent 44 summers there, welcoming many friends and family. This remains the “happy place” for the entire family.

Katherine lived her remaining years at New Cassel in Omaha, Nebraska, Cottonwood Villa in Ainsworth, Nebraska and finally Rock County Hospital Long Term Care in Bassett. She will be missed by many. Our hearts are breaking as we have to say goodbye, but also feel incredibly blessed to have been loved by Norris and Katherine all these years.

Katie was preceded in death by her husband, Norris; her parents; brother, Paul F. Engler; brother-in-law, James Doran Anderson; sisters-in law, Dona Ramm, Mary Lou Moore, Mary Anderson; and nephew, John Burns. Katherine is lovingly survived by daughters, Paula (and husband, Jim) Welke of Long Pine, and Julianne Sevening Morris of Omaha; five beloved grandchildren, Cory Sevening, Joe (and wife, Nancy) Sevening, Michael (and wife, Dana) Welke, Katie (and husband, Nick) Bokowski, and Andrea (and husband, Rhett) Taylor; 16 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews and other family members.

 Norris Dale Anderson passed away peacefully on November 26, 2018 with his family by his side.

Norris was born January 10, 1928 to Clara Peterson and Julian Anderson in Butte, Nebraska. The family moved to Long Pine when he was one year old and he resided there for 88 years. After graduating from Long Pine High School, he enlisted in the US Army. He served 18 months, including nine months in Korea.

On September 23, 1947, he married his high school sweetheart, Katherine Engler. Their love story lasted 71 years. Born to this union were two daughters, Paula Sue and Julianne.

Norris spent many years operating Anderson Market with his father, Julian, brother, Doran and finally, son-in-law, Jim Welke. He was also co-owner of Hidden Paradise for several years. He built the family home in 1954. In 1972, he built their summer home on Pine Creek where they spent 44 summers. It remains the “happy place” for the entire family. After retiring, Norris farmed and continued his love of building homes.

Norris and Katherine moved to Sunridge Village in Omaha in 2016, where they gained many friends. Katherine and their much-loved, 21-year-old cat “Puddy” will remain at Sunridge. Norris’s wish was to be cremated, and when the time comes, share a funeral Mass and burial with Katherine. His family’s hearts are broken; however, they are so blessed to have been loved by Norris all these years.

 Norris was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James Doran Anderson; and sister, Dona Jean Ramm. He is survived by his wife, Katherine “Katie” Anderson; daughters, Paula Sue (and husband, Jim) Welke, and Julianne (and husband, Jack) Morris; five beloved grandchildren, Cory Sevening, Joe (and wife, Nancy) Sevening, Michael (and wife, Dana) Welke, Katie (and husband, Nick) Bokowski, and Andrea (and husband, Rhett) Taylor; 15 great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Lou Moore; sister-in-law, Mary Anderson; brother-in-law, Paul Engler; along with many nieces, nephews and other family members.

Funeral Mass for Katherine M. “Katie” Anderson and Norris D. Anderson were held on Friday, October 4, 2024 at St. Pius X Catholic Church in Ainsworth, Nebraska, with Fr Mike Wetovick as Celebrant. Music selections “Be Not Afraid”, “One Bread, One Body” and “On Eagles’ Wings” were provided by Trudy Nolles. Scripture readings were rendered by Chris Kalkowski. Casket Bearers were Cory Sevening, Joe Sevening, Katie Bokowski, Teagan Sevening, Michael Welke, Julian Sevening, Jack Sevening, and Cade Sevening. Urn Bearer was Crew Welke. Honorary Casket Bearers were all of Norris and Katie’s Other Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren. Gift Bearers were Ava Dickson, Aspen Bokowski, Elliotte Welke and Sierra Bokowski. Following a luncheon, a private family interment was held in the Grandview Cemetery in Long Pine where Military Rites were given by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79. Arrangements were made under the direction of the Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth. Memorials may be directed to the Long Pine Fire Department or to the family for future designation in Katherine and/or Norris’s name. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com.