Memorial services for Loretta Launer of Chadron, Nebraska will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2012 at 2:00 PM at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Chadron with Pastor Ann Sundberg officiating.  Inurnment will be held at a later date at the Trinity Cemetery in Hazard, Nebraska.  She passed away on November 14, 2012 at her home in Chadron.  She was 94.

Loretta Launer was born Jan 14, 1918 in White Oak, Ohio.  Her parents were Otto and Margaret Ninke. Her father was Lutheran Minister and they moved to Nebraska when she was a young child. Her mother died when she was a young girl and her father a few years later. She and her other siblings went to live with different families. The children managed to always stay close.  She became a nurse and worked in York, Nebraska.   Loretta was married to Don Launer in 1945 and they had four children, Donetta, Curt, Clint and Bruce.

 The family was very active and spent a lot of time on the Platte River fishing and enjoying the outdoors and baseball.  She was a devoted mother and held family values and her faith as the most important things in her life. Later, she moved from Nebraska to Washington State to be close to her daughter. She then helped raise her three grandchildren, Kirk, Karen and Kevin. They still remember her love and steadfast presence with great fondness. They all shared many good times. She loved baseball, Bible study and helping her children and grandchildren.

 She also loved going to the Mariners games. She volunteered at church and the Chamber of Commerce when able. She took college classes in her 60’s.  When her grandchildren were grown, she moved back to Chadron, Nebraska to be with her son Clint. She spent many enjoyable hours at the Senior Center with her friends.  She resided with her son for many years while making trips back to see her grandchildren get married, and visit her son Curt and Bruce in other states.  She was able to see all her great grandchildren and hold them close. She remained devoted to her family until she died peacefully at home.  Her last thoughts were of the Lord and her family.

 She is survived by her Brother Clarence Ninke, Sons Curt, Clint and Bruce, and one Daughter Donetta, 3 grandchildren, Kirk, Karen and Kevin, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  God has taken her home but we will never forget her. Now she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.