Tributes

Linda Mollendor Linda T. Mollendor was born April 14, 1942, in Denver, Colorado, to John W. and Josephine (Hoge) Thimmig. After graduation from Brighton High School in 1960, Linda attended Colorado State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry and Education. While at CSU, she continued to date her high school sweetheart and a very special young man, Robert Mollendor, who was also a student at CSU. On December 28, 1963, they married in Greeley, Colorado. The newlyweds moved first to a small farm in LaSalle, Colorado. Then, with their three young children, they settled in Lamar, Nebraska, in 1972. Ever loyal to Colorado, Linda would often ask Robert why they couldn’t find a farm on the other side of the state line. She did grow to love Nebraska and enjoyed her friendly but competitive bets during the Colorado/Nebraska football season. Linda was a dedicated wife, mother, grandma and friend. In 1989, she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, but she never let it slow her down. Her continued determination and dedication to many community organizations, projects and people, was an inspiration to all. She especially loved anything involving children of any age; this meant helping with homework, shuttling to after school events, leading 4-H groups, and even teaching many neighborhood kids everything from electric motors to leather craft. Life on the farm also meant many hours driving lots of miles to pick up parts for machinery, as well as learning to drive a grain cart and truck during harvest. She also had her fair share of miles allocated to shopping. Her family was her greatest joy. As her grandchildren continue to grow, they will learn to appreciate her knack for diplomacy, like her “15 minute/5-foot” rule and other pieces of wisdom she tried to teach them. Most importantly, they will remember that she was always on their side. Involvement with the community and people were important to Linda as she enjoyed giving her time and self to help others. She served on the school board for Lamar Grade School and for Chase County High School. She took special pride in being a part of building the new school. She was a longstanding officer for the Chase County Chapter of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge, and a charter member of PEO, Chapter IG. Linda was also involved with Girls/Boys State and enjoyed being an FSA board member. Education was always very important to Linda. One of the greatest gifts that the school gave to Linda was allowing her to continue as a substitute teacher when MS began to limit her mobility. Linda thoroughly enjoyed the kids and loved teaching and helping them. She was a great role model for those she taught. Linda was a very kind, fair and giving individual. She had an infectious smile and laugh even through her trials with MS. She left this life with grace and dignity, and will always be remembered as a fighter and one smart lady! Linda passed away Thursday, December 12, 2013, at the Chase County Community Hospital. She was 71 years of age. The family would like to thank her devoted and compassionate caregivers Marvene, Bunny, and Sole, who helped all of us so much. Also, a special thanks to her friends, especially her PEO sisters for all the meals, visits, and encouragement. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, John W. and Josephine Thimmig. Survivors Include: Husband: Robert of Lamar, NE. Daughters: Kathy Dodds and husband Mark of Hampstead, N.C. Johnna Peters and husband Bob of Denver, CO. Son: David Mollendor and wife Liz of Lamar, NE. 4 Grandsons: Joe Peters; Dawson, Walker & Tucker Mollendor. 2 Granddaughters: Emma Mollendor and Abbey Peters. Sisters: Becky Versteeg and husband Charlie of Medford, OR. Roberta Thimmig and friend Dot Lindsay of Brighton, CO. All memorial contributions will be used to establish a scholarship in Linda’s memory toward the Washington DC trip with the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. This was one of Linda’s favorite programs. Memorials may be sent to Robert Mollendor, 73915 316 Ave., Lamar, NE 69023. If you have memories of Linda that you would like to share with the family, then please email them to: smiles4linda@yahoo.com Funeral Services for Linda will be held Thursday morning, December 19, 2013, 11:00 A.M. at the Crossroads Wesleyan Church, Imperial, Nebraska, with Rev. John Engbrecht and Rev. Matt Maxwell officiating. Interment will follow after dinner at the Holyoke Cemetery, Holyoke, Colorado, starting at 3:00 P.M. Visitation will be held Wednesday afternoon, December 18, 2013, 2:00 P.M. – 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home in Imperial. As per family wishes, Linda’s casket will be closed day of services. Online condolences can be left at liewerfunerahome.com LIEWER FUNERAL HOME IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS

Tributes

Linda T. Mollendor

April 14, 1942 - December 12, 2013