Mary Ellen Dahnke was born December 19, 1931, in the Eden Community, south of Wauneta, Nebraska, to Guy S. and Florence L. (Long) West. As a young girl she attended rural country school and went on to attend Wauneta High School.

Mary Ellen married Bobby G. Dahnke in 1947, and the couple settled near Stratton, Nebraska. While raising four children, the couple eventually moved it into Stratton, where they made their home for many years.

Mary Ellen was employed as a cook for the Stratton Community Hospital and the Stratton Public Schools. She also held several positions at Miller Manufacturing, of Stratton, including welding. She was a member of a local fitness group (FROGS) Fitness Reaching Old Gen’s. Mary Ellen enjoyed sewing and spending time in the out of doors. She especially loved her time with family and friends.

Mary Ellen passed away Monday evening, February 1, 2021, at her home in Stratton. She was 89 years of age.

Survivors Include:
Daughters: Kathryn Turpin and husband, Ben, of Taylor, NE
Roberta Hall of Grand Island, NE
Marilyn Bottorf of Lincoln, NE
12 Grandchildren
38 Great-Grandchildren
Numerous Great-Great-Grandchildren, Nieces and Nephews
Sister-In-Law: Lois West of Wauneta, NE

Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her Husband; Bob, Son; Dennis, three sisters and 2 brothers.

Graveside inurnment services will be held Saturday afternoon, February 6, 2021, 1:30 P.M. (Central Time) at the Rose Hill Cemetery, Stratton, Ne, with Pastor Rod Heilbrun officiating.

No visitation, Mary Ellen’s wishes were for cremation.


In Lieu of flowers, a memorial has been suggested to the Dahnke Family for a future designation.