Photo courtesy of Adams & Swanson Funeral Home - North Platte
North Platte, Nebraska
Mar 31, 1932 – Aug 27, 2023
Marian Lucille (Bakewell) Lanka, born March 31, 1932, went to be with Jesus, her Lord and Savior, Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 91. She was the oldest child of Myron and Velna (Bay) Bakewell.
Marian grew up on the farm west of Stapleton along with her two sisters, Judy and Arlene. She attended Nesbit grade school and Baker Rural High at Stapleton. She wed Elton C. Lanka, Stapleton, on August 5, 1951 in a double wedding ceremony with Elton’s sister Lorna Lanka and Laron Wright, at the Presbyterian Church in Stapleton. They lived in a baled hay house on the Lanka ranch north of Stapleton. She taught at the Cody Lake school for several years. In 1960 they moved with their four children into a new house that viewed Cody Lake. Marian helped with much of the ranch; working cattle, calving, and haying, along with raising the children. Going to Sunday School and church was the Sunday priority. Marian was a mail carrier for the north route out of Stapleton for 32 years. She loved helping with school where a daughter taught and then helping to homeschool a number of great-grandchildren for the past 20 plus years.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Myron and Velna Bakewell; husband, Elton; brother-in-law, Frank Lanka; step-mother Wilma (Foight) Bakewell; son-in-law, Mike Pollnow; step sister-in-law, Beth Foight.
She is survived by daughters, Diane (Cecil Lee) Wonch, Gandy, NE, Vanessa (George) Grimsley, Blanchard, OK, Sue Pollnow, Eaton, CO; and son Rex (Bethany) Lanka, Stapleton, NE.; sisters, Judy (Clarence) Lanka, Stapleton, NE., Arlene (Tom) Collins, Shawnee, KS.; sisters-in-law, Lorna Lane, Kearney, NE, Connie Krusinowski, Omaha, NE.; brother-in-law, Kenneth E. (Margie) Lanka, Lincoln, NE.; step-sister, Darla Parker, North Platte, NE.; step-brother, Lyle Foight, Paxton, NE; 10 grandchildren, Travi (D’Arcy) Rambali, McCook, NE., Angie (Daniel) Hopper, Stapleton, NE., Lee (DanDee) Wonch, Arnold, NE., Amanda (Mike) Fletcher, Arnold, NE., Adam (Melani) Wonch, Gandy, NE., Josh Nelson, Urbandale, IA., Ranae (DJ) Selmeyer, Lansing, MI., Samantha (Chris) Ewing, Mt. Pleasant, TN., Owen (Kim) Johnson, Eaton, CO., Luke (Maggie) Johnson, Gering, NE., 32 great-grandchildren; 5 great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her great smile and many acts of kindness.
Memorials are suggested in her name. Online condolences can be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 A.M., Friday, September 1, 2023 at the Gandy Community Bible Church, Gandy, NE., with Pastor Lee Wonch officiating. Burial will follow the service at Loup Valley Cemetery, Stapleton, NE. Visitation will be 9:00 A.M. – 7:00 P.M., Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral.
The service will be livestreamed at www.adamsswanson.com for those unable to attend. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother, aunt, grandmother. Marian was a lady. Her face had a glow that only the knowledge of Jesus can give. My prayers are with all of you during this very sad time. Just know that you will see her again, and your father, in Heaven. May God wrap His loving arms around all of you during this time and every day in the future.
Ruby Clark
September 05, 2023 | Chandler, AZ | Acquaintance
Marian was a wonderful mother in law whom I will miss. Mom, see you on the other side.
George Grimsley
September 04, 2023 | Blanchard, OK | Family
I always enjoyed visiting with Marian when I saw her in my parent’s store. She always had a smile. Keeping you all in my thoughts & prayers.
Steph Miller (Frey)
September 01, 2023 | Lincoln, NE | Friend
We will miss Marian at our family cousins' reunions! As a child, I remember her patience with me as a younger cousin. I loved her laugh and she always had time for a chat at the reunions and faithfully sent a note with her Christmas cards every year!
Even though we are saddened by her sudden homegoing, we know that Marian is happy and rejoicing with her Savior in heaven. We've been praying for you, her extended family, during this difficult time and our love goes out to you...
Dwight and Gloria (Nickolaus) Lehman
September 01, 2023 | Dunedin, FL | Family
Sorry to hear about Marian's passing. Many, many fond memories during our time in Stapleton with Marian and the Mariners and the church family at Stapleton Presbyterian Church (Cornerstone EPC).
Blessings,
Pastor Bob & Diane Anderson
Bob Anderson
August 30, 2023 | Pella, IA
We are praying for you as you grieve Marian!!! She was always so kind to me and I really enjoyed visiting with her! She and Elton were one of the “seven couples” so spent time with Marian from the time I was small. I really enjoyed taking the Perspectives course with Marian in 2020!! So glad to know I will see Marian again in heaven!!!
Love, Karen and Dennis Licking
Dennis and Karen Licking
August 29, 2023 | Tryon, NE | Friend
Grove of 100 Trees
C&H Ewing
August 28, 2023 | Greeley, CO
Love & Prayers to all of Marian's family. I was visiting a friend of mine in Linden Court Saturday evening and she was sitting at the same supper table, so I was shocked to hear of her passing. May God Bless you and give you comfort as you deal with your loss of such a beautiful lady.
With Loving Friendship and Deepest Sympathy,
JUDY DAILEY
August 28, 2023 | Tryon, NE | Friend
Grove of 100 Trees
Linda, Carol and Janet
August 28, 2023