Renata Brell

Renata Brell, 92, of Elwood, passed away on April 29, 2011, at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood.
Renata was born on July 12, 1918, on a farm south of Elwood to Emil and Anna (Ziebell) Esslinger. The family centered their lives on music and the Immanuel Lutheran Church community.
Renata attended all grades at Immanuel Lutheran Church Parochial School and she was confirmed in the church in 1932.
On Dec. 14, 1941, Renata married Wilbur Brell in the Immanuel Lutheran Church. The couple made their home North of Johnson Lake for several years at the Wade Ranch. Later settling on the Plum Creek in the mid 1940s where they created the Brell Ranch. The couple's union was blessed with two children, Larry and Joan.
In 1985, the family moved to Elwood. Throughout Wilbur's successes in the auctioneering business, Renata would always clerk the farm sales. Wilbur preceded Renata in death on May 7, of 1998. In most recent years, Renata made her home in the Elwood Care Center where she made many friends.
For 65 years, Renata belonged to the Hope Lutheran Church in Smithfield. Following the passing of her husband, she became a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood.
Renata was sometimes called the "Rose Lady of the Plum Creek" because of her large gardens that would always contain 300 floribunda roses and 100 tea roses. She belonged to the Dawson County Rose Society, the Tops Program at Johnson Lake, H.O.A. Club and the Merry Mixer Club for many years. Renata also sold Avon products.
She and Wilbur were active in the Golden Rod Car Club they would often take road trips and participate in parades.
In addition to her husband, Renata, was preceded in death by her parents; two brothers, Edwin and Herbert; and a sister, Elsa Kroger.
Survivors include her two children, Larry (Cheryl) Brell, of Elwood, Joan (Roger) Brand, of Gothenburg; sister-in-law, Alice Mercer, of Kearney; brother-in-law, Robert Brell, of Elwood; seven grandchildren, Wendy (Wade) Nilson, Ashley (John) Flynn, Jill (Joe) Debban, William (LeahAnn) Brell, Michelle (Jonney) Johnson, Kristi (Greg) Land, Mark (Nikki) Brand; 15 great-grandchildren, Ethan, Wyatt, Kennedy, Sophia, Caroline, Sarah, Wryston, Nolan, Amber, Austin, Jonathan, Mackenzie, Drake, Krysten, Jeramie; two great great-grandchildren, Harmony and Adalyn; and a host of nieces, nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Services will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 4, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood with Pastor Kenton Birtell officiating. Burial will be at the Elwood Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 5-8 p.m., today, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.