Arlene L. Strong

Arlene Louise Strong, 87, of Gothenburg, passed away on October 28, 2025.
Arlene was born on February 25, 1938 in Grand Island, NE to parents Harold and Nora (Lawrence) Southard.
Arlene grew up in Cairo, NE; graduated from Cairo High School, and married Gerald E Strong on June 1, 1956 at the Cairo Baptist Church. Together they moved to Grand Island where first daughter Terri was born. A short while after they moved to Fullerton where second daughter Deborah and third daughter Barbara were born. Then finally settled in Gothenburg where fourth and final daughter Katherine was born. Gothenburg is where they continued to live and raise their family for over 50 years. Jerry and Arlene moved to North Platte due to his health, after he passed she moved to Lincoln for eight years, due to health reasons she moved back to Gothenburg where she lived at Stone Hearth Estates.
Arlene was a very busy wife and mother, she loved decorating cakes, laughing, babysitting, China painting, video gaming, motorcycling, camping, traveling, cruises, Husker football, spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and she was a winter Texan for 19 years.
Preceded in death by her husband Gerald, her parents, Harold and Nora, her aunt, Bea Southard, and step-grandson, Rodger Earll Jr., cousin, Wayne Veeder.
She is survived by her four daughters, Terri (Lane) Nordin, Deborah Strong, Barbara (Daryl) Debus, and Katherine (Rodger) Earll Sr. A dear cousin, Jeannie Paul Hamus. Terri's family includes her sons Joshua (Adele) Nordin, Matthew (Lisa) Nordin, and Andrew Nordin. Joshua is the father of Silas and stepfather to Penny. Deborah's family includes her children Christopher Strong, Ashley (JD) Riley, and Will Strong. Christopher is the father of Eva and Zeke. Ash is the stepmother of Malakai, who has a son, Laine; she is also the mother of Ashton (Ally), who has a son, Milo, and Jamie Riley. Barbara's family includes her stepson Justin Debus, who is the father of Janya, Ben, and Jon. Katherine's family includes her children Nichole Grimes, Ryan (Laneya) Lauer, and Brandon (Brittnie) Lauer. Nicki is the mother of Brooklyn (Kellen), Ryan is the father of Everly and Payton, and stepfather to Alec, Kenzie, and Peyton. Brandon is the father of Greyson, Blakely, and Easton. Kathy's bonus children are Mike Earll, father of Ainsley (Tyler) Swan, Brittney (Kenny Tucker), and Dirk Earll. Kevin (Heather) Earll, father of Titus (Mackenzie) and Zada. Deanna (Brad) Miller, Mother to Tyler (Ashlyn), Trayven (Mckenzie) and Tarynn (Joey) Craft, along with numerous great and great-great grandchildren.
Visitation will be held, Sunday, November 9, 2025 at 2:00-4:00 PM at Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel, 620 10th St. Gothenburg, NE with the family present.
Funeral service will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, 10:30 AM at Cornerstone Bible Church in Gothenburg, NE, with Pastor Scott Newman officiating.
Burial will follow at Fort McPherson National Cemetery at 1:00 PM in Maxwell, NE.
Memorials may be directed to Cornerstone Bible Church or one of the following charities Arlene Supported: • Wounded Warriors • St. Jude's • Boys Town To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Arlene L. Strong, please visit our floral store.