Helen Fern "Thomas" Rager

Helen Fern Rager, 91, of Gordon, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on September 29, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. Born on October 17, 1933, in O'Neill, Nebraska, she was the daughter of Edward and Nellie Thomas and one of ten children in the Thomas family.
Helen's life was defined by love, hard work, and dedication to others. After meeting and marrying Otis Clark Rager, she and Clark made their home in Gordon, where they raised cattle and farmed for many years. Together, they welcomed three children: Todd Thomas, Ty Otis, and Tamara Ann, whom she cherished deeply.
A firm believer in the power of education, Helen graduated from Wayne State College with a degree in teaching. She was an educator at heart, and her commitment to teaching was evident in the many children whose lives she touched. Helen taught country school for several years, and she was incredibly proud of the fact that many of her students went on to become valedictorians of their graduating classes. One of her favorite sayings was, "Get your education because they can never take that away from you," a belief she instilled in all those around her.
Helen led a rich, full life beyond her role as a mother and teacher. She enjoyed playing cards, often challenging family and friends to a friendly game, and she wasn't scared to let you know if you'd made a wrong move. She was an avid reader, she never let the bird feeder go empty as she loved watching them out her window, and she loved to spend time tending to her yard and garden. Remarkably, she continued to mow her own lawn until the age of 85, a testament to her strength and independence.
In addition to her many hobbies, Helen was a devoted sports fan, especially when it came to college sports. She loved watching games on TV, and most years, her NCAA tournament bracket would outdo the rest of the family. However, when she mis-picked an upset, she would announce with a smile, "My bracket is hosed!" - always with the good humor that defined her.
Helen is survived by her children, Todd, Ty (Dottie), and Tamara Rager; grandchildren, Breanna (Kahle) Eisenreich, Kelsey (Will) Smith, Nolan (Paige) Rager; great-grandchildren, Broden and Kylah Eisenreich, Hayes and Natalie Smith, and Aiden Rager; siblings, Russell Thomas, Ann Carter, Ray (Jean) Thomas, as well as several other nieces, nephews, family, and friends.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clark Rager, her parents Edward and Nellie, father and mother in-law Otis and Gertie Mae Rager, and many other cherished siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to the staff at Gordon Countryside Care and Gordon Memorial Hospital where Helen received exceptional care and was loved like family in her final years.
A celebration of Helen's life will be held at Pier Funeral Home in Gordon, Nebraska, on October 6, 2025, at 10:30am with graveside services to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to Gordon Volunteer Rescue Squad.