Irene (Olson) Ohmberger

Irene Olson Ohmberger age 96 of Broken Bow, NE passed away October 15, 2024, at Primrose in Grand Island, NE.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, October 21, 2024, at 10:30 AM at the United Methodist Church in Broken Bow, NE. Burial will follow in the Merna Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Merna Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday, October 20th from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, with the family greeting from 3:00 to 5:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary in Broken Bow. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com

Vivian Irene (Olson) Ohmberger was born to Frank and Mary (Whipple) Olson on June 29, 1928.

Irene attended and graduated from Merna High School in 1946.

Irene married Harry Duryea on March 26, 1946. To this union three children were born. Fred, Eddie, and Tammy. Harry and Irene divorced after 32 years of marriage.

Irene married Leo Zikmund on July 16, 1983. Leo passed unexpectedly on September 27, 1986. Irene married Floyd White in Merna on December 16, 1994. She resided in Sargent in his home. Floyd passed away on October 11, 2005.

Irene then married Bud Ohmberger on August 28, 2008, in Sargent. They resided in Broken Bow and enjoyed many adventures together. Bud passed away on August 27, 2013. Irene sold their home due to declining health and moved to Liberty Square where she enjoyed her little apartment and playing cards with all her friends.

Irene’s theme song was “On the Road Again” she always enjoyed traveling and socializing. Irene’s travels included Arkansas, Ecuador, Alaska, Hawaii, California, Colorado, Wyoming, South Dakota, Arizona, Kansas, and Missouri. There are probably some places we don’t know about. Irene’s home was always open to all kids.

Kerry Kleeb stayed at Irene’s home during his senior year of high school. Kerry asked Irene, “what do I owe you?” In her words, she replied to him “a signed diploma” and he did it.

Irene showed pride in her place of employment. Irene was employed in the Anselmo Merna School as head cook and janitor. Arva and Irene later bought the café in downtown Merna. She worked at B D for 2 years, then for Mid-Nebraska Individual Services, and then retired after 16 years.

Irene moved to Primrose in Grand Island on February 29, 2024.

Irene was preceded in death by her parents, her late husbands, Leo Zikmund, Floyd White, and Bud Ohmberger, grandson Arin, great-grandson Richard Arin Duryea, siblings Olen, Norma, Florence, Luella, “Bump” (Loyd), “Ding” (LeRoy), Alma, “Pouch” (Marion), and daughter-in-law Phyllis Duryea.

Irene is survived by her three children, Fred Duryea, Eddie (Patty) Duryea, and Tammy (Ernie) Kleeb, brothers “Cap” (Kenneth) Olson and Wayne Olson, sisters Rosie Greer, Carol (Perry) Myers, Dee (Dan) Cunningham, grandchildren Dagin Duryea, Greg Duryea, Christy (Keith) Knoop, Tanya (John) Slagle, Frankie (Faith) Kleeb, Wade (Jennifer) Kleeb, Natalie Kleeb (George Mills), great-grandchildren Dava Duryea, Bodie Duryea, Sebastian Younes, Alex Younes, Nicolas Duryea, Kya Slagle, Paden Slagle, Emmett Kleeb, Della Kleeb, Anna Kleeb, Vivian Kleeb, and unborn baby girl Mills.