Ann Rose (Kubik) Bottger, 100, of Emerson NE

Ann Rose (Kubik) Bottger passed January 5. 2015. She will be missed by family and friends gained through her genuine compassion for others. Visitation will be Thursday January 8, 2015 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday January 9, 2015 at 10:30 a.m.; all activities will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, Emerson, Nebraska. Burial will be at Rose Hill Cemetery in Emerson with lunch to follow at the church. Memorials may be directed to the family for future designation. Arrangements are by Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Emerson, NE. Ann was born January 27, 1914 near Thurston, Nebraska to Frank and Emma (Zvacek) Kubik. She was the third of 13 siblings to that union. She graduated from Thurston High School (valedictorian) in 1931. She attended Wayne State College and taught at elementary schools in Thurston County for 9 years.

Ann married Adolph Bottger June 1, 1940. To that union three sons were born, Terry, Jerry, and Ronald. She was the wife of a railroad worker, dairyman, and eventually a farmer as they successfully farmed in Dixon County and later in Thurston County near Emerson, Nebraska. Adolph died during surgery in 1959. Ann began her career as Emerson School secretary, and business administrative assistant to the superintendent, a position she did for 25 years. During this time she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and participated in activities to support the handicapped. She was always a teacher at heart, had a strong understanding of Latin, and subsequently the English language.

She retired at the age of 72 and became more active as a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Emerson, serving two terms on the church council, held offices in WELCA, and worked many years in the quilt making project, sponsored by WELCA. She also served on the Emerson Library board, and worked as an election voting worker for over 30 years.

She loved her children, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and yes, “great-great” grandchildren. She was inclusive, looking more at their good traits and potential, instead of their short comings, yet always encouraging them to seek learning opportunities. She supported her family’s interests whether they be athletics, music, or the arts. Ann was 100 years young, living independently until the age of 95. She survived the Great Depression, the war years, and the loss of her husband. She read continuously and mentored the people she touched. She enjoyed making things for others; creating and firing clay figurines; making baby quilts; or crocheting wash rags.

Survivors include sister, Sue Newill of South Sioux City, NE, sons, Jerry and Linda Bottger of White River, SD; Ron and Judy Bottger of South Sioux City, NE.

Ann was preceded in death by her parents, nine brothers Fred, Ted, Ed, Bill, Mike, John, Les, Pat, and Kenney; two sisters, Lil and Ruth and son, Terry and a step grandson Jeremy.

Pallbearers will be her Grandsons Jeff, Todd, Lee, Danny, and Jon Bottger and Boyd (Kandi) Connelly.