Bobbette Backes

Mass of Christian Burial for Bobbette Backes and Brenda (Backes) Molzahn will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Father Jamie Hottovy as Celebrant. Casual attire is requested by the family. Interment for Bobbette will be held in Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery at Orleans, following the Mass. Interment for Brenda will be held in the Naponee Cemetery at Naponee, Nebraska, following Bobbette's burial, with Pastor Scott Randall officiating.

Bobbette Backes, 91 years of age, of Alma, Nebraska and Brenda (Backes) Molzahn, 61 years of age, of Alma, (mother and daughter) passed away on Sunday, January 8, 2017 within hours of each other of natural causes. Bobbette passed away at the Harlan County Health Systems in Alma and Brenda passed away at the CHI Health – Good Samaritan in Kearney, Nebraska.

Bobbette was born November 2, 1925 in Harlan County, Nebraska, on the family farm near Republican City, Nebraska, the eldest of two children born to Clarence and Mildred (Lamphere) Waggoner. She received her education from Republican City Public School, graduating from Republican City High School with the class of 1943. Following her education, Bobbette was united in marriage to Bernard W. Backes at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans. This union was blessed with one daughter, Brenda Sue. The family resided on the family farm northeast of Orleans, where Bernard continued to operate a livestock and grain farm. In July of 1965, Bobbette and Bernard moved to their new home at 1109 South Street in Alma. Bobbette was employed in the family insurance business, Waggoner Insurance Agency in Alma until her retirement. On November 21, 2007 she was preceded in death by her husband, Bernard.

She was a member of the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans and had a special place in her heart for animals, especially her beloved cats.

Besides her husband, Bernard and parents; Bobbette was preceded in death by her daughter, Brenda Molzahn; grandson, Ian David Molzahn; niece, Jeanie Hawley; and sister-in-law, Veronica Ann "Toots" Peterson and her husband, Gordon.

Brenda (Backes) Molzahn was born June 11, 1955 at Lincoln, Nebraska and adopted by Bernard William and Bobbette (Waggoner) Backes. She received her education and graduated from Alma High School with the class of 1973.

Following her education, Brenda was united in marriage to Paul E. Molzahn on September 20, 1974 at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans by Reverend Robert Smith. To this union four children were born: Austin, Ian, Kayne and Maren. The family made their home in Alma from 1974 until 1980, at Naponee from 1980 until 1999, at Hawks Springs, Wyoming from 1999 until 2002, when they settling back to Alma and resided ever since. When the children were young, Brenda focused her efforts on the family, raising their children. She was later employed at the Naponee Elevator and most recently at the Alma Sale Barn, where she was a great advocate. On December 17, 2012 she was preceded in death by her husband, Paul.

Brenda enjoyed putting together puzzles, cooking for her family, reminiscing and sharing memories. She also loved her annual trip to Estes Park and caring for stray dogs.

Besides her husband, Paul and her parents; Brenda was preceded in death by her father-in-law and mother-in-law: Kenneth and Opal (Rodenbaugh) Molzahn; son, Ian David Molzahn on November 11, 1986; half-brother, Kyle Tweedy; biological father, Bud Young; and a niece, Kendra Berry.

As Bobbette and Brenda departed this life together on Sunday, the family they leave behind to celebrate their lives include: Bobbette's grandchildren and Brenda's children: Austin Molzahn and his wife, Kristen of Alma, Kayne Molzahn and Joni Hilburn of Naponee, and Maren Molzahn of Alma; Bobbette's great-grandchildren and Brenda's grandchildren: Cole Lindsay, and Chayse, Cayle, and Cade Molzahn all of Alma; Bobbette's brother, Rolland Waggoner and his wife, Elma Jean of Republican City; Brenda's brother-in-law, Neil Molzahn and his wife, Leschia of Alma; Brenda's sister-in-law, Kay Berry and her husband, Rick of Minden, Nebraska; birth mother, Barb Tweedy of Republican City; along with nieces, nephews, a host of other relatives and friends.

In addition, Bobbette is survived by Sheryl Tegtman and her husband, Dennis and their children: Justin and Courtney of Stamford, Nebraska; who was like a second daughter to Bobbette and Bernard; and Margie Strickland of Republican City; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation for Bobbette and Brenda will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Orleans. Rosary will be recited on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. at the church.

Memorials have been established in their honor and will be designated at a later date.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the arrangements.