Elva Simpson

Funeral Services for Elva L. Simpson will be held on Monday, March 5, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans, Nebraska with Pastor Dave Irwin officiating. Interment will follow the services in the Orleans Cemetery.

Elva Lawrence Simpson, 92 years of age of Holdrege, Nebraska (formerly of Orleans), passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2018 at Phelps Memorial Health Center in Holdrege. Elva was born March 22, 1925 on the Barker family farm home located northwest of Oberlin in Decatur County, Kansas, the eldest of two sons born to Harry Elva and Virgie Bell (Barker) Simpson. He attended a rural school and later Decatur County High School at Oberlin through his junior year. His family then moved to Stamford, Nebraska, and Elva graduated from Stamford High School with the class of 1943.

While in Stamford High School, he worked for the Naden General Store. After graduating he went to work for the Burlington Railroad at the depot in Orleans, Nebraska. In 1944, he transferred to the Signal Department and left the railroad in 1947 at which time he moved to Orleans and was employed by Fashion Cleaners until 1959. He also was employed by the Orleans Co-op Creamery for a short time. In 1960, he started his electric utility career as a meter reader at Orleans for the former Consumers Public Power District, a predecessor of the Nebraska Public Power District. He was promoted to Chief Clerk in 1977, and his title was changed to District Office Supervisor later that year. In 1983, he was named Distribution Serviceman and retired in 1987 after 27 years of service.

On June 19, 1945, he was united in marriage to Wilma Elinor Johnette at the Presbyterian Church in Stamford, and to this union five sons were born: Gary Elva, William Nelson, Donald Lawrence, James Allen and Douglas Gene. The family made their home in Orleans. In June 1995, Elva and Wilma celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Wilma passed away on November 29, 1995.

Elva became a member of the Orleans Presbyterian Church on April 9, 1950, and served as an Elder and later as a member of the choir. He was a member of the Orleans Rotary; Holdrege Elks Lodge; and served as Past Master of the Melrose Masonic Lodge #60 AF & AM; was a member of the Scottish Rite and Tehama Shrine; and was an active member of the Orleans Cemetery Board for several years, where he helped install the flags and white fencing.

After his wife, Wilma passed away, Elva began dating Willa Ralston, and the two of them enjoyed many years together until her death on May 21, 2009.

He enjoyed keeping up his yard, woodworking, and was able to fix about anything that was broke or needed repair around the house. His love for cars and trading vehicles was well known.

On March 28, 2015, his family celebrated his 90th birthday with an open house and card shower in the Orleans Lodge building that Elva helped build.

Besides his parents and wife, Wilma, he was preceded in death by; an infant son, William Nelson in 1949; special friend, Willa Ralston; his brother, Loyd Simpson and his wife, Marilyn; eight brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Harriet Polk and her husband, Larry; Clyde Johnette and his wife, Lola; Francis Ehrke and her husband, Lawrence; Dortha Willey and her husband, Wilson; Helen Schiffermiller and her husband, Dean; Nelson Johnette; Royce Johnette and his special friend, Elvera Payne; and John Johnette and his wife, Norma; and one great-granddaughter, Courtney.

He leaves to celebrate his life his four sons: Gary Simpson of Kearney, Nebraska; Don Simpson and his wife, Bonnie of Orleans; Jim Simpson and his wife, Faye of Norfolk, Nebraska; and Doug Simpson and his wife, Patti of Holdrege; 11 grandchildren: B.J. Simpson of Orleans; Andy Simpson and his wife, Jody of Omaha, Nebraska; Abby Pelster and her husband, Chris of Lincoln, Nebraska; Lance Simpson of Lincoln; Jenna Thu and her husband, Brian of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Nathan Simpson of Atlanta, Georgia; Nicholas Simpson of Denver, Colorado; Danielle Peisiger and her husband, Josh of Kearney; Dustin Simpson and his wife, Jenny of Lincoln; April Harris and her husband, Sam of Grand Island, Nebraska; and Travis Skiles and his wife, Kristin of Lincoln; 16 great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, March 4, 2018 from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Orleans.

A memorial has been established in Elva's honor, and kindly suggested to the Orleans Presbyterian Church.

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 arrangements.