Joan L Burbach

Celebration of Life Services for Joan L. (Schroder) Burbach will be held on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Holdrege, Nebraska with Pastor Nora Mendyk officiating. Private family inurnment will be held at a later date in the Bainbridge Cemetery near Huntley, Nebraska.

Joan Louise (Schroder) Burbach, 79 years of age, of Holdrege, passed away on Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at Holdrege Memorial Homes. She was born on Friday, October 13, 1939, to Laurence and Vivian (Srb) Graf at the Brewster Hospital in Holdrege. She was baptized on April 5, 1942, which was the same day as her mother; and later was confirmed at the Huntley Methodist Church. Joan received her education from Huntley, graduating from Huntley High School with the class of 1957. She then pursued higher education and graduated from the University of Nebraska in Lincoln in 1961, with a degree in Political Science and Philosophy. Her love of politics grew as she served as a page to her Uncle Hugo Srb, who was Speaker of the House for the Nebraska Unicameral.

After college she returned home to marry Gailard Schroder, in July of 1961.  To this union three children were born: Gail Jo, Lisa Louise and Stuart Glenn. Gailard died in September of 1975, after a battle with cancer. Joan and the children remained on the farm until all the children graduated from Wilcox High School.

Joan's most cherished childhood memories were the times she spent with her horses, participating in the Republican Valley Saddle Club; 4-H; and riding in the pastures and along country roads enjoying natures wild flowers, trees, the wildlife and cloud formations. She enjoyed telling anecdotes from the six years she attended country school at District #14. Her brother, Jay was her best friend, and she loved sharing stories of their farm life shenanigans.

A memorable highlight in her life was the year, 1986-1987, when she was the assistant manager of the Artist's Attic in historic Leesburg, Virginia. In 1987, she returned to Holdrege, and worked at Holdrege Medical Clinic, where she remained until her retirement in January 2005.

On Friday, October 13, 1989, she was united in marriage to Russell Burbach. They shared many wonderful times traveling to professional basketball and hockey games. They also enjoyed attending antique shows, sales and working on antique cars. She collected art glass, especially Fenton and Bohemian, and Native American Indian pottery, art and jewelry. Retirement allowed her the opportunity to travel, hiking with "Off the Beaten Path" groups and visiting kids' families in Olathe, Kansas and Texas. Her special interests were her rose gardens and working as a board member and volunteer at the Nebraska Prairie Museum. She was also an avid reader and prayer warrior.

Joan was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Holdrege, where she served in various capacities, and especially enjoyed working with the youth.

Joan's greatest gift was her love for God, her family and community. She was always ready to serve others, and could whip up a pie or casserole in a flash when others were going through a difficult time.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents: Laurence and Vivian Graf; husbands: Gailard Schroder and Russ Burbach; her son, Stuart Schroder; and grandson, Clay Wessels.

She leaves behind her daughters: Gail Hierholzer of Austin, Texas; Lisa Thelen and her husband, Jon of Olathe; grandchildren: Sydni Lambie and her husband, Steve of Overland Park, Kansas; Aaron Hierholzer and fiancé, Lindsey Kirk of Pflugerville, Texas; and Allison Kitchen and her husband, Cody of Pearsall, Texas; step-grandchildren: Charlotte Brown and her husband, Doug (USMC) of Alexandria, Virginia; and Grant Thelen (USMC) of Honolulu, Hawaii; and a great-grandchild, Clay Gabriel Martinez-Wessels; her siblings: Jay Graf and his wife, Susan of Alma, Nebraska; Marcia Foose and her husband, Larry of Lovettsville, Virginia; Sally Hanna and her husband, Lonny of Alma; sister-in-law, Vearl Schroder; and her devoted neighbors: Euna and Scott Vosburg; numerous nieces and nephews and their families; and dearly loved cousins, in-laws and friends.

Joan lived a life as God's servant, and was a witness to all she came into contact.

There will be no visitation, the family is honoring Joan's wish for cremation.

A memorial has been established in Joan's honor, and kindly suggested to Holdrege Memorial Homes; First United Methodist Church Mission Fund for Clean Water & Sanitation for US and Central America; or Arbor Day Foundation.

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

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements .