LaRae K. Moseman, age 87, of Hooper, died Wednesday, May 1, 2024, at Dunklau Gardens.
LaRae Katherine Moseman was born on Sept.15, 1936, in Hooper, Neb., to William and Esther
(Stuenkel) Pawling. When LaRae was born, she joined three brothers, and one sister — Maynard, Arlene, Dale and Duane. She grew up east of Hooper and attended Immanuel Lutheran School and graduated from Hooper High School in 1954. After graduation, LaRae worked at an egg factory and a bank before becoming a full-time farmer’s wife.
LaRae met the love of her life, Duane, in high school even though they didn’t know it right away. Duane was a senior and LaRae was just a freshman when they began spending time together. The two began dating in 1953 during LaRae’s senior year and continued until they tied the knot on Feb. 13, 1955, at Immanuel Lutheran Church east of Winslow. Duane and LaRae lived and farmed on several farms in the area until they purchased their own farm in 1974 west of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
Duane and LaRae built a beautiful life together and had five children: David and Clark (who are with Jesus), Mike, Jim and Debbie. LaRae was a woman of many talents and skills. She worked as a secretary for a family friend, Elray, for 30 years, she assisted Duane with their insurance business and trucking company, was a 4-H leader, and she helped manage a full household of children and eventually grandchildren. In addition, LaRae and neighbor Carolyn baked and decorated cakes for all occasions, even weddings, for nearly 25 years.
Faith was the center of LaRae’s life. She volunteered much of her time at church. From sewing quilts for the Orphan Grain Train, to volunteering at the food pantry, she was always looking for ways to help others. She was an active member in the church handbell choir, LWML, Esther Circle, and altar guild.
LaRae’s faith showed through in her actions as well. She always made her house a home for anyone who walked in her doors — this included always having freshly baked goods ready for visitors. Her family always knew when there were projects and chores to be done if there were warm pies waiting for them on the counter.
She loved her family and friends deeply including her long time best friend Jeanne Buckendahl. Even though miles separated them after Jeanne’s more recent move, they always picked up right where they left off and shared stories of the good old days when the kids were little.
LaRae’s faith in Jesus was her No.1 priority, but family took a close second. The Moseman family spent many hours at 4-H fairs where the kids showed horses and livestock and participated in home economics.
LaRae was always anxious to get the family together for holidays and cooked quite the feast for nearly 40 people including her kids, grandkids and great-grandchildren! In recent years, she loved seeing and attending her great-grandchildren’s activities and events. She wore the pride she had for her family in her smile.
The other loves of her life included baking, gardening, dominoes, card games, fishing, decaf coffee, the Royals and of course those good ole’ Cornhuskers.
Survivors include: children - Michael (Peggy) Moseman of Omaha; Jim (Terry) Moseman of Spring, Texas; Debbie (Keith) Swanson of Edmond, Okla.; 11 grandchildren — Jennifer (Gregory) Harless, Cody (Lindsay) Moseman, Houston (Janyl) Moseman, Andrew (Dawn) Swanson, Jared (Caroline) Moseman, Becca (Dylan) Crawford, James (Christen) Moseman, Sara (Kevin) Herrera, Emily Moseman, Chelsea (Michael) Dolejs and Alexa Boyles; great-grandchildren — Cortland, Jhett, Jentry, McCoy, Rylee, Brynnlee, Stetson, Malcolm, Roland, Orion, Merlin (all Moseman), Lincoln and Bennett Crawford and Elizabeth and Ethan Swanson; brother-in-law Calvin Moseman of Craig; and sister-in-law Millie Pawling of Hooper.
LaRae was preceded in death by her parents, husband Duane, sons David and Clark, great-granddaughter Jane Swanson; brothers Maynard, Dale, Duane; and sister Arlene.
Visitation will be Friday, May 3, 2024, from 3–8 p.m. with the family present from 6–8 p.m. at the
Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont. The funeral will be Saturday at 10:30 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church east of Winslow, burial will follow in the Immanuel Cemetery.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
