Florence M Lueninghoener
March 25, 2012
She was born on June 1, 1916 in Avard, Oklahoma to Herman and Fern (Means) Nelgin. After graduating from high school in Boules, Nebraska, she received her bachelors degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and Kearney State College. She received her master's degree from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and taught in the Lincoln Public Schools for 20 years.
In the 1960's, she taught math to children of the American Air Force Service personnel in Okinawa. While she was there, she earned her pilot's license. In 1963, she earned her commercial pilot's license and participated in the 77th Powder Puff Derby coming in 23rd.
In the 1970's, Florence became John G. Neihardt's (Poet Laureate of Nebraska) editor and personal pilot. She earned a rating of Airman Mission Third Class and was the Aerospace Education and Training Officer with the rank of Major. During this time, she classified rocks for Midland Lutheran College. She also gave lectures on moon rocks which had to be checked out from NASA. She had been a member of the Lincoln Gem and Mineral Society, and the 99er's Women's Flying Organization. She finished her great career with an Honorary Doctorate Degree of Science from Midland Lutheran College (now Midland University) on May 17, 1998.
Florence was married on March 17, 1984 to Dr. Gilbert Lueninghoener (Midland Lutheran College Professor and namesake of the Lueninghoener Planetarium at Midland). He died in February of 1990. Later, she married Rev. J. Graydon Wilson, and he preceded her in death. A step-son, Virgil Lueninghoener has also preceded her in death.
Survivors: son Hershall and wife Nancy Boring of San Jose, Calif., son Beryl Gerdes of Grand Island, NE, grandson Ryan Gerdes and 2 great grandchildren of Wyoming, 2 sisters Marjorie Dreger of Texas and Verda Tobin of California, and numerous nieces and nephews. Survivors also include step-daughter Sylvia Lueninghoener Hicks of Colorado and step-grandaughter Andrea Hicks Truman of Michigan.
A memorial service will be 11 AM Saturday (April 28, 2012) at Salem Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Thomas and Rev. Cindy Alloway-Culver (a niece) officiating. There is no visitation. Memorials may be directed to the family for distribution.
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