Doloris Florence Inez Von Seggern Popken was born October 19, 1926 on the family farm near Scribner, Nebraska to J.H. and Gesina Bertha (Von Essen) Von Seggern. She was the eighth child in a family of nine. She was baptized on her dad's birthday at the home of her parents on December 6, 1926 by Reverend H. O. Rhode of St. Paul's Lutheran Church. On August 20, 1939 she was confirmed there by Pastor Hugo Welchert.
She grew up north of Scribner and attended District 36 country school for 8 years and graduated from Scribner High School in 1943. She then taught District 50 and District 36 for six years beginning at the age of 16. She attended Wayne State College for three summers during her teaching years.
Doloris married Merlin Popken on October 8, 1950 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. According to Doloris, they got together partly because of their mutual love of dancing. They resided on the Popken family farm near Uehling until moving to Fremont in December of 1987. They were married over 40 years before Merlin's death in 1990.
Doloris was a lifelong member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church where she served as an organist, taught Sunday and Bible School, served on the Altar Guild, the ladies quilting group, directed and helped with Christmas Eve programs and belonged to Lutheran Church Women for over 60 years. Doloris also played the organ for many weddings and funerals over the years both at St. Paul's and other churches beginning by playing at her sister Wilma's wedding at the age of 14.
She was a former member of the West Logan Extension Club. She loved playing cards and she enjoyed the many card clubs she was a part of over the years.
Doloris is survived by a daughter, Madalyn Popken of Lincoln, Nebraska; a son, Stephen (Patty) Popken of Scribner, Nebraska; two grandsons, Adam (fiancée Karlie Robinson and her daughter Olivia) of Hooper, Nebraska; and Tyler (Katlyn) Popken and their sons Thomas and Henry of Hooper, Nebraska as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Merlin; her parents; her parents-in-law; and siblings Minerva Ivens, Eileen Drieling, Wilma Miller, Lucile Mallon, Beverly Homes, Leslie Von Seggern, Marvin Von Seggern, and Harlan Von Seggern.
Visitation will be Sunday, March 9, 2025 at the Ludvigsen Mortuary Chapel in Fremont from 2-5pm. The funeral will be Monday, March 10, 2025 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church north of Hooper. Burial will be in the St. Paul's Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the church.
Online guestbook at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(1)
Glenda R Long
Omaha, NE Saturday, March 8, 2025 Our deepest sympathy to all of the family & friends of Delores. I grew up in the same farm section & so have lot of memories from then. I will not be able to attend; but you will all be in my thoughts & prayers. God's peace. Glenda & Oral Long (Glenda Hasebroock)