Kathryn (Moore) Haake

(Elsie) Kathryn Haake (Moore), age 84, of Stromsburg, Nebraska, passed away May 4, 2023 at the Legacy Square in Henderson, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Dubas Funeral Home in Stromsburg with Pastor Leonard Suhr officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Westlawn Cemetery, 3826 West Stolley Park Road in Grand Island at 1:00 p.m.

Kathy was born on September 11, 1938 to Raymond and Ester Faye (Thomas) Moore at Mondamin Iowa. She grew up in Mondamin and graduated from high school there in 1957. On November 24, 1960 Kathy was united in marriage to Leon Haake at Pipestone, Minnesota. They started their life together in Omaha, Nebraska before moving to Grand Island, Nebraska where she lived the next 41 years. In June of 1988 her husband of 38 years died as a result of health complications. While in Grand Island Kathy worked in the dietary department of the Nebraska Veterans Home for over 19 years. She then worked with mentally challenged people at Mid Nebraska Individual Services for another 8 years until she suffered a stroke which forced her to retire.

Kathy and Leon were never blessed with children of their own, however in 1980 a family with six siblings, recently left homeless by the Grand Island tornadoes moved in next door. With Kathy’s kind heart she developed a special bond with them and after her husband’s death she grew to be part of that family and affectionately became known as “Grandma”. Through this she developed an especially close relationship with Marcy (Kersch) Hohnholt that would last 43 years. As Marcy and her siblings got married and had children of their own Kathy helped raise and nurture her “grandkids” as her own. She learned to drive and got her license to make it easier to see and take care of her grandkids when she was needed. Kathy’s unselfish, love and kindness and always being available are a huge part of helping her family succeed.

In 2003 Kathy suffered from a stroke leaving her with limited mobility and the need to make changes. She moved into a small apartment in Polk Nebraska about one block from where Marcy and her husband were now living. With Marcy’s help getting groceries and back and forth to doctor appointments, etc. Kathy was able to keep living independently. She lived in Polk for 11 years continuing to help raise and care for Marcy’s sons, all of whom adored her. As things became more difficult Kathy eventually moved to Midwest Covenant Home at Stromsburg Nebraska in 2015. By this time the great grandchildren were coming and would be the absolute light of her life. Surprise visits from her great grandchildren were some of her favorite memories. Kathy especially enjoyed spending time with her good friends Beulah Garhart and Anita Hall playing games and putting puzzles together.

In January of 2023 Kathy suffered a fall with complicated injuries and the struggle to get back to good health proved to be too much for her. She passed away the evening of Thursday May 4, 2023 as her family was praying at her bedside, with her 7-year-old great-grandson praying for Jesus to, “be nice to her”, and to “love her and take care of her”.

She is survived by her special “Daughter” Marcy (Jeff) Hohnholt, and their sons Josh (Ashley), Kyle (Sari), Bryan (Shalynne), and Brad, as well as numerous other grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are her sister Dorothy Whitmore of Woodbine Iowa, and her brothers Robert Moore of Minot, North Dakota and Curtis Moore of Sioux City, Iowa. Kathy was preceded in death by her husband Leon, her parents, Raymond and Ester, her brothers Kenneth and Glen, and two infant sisters.

Memorials are suggested to the Polk Senior Center.

Dubas Funeral Home of Stromsburg and Osceola has been entrusted with arrangements. Dubasfuneralhome.com

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