Laura L. Ljunggren

Harvard resident, Laura Louise Ljunggren, 85, passed away Monday, November 12, 2012 at the Harvard Rest Haven, Harvard, NE. Services will be Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:30 am at the Harvard United Church of Christ in Harvard, NE with Pastor Dave Johnson officiating. Burial will be in the Harvard Cemetery, Harvard, NE. Visitation will be Friday, November 16, 2012 at 12 noon to 9 pm with the family present from 7 pm to 9 pm at the Alberding-Wilson Funeral Home, 512 N. Harvard Ave, Harvard, NE. Condolences may be sent to the family from www.brandwilson.com. Memorials may be given to the United Church of Christ or the Harvard Rest Haven, both in Harvard, NE . Laura was born on December 31, 1926 to Lloyd A. and M. Izora (Kitzinger) Smith on the family farm east of Harvard, NE. She attended elementary school at District 32 in Clay County, and graduated from Harvard High School in 1945. She was employed at the Harvard Air Base until it closed following WWII and then worked at Gambles in Hastings, NE. On February 10, 1947 she married Lester G. Ljunggren and they began farming at Stockham and later north of Harvard in Clay County. In 1952 they moved to their current residence on a Hamilton County farm. She was an active member of the Harvard United Church of Christ. She taught Sunday school for many years, served on the church council and was a long time member of the Ladies Guild, serving as president and treasurer. She spent many hours quilting in the church basement. Laura enjoyed the GGG and Greenwood Clubs in Giltner, NE. She participated in the Harvard VFW Auxiliary #5539. She served as a 4-H leader when her girls were involved. Laura and Lester joined a card club in 1948 and enjoyed that activity until recently. She enjoyed embroidering quilts, tea towels and making pieced quilts until she was diagnosed with macular degeneration in 1996. In addition she helped with farm duties, tended her flower garden, raised many chickens, and delivered eggs. She is survived by her husband, Lester; one son Keith and wife Susan of Harvard; two daughters Mary Jo and husband Michael Ochs of Brighton, CO; Peggy and husband Dennis Kooyman of Humboldt, IA; 10 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Lola Konzak, and grandson David Ochs.