A Celebration of Life service for Neva Brakhage age 92 of Lahoma will be 11:00 am Wednesday, December 29, 2021 at the Zion Lutheran Church, Lahoma with Pastor Randy Foote officiating. Burial will be 10:00 am at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery. The family is asking everyone to meet at the church by 9:30 to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home.
Neva was born July 24, 1929 on a farm North of Lahoma to William and Tena (Frey) Johnson and passed away December 23, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital.
Neva lived her entire life in the Lahoma area. She attended a Country School south of Lahoma for 2 years and finished her elementary education at the Lutheran Parochial School. She finished her last four years at Lahoma High School and graduated in 1947. She married Virgil Brakhage on September 17, 1949 in the Zion Lutheran Church and he passed away November 11, 2012. They made their home on a farm just east of Lahoma. She enjoyed gardening and working on the farm with her husband but especially loved her children as well as her nieces and nephews who were frequent visitors in her home. Neva showed her love for her family through the countless meals she served every day. She made the best potato salad, macaroni and cheese, and angel food cake around. She shared her gift with her granddaughters and many family and friends over the years. Neva was the most wonderful wife, mom, aunt, and even better Grandma and NeNe. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. There was never a question as to whether she would “watch the kids” because she never said “No”. She loved every moment spent with them. The countless hours of playing cards, dominos, reading books, attending their ball games, cooking meals for harvest and field work time with all of them will always be special memories of their “Grandma Brakhage” and the love she showed to them with all of her heart.
Neva was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Lahoma. She was the church organist at Zion for more than 50 years and played for the choir as well as many weddings, funerals and special events.
Neva is survived by her daughter Lori Tydings and husband David, son Gaylon Brakhage and wife Teresa, grandchildren; Emily and Kevin Palmer, Chris Tydings, Garrett Brakhage, Courtney and Chase Ratzlaff, Lauren and Calvin Cross, Colton and Kallie Brakhage, and Reagan Brakhage, 4 great grandchildren; Hudson, Carson, Becker, Samuel and her brother-in-law Robert Ratzlaff, and several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Virgil Brakhage, her parents, step-mother Elva Johnson and sister Mildred Ratzlaff.
Memorials may be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Lahoma with Ladusau-Evans Funeral Home serving as custodians of the funds.
Condolences may be made online and the service may be viewed online at www.ladusaueavns.com
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