Mildred Elaine Gossman, one of two children of Cecil and Forrest (Oakman) Noa, was born December 12, 1927 in rural Stella, Nebraska. Elaine, as she was known, grew up on a farm near Stella and attended school in Stella, graduating from Stella High School in 1945.
On March 12, 1949, Elaine was united in marriage to Glenn “Jerry” Gossman in Mexico while Jerry was serving in the United States Navy stationed in California. The couple would be blessed with two sons and a daughter: Bryan, Kevin, and Patricia. After Jerry was discharged from the Navy, the couple made their home on a farm near Stella.
As a farm wife and homemaker, Elaine raised her children and was a doting grandmother. She had a real passion for her grandkids as they were added to the family.
Elaine was baptized and confirmed at the Stella Community Church. As a lifelong member, she taught Sunday school, Vacation Bible School, and sang in the church choir. She was a 50+ year member of Eastern Star in the Mercy Chapter 306 and Humboldt Chapter 234. Elaine was a Husker volleyball fan, enjoyed bowling, tending to her flowers, and most of all loved being with her family.
Elaine was admitted to Community Medical Center in Falls City, Nebraska on March 24, 2020. It was there she passed away on Wednesday, March 25, 2020.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Jerry, daughter Patricia, and brother Carrol Noa.
Those left to remember Elaine’s loving ways include her sons and daughters-in-law Bryan and Laura Gossman of Stella, Kevin and Julie Gossman of Stella; grandchildren Debra (Troy) Hinrichsen of Brownville, Kyle (Paulina) Gossman of Stella; great-grandchildren Carter and Carson Hinrichsen; sisters-in-law Marjorie Noa of Falls City, Marge Nelson of Lincoln; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Private graveside services were held Monday, March 30, 2020, at Prairie Union Cemetery, officiated by Pastor John States. Bryan Gossman, Kevin Gossman, Kyle Gossman, and Troy Hinrichsen served as honorary bearers. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.