Nona L. (Wagoner) Lechtenberg was born on May 23, 1949 in Clarinda, Iowa, to Glen and Marjorie (Bair) Wagoner. She passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at the age of 75.
She graduated from Clarinda High School in Clarinda, Iowa. Nona spent most of her days poolside being a lifeguard and cruising the streets in her purple Edsel, commonly referred to as her “bat mobile”. She then attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln where she earned degrees in Home Economics and Business. She also met the love of her life at UNL and on May 27, 1972, Nona married Larry J. Lechtenberg at St. Claire Catholic Church in Clarinda, Iowa. They began their married life in Tryon, Nebraska where she taught in Thedford, Tryon, and Mullen. They became parents to daughter, Nikki, and son, Chad. Later, they moved to Atkinson, Nebraska where they ranched, started a dairy farm, and welcomed son, Justin and daughter, Erica.
Nona continued teaching at West Holt high school in Atkinson, Nebraska as well as various one room country schools until 1991 when she chose to focus more on the family dairy operation that Nona and Larry were building. In 1997, they had an opportunity to move to Oakland, Nebraska to partner with Larry’s youngest brother, Kelly, where they managed the daily operations of Logan Valley Feeders.
For the next 22 years, Nona and Larry worked side by side in all aspects of life. During this time, you could always find Nona at ball games, horse shows, county fairs, trap meets, school music concerts, and figure eight races. Nona loved to sew, read, sing, play the piano, cook, and engage in a variety of card games.
No matter where Nona lived she was actively involved in the Catholic Daughters of America and the catholic church altar societies. She spent many years as a CCD teacher, church organist, church choir member, and a strong supporter of 4-H, FFA, and anything agriculture.
In 2019, Nona honored 48 years of marriage with grace, strength, and dedication to her husband, Larry as he fought a 10-month battle with brain cancer. After his passing in 2020, she put her faith in God and uprooted her life by moving closer to her children. For the past four years, Nona has resided in Ceresco and has been a member of Saint Mary Catholic Church in Davey, Nebraska where she has formed many friendships because of her magnetic personality.
Nona was preceded in death by her loving husband, Larry, her parents, Glen and Marjorie Wagoner, and her in-laws, Lawrence and Mildred Lechtenberg.
Survivors include her children Nikki (Philip) Ferraro of Clarks, NE, Chad (Karla) Lechtenberg of Raymond, NE, Justin Lechtenberg and Misty Voltmer of Falls City, NE, and Erica (Travis) Kenny of Superior, NE; grandchildren Raegan, Victoria, and Genevieve Ferraro, Kamber, Rylie, Peyton, Tanner, and Cally Lechtenberg, Gavin, Jentry, and Kinley Lechtenberg, Ashlee Voltmer and Keena, Teagan, and Caden Kenny. Nona is also survived by her siblings Richard Wagoner of IA, Susan (Lyle) Frey of IA, Tom Wagoner of IA, and Deb Wagoner of IA and in-laws Vic (Grayce) Lechtenberg of IN, Judy (Jerry) Cullen of KS, Russell (Susan) Lechtenberg of Butte, NE, Debbie (Dan) Hughes of MN, Roger (Rhonda) Lechtenberg of Ainsworth, NE, and Kelly (Marcie) Lechtenberg of KS. She is also survived by over 100 nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great nieces, and great-great nephews.
Nona’s message to all family and friends that survive her: Rejoice in the moments in time you had with her. Embrace your time with your loved ones with 20-second hugs as she did.
Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday January 4, 2025 at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, 214 E. 2nd St., Wahoo, NE.
Concelebrants, Rev. Douglas Dietrich and Rev. Richard Reiser.
Visitation was on Friday January 3, 2025 from 5-6 p.m. at Svoboda Funeral Home, 6-7 p.m. with 7 p.m. Rosary at the Church.
Interment at was at St. Mary & St. Patrick Cemetery, Davey, NE.
Memorials in care of the family for future designation.
Visit www.marcysvoboda.com to leave condolences.
