Apr 02, 2021

Lea Gail Unger (1944-2021)

Posted Apr 02, 2021 5:35 PM

Lea Gail (Hansen) Unger, age 77, of Hayes Center, Nebraska passed away Tuesday, March 30th, 2021 at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska after a short illness.

Lea was born on January 13th, 1944 in Hayes Center to parents Hans Peter and Helen Mae (Barnes) Hansen.  She was the fourth of five children and graduated from Hayes Center High School in 1963.

Lea married her high school sweetheart, Fred Unger on February 2nd, 1964.  The couple were blessed with three children: Trena, Troy, and Fred Cory.

She was employed at Nelms grocery store in Hayes Center for eight years.  Lea was a member of the Harmony Club for many years in addition to being a member of the NCIP Committee in Hayes Center for three years where they won first place in the State of Nebraska for towns that were equal in size of Hayes Center.  Lea was the keystone of the family who loved her large yard, vegetable garden and numerous flower beds.  She found immense joy in tending to her peacocks, deer, and cats as well as impromptu trips to explore Estes Park, Colorado.  Lea's innate ability to make friends everywhere she went, including her last days in the hospital is what made her so genuine and special.  A total giver who would rarely ask for anything for herself, had that infectious smile and joyous giggle to warm any occasion and make others feel special and welcome.  This amazing wife, mother, and grandmother enjoyed the pretty things, the smallest of things, the importance of everything, and the lifting up of everyone she touched. 

Lea is survived by her husband, Fred, of fifty-seven years; daughter, Trena Leigh Rice; son, Troy Vaughn Unger; son, Fred Cory Unger; grandchildren: Tony Rice, Connor Unger, Hannah Unger, and Nathan Unger; brother, Delbert Hansen of Brule, Nebraska; sister, Doris Messersmith of McCook, Nebraska; sister, Shirley Ashley and husband, Bill, of Culbertson, Nebraska; and also numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Lea is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Dean Hansen and his wife, Shirley; sister-in-law, Ruth Hansen; and brother-in-law, Darrel Messersmith.

Visitation will be on Saturday afternoon, April 3rd, 2021 from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, Nebraska.

Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday afternoon, April 5th, 2021 at the Union Congregational Church in Hayes Center, Nebraska with Pastor Jean Miller officiating.  Interment will follow services in the Hayes Center Cemetery, Hayes Center. 

Memorials are suggested to the family of Lea Unger for future designation.  Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com.  Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook, Nebraska is entrusted with arrangements.