Edwina Jean Roesener was born on December 15, 1940, to Ed and Oneta Edwards at Imperial, Nebraska. She grew up in Imperial and graduated from Chase County High School in 1959.
At a church choir practice, she met the love of her life. She married Eldon Roesener on February 7, 1960, at the Zion Lutheran Church in Imperial. Daughters Tammra Jean and Peggy Sue were born to this union.
In 1967, Eldon, Edwina and the girls moved to Kearney, Nebraska, where she worked as a dental assistant. In 1972, they moved back to Benkelman where they would make their permanent home. She worked as the elementary school secretary until the girls were out of high school.
In June of 1981, Edwina started her banking career at State Bank-Benkelman. She worked in many different positions, but she especially enjoyed customer service. She joined the Southwest Group of Financial Women International where she held many officer titles including president. In 1998, she was chosen as FWI Member of the Year. Edwina was Head Cashier when she retired from the bank on October 31, 2000.
After her retirement Edwina and Eldon enjoyed participating in mountain men rendezvous where she became very proficient in shooting black powder rifle, pistol, and bow and arrow; as well as throwing the hawk and knife. This was all done while in full period costuming, lovingly made by Mom. They also enjoyed camping, going on evening drives, and taking special trips, including the “bucket list” trip to Alaska. The retirement lifestyle gave her more time for baking, quilting, playing the piano, swimming and visiting with friends.
A wonderful blessing for Edwina was the birth of granddaughter, Morgan Elizabeth Jenkins on July 14, 2004. Grammy did all the fun things of childhood with Morgan: music lessons, camping, swimming, cooking, crafts, summer reading program, 4-H, Vacation Bible School and more! Morgan spent numerous summer vacations with Grammy and Grampy in Benkelman and on Nebraska adventures. During that time, Morgan also managed to learn “If Mom and Dad say no, ask Grammy!” Grammy definitely wanted Morgan to remember “Nebraska, The Good Life!” Grammy was the best!
Eddie Jean, as she was fondly called by family and friends, learned to play the piano at an early age and enjoyed sharing her talent with others. She played for church services, music contests, and gave piano lessons. She also loved to sing. Her beautiful soprano voice was part of church and community choirs for years.
Her family was her pride and joy. Mom enjoyed cooking for gatherings for family and friends, and every dish was delicious. By example she taught her daughters and granddaughter to lead a Christian life, be strong and resilient, and yet humble and kind. She was a classy lady! Her wonderful smile reflected her beauty inside and out. Mom always knew how to dress up any outfit with her special touch of jewelry.
Edwina was active in the Benkelman community. She served as secretary on the Dundy County Library Board for several years, played the piano for chapel services at the Hester Home, helped with the home-owned carnival during fair, and was part of the quilt group at church. She was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church.
Edwina passed away at the Dundy County Hospital on March 9, 2024, at the age of 83. She was preceded in death by her parents, and father and mother in-law August and Ruby Roesener.
Those left to celebrate her life include her husband, Eldon of 64 years; daughters, Tammra and husband Roger Jenkins of Fort Collins, Colorado; Peggy and husband Spencer Parker of Max, Nebraska; and granddaughter Morgan Jenkins attending The University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona; as well as numerous extended family members and lifelong friends.
Funeral Services will be held Thursday morning, March 14, 2024, 10:30 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church in Benkelman, with Pastor Jim Gleason officiating. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery.
Visitation will be held Wednesday afternoon, March 13, 2024, 4:00 P.M. -7:00 P.M. at Benkelman Memorial Chapel in Benkelman, Nebraska.
Memorial Contributions may be made to Eldon Roesener or Peggy Parker for a local designation to be determined later.