Ilene (Johnson) Blattner, age 90, of Cozad, Nebraska died at Meadowlark Pointe in Cozad on November 25, 2020.
Ilene was one of 10 children born to Albert and Hilma Johnson. She was born on September 22, 1930, south of Brady, Nebraska. When she was 4, the family moved into town and she went on to graduate from Brady High School in 1948.
Ilene taught country school then went to Chicago where she got a job with United Airlines. Her work with the airline included making reservations and answering phones. She enjoyed what she did and was later transferred to Denver.
While in Denver she met Donald Blattner and the two were married on June 1, 1958, in Gothenburg, Nebraska. They lived in Denver where they built their home then later moved to Cozad to be closer to Ilene's family.
Ilene eventually went back to school to be a teacher. She received her B.A. in Education from Denver University and her Master's Degree from Kearney State College and was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa. Her teaching career took her to Douglas, WY, Salem, MO, Ft. Collins, CO, and Big Springs. She taught the upper grades in elementary schools then became a principal before retiring and returning to Nebraska. Ilene enjoyed teaching so much she became a substitute teacher in the Cozad and Lexington areas and taught piano lessons.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Don, and his son, Martin Blattner; her parents, Albert and Hilma Johnson; brothers, Stanley and George Johnson; and sisters, Mabelle Krekeler, Louise Davis, Amy Johnson, Violet Williams, Alice Liljestrand and Helen Trusty.
Survivors include her brother, Arnold (Ruth) Johnson, of Colorado Springs; and many nieces, nephews and other family.
In keeping with Ilene's wishes, she will be buried in the Morrison Cemetery, outside of Denver, Colorado. Cards of condolence may be sent to her niece, Elaine Dobson, PO Box 104, Cozad, NE 69130.
Memorials are suggested to the Morrison Cemetery.
Online condolences may be shared at odeanchapel.com. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, North Platte, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.