Irene M. Ballheim

Irene M. Ballheim, age 90 of Eustis, Nebraska, passed away September 3, 2014 at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, Nebraska. Irene was born November 16, 1923 at Eustis, Nebraska to Charles and Pauline (Gengenbach) Kuebler. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church. She graduated from Eustis High School with the class of 1941. On January 7, 1942 Irene married Elmer Ballheim. The couple was blessed with 2 daughters, Janet and Jean. Elmer and Irene were part owners of K.W. Motor Co. where she was the bookkeeper from 1962 to 1983 until they retired. Irene enjoyed crocheting and crafts. She and her daughters were involved with the Eustis Craft Show for 20 years. Irene was and excellent baker and was very well known for her Springerle Cookies. Baking these special cookies turned into a year- round business for Irene, with her daughter Janet helping in later years. Irene was a proud grandma and cherished time spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Irene was preceded in death by her husband in 1995; daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Steve Peterson; parents, Charles and Pauline Kuebler; 3 brothers, Elmer Kuebler of Bozeman, MT, Lawrence Kuebler of Houston, TX and an infant brother; a great granddaughter, Aliya Schutz of Elwood; and 2 sister-in-law's. She is lovingly survived by her daughter Janet (Vic) Schutz of Elwood; 2 grandchildren, Sonjia (Mike) Houser of Elwood and Vern (Amy) Schutz of Elwood; 1 great grandson Tyler Houser, 4 great granddaughters, Megan Houser, Lindsay, Leah and Logan Schutz of Elwood; 3 step great grandchildren, Mitch Houser, Jennifer Martin and Travis Houser; 4 step great-great grandchildren; many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and neighbors. Services will be held Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 10:30 AM at St. John's Lutheran Church in Eustis with Kathy Gundell officiating. Burial will be at the East Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday from 4 PM to 8 PM at St. John's Lutheran Church. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.