Lori Anne Schrader Keirnes

Lori Anne Schrader Keirnes of Cozad passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 14, 2022 near Gothenburg, Nebraska at the age of 52. Lori was born September 03, 1969, to James Raymond Schrader and Gloria Jean (Serr) Schrader. 

Lori was the oldest of three children, growing up on Wolf Creek Ranch in Keya Paha County, NE. Lori attended Spotted Tail Elementary School and graduated from Keya Paha County High School with the class of 1987. After high school, Lori’s life took her on many adventures. Starting in Denver, CO as a nanny, Lori’s compassion for others continued to grow and led her to her lifelong passion for geriatric nursing. Lori worked full time while attending nursing school, attesting to her fortitude. Lori was most recently the director of nursing at Linden Estates in North Platte, NE.

Lori’s unconditional love and genuine spirit for people shined through in her love for her nieces and nephews. For many years, Lori was like a second mother to her nieces and nephews, attending every birthday, graduation, and special event. This led Lori to North Platte, NE, where she was able to reconnect with the love of her life, Jim Gifford. On August 6th, 2013, Lori and Jim had their little miracle, Dallas Elizabeth Gifford. Lori’s life revolved around Dallas. Daily pictures were shared on social media, and Lori doted on her precious child. Still, Lori continued to make sure everyone around her knew how much she loved them and would give the shirt off her back to anyone. There was never a more genuine soul.

Lori loved photography, spending a lot of time behind the lens. In doing so, she captured all the special moments, smiles, and tears. This created a lifetime of memories that will be used to memorialize everyone and everything she so dearly loved. Lori was also an avid rodeo fan and loved the ranching way of life. She spent countless hours working with Jim and teaching Dallas to also love this lifestyle.

Though she was taken from us way too soon, the unconditional love and kindness she shared will live on. We take faith in the knowledge that she is watching over us and has gained her angel wings. Without a doubt, Lori will spend eternity showing signs of her love and presence to Jim and Dallas. 

Those left to mourn her loss are her soul mate Jim Gifford, daughter Dallas Gifford, mother Gloria Rohner, Grandma Belva Serr, parents in law Gary and Betty Gifford, siblings LuAnne Schrader-Songster (James) and Shane Schrader, sister in laws Brenda Ferjak (Drake) and Christie Holbrook (Monte), and brother in laws Joe Gifford (Mary) and Jeff Gifford (Maddy).  Also left to mourn are her nieces and nephews: Kayli Dobias (Jacob), Kinzi Pratt (Cody), Doolin Songster, Jesse Songster (Mandy), Dakota Shassetz (Abby), Payton Colwell, Preston Holbrook, Felicia Holbrook, Ryan Ferjak (Johni), Jennifer Caulder (Ben), Galen Gifford, D.J. Salas (Sabrina), and Becca Armijo along with a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles and friends.

Those greeting her in Heaven are her father James, grandparents Bill and Dorothy Schrader and Norman Serr, as well as a multitude of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held Wednesday, July 20, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bill Serr officiating.  Inurnment will follow at Cozad Cemetery. Cremation was chosen. There will be no visitation or book signing. In lieu of flowers, memorials will be designated to a college fund for Lori's daughter, Dallas.