Betty Jean Sjogren

1928 - 2017

Betty Jean Sjogren obituary, 1928-2017, Lincoln, NE

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Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home

6800 S 14TH ST

Lincoln, Nebraska

Betty Sjogren Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Mar. 30, 2017.

Betty Jean Sjogren passed away on March 30, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska.



She was born in Omaha, Nebraska on July 7, 1928 to Swedish immigrants John Ivar Hultman and Margaret Ruth Cronstrom. She attended Columbian Grade School, Omaha Central High School and Luther College in Wahoo. She met a young UNMC medical student, Merle Sjogren, in 1946 and married a year a later in Omaha.



They moved to Portland, Oregon while Merle completed his residency. After the birth of their first child in 1948, they were commissioned as missionaries and set off for 6 month stay in London where Merle studied tropical medicine. For the next 5 years they served on mission stations in Machame and Kiomboi, Tanzania, East Africa. Two daughters were added to the family. Betty loved Tanzania its people, its culture and its beauty. In 1953 they returned by ship to the USA and back to Omaha where another daughter was born. Here the family lived for 30 years except for 3 years in Abilene, Texas while Merle was a major in the USAF serving as a flight surgeon at Dyess Air Force Base. In 1986 Richard Young Hospital opened a new facility in Kearney, Nebraska. Merle and Betty moved as Merle continued his psychiatry practice. They enjoyed the 7 years they lived in Kearney. In 1992 Betty and Merle retired to Lincoln.



Wherever Betty was planted she volunteered in the community. She was enthusiastic and dedicated to the task she would set out to accomplish. In Omaha she served as an officer and member of Lutheran Medical Center Distaffs (loved working on the First Ladies Dolls committee dressed dolls in the Inaugural gown of each Nebraska Governors wife on display in the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln), the Service Guild of LMC, the Auxiliaries of Immanuel, Methodist and Clarkson Hospitals and UNMC Faculty Women’s Club. She was a charter member of Mobile Meals that became Meals on Wheels. She delivered meals for many years while living in Omaha and later in Lincoln. She was an active member and volunteer at Augustana Lutheran Church in Omaha, First Lutheran Church in Kearney and Southwood Lutheran Church in Lincoln. During her life she was active in P.T.A., Girl Scouts, Sewing Circles, PEO (FN in Kearney and FF in Lincoln) and the Betty Club of Nebraska.



Betty lovingly cared for her home and family. She was a wonderful mom and loved being a grand and great grandmother. She was proud to say she was a homemaker in every way. She was an artistic craftswoman in fiber and cuisine. Her creative energy inspired those around her. She was open, caring and thoughtful of others. She easily made friends wherever she lived. She was loyal and supportive to her friends. Betty and Merle loved to travel and they visited many parts of the world. She loved music and loved to sing. She always believed in the best of people and had a positive attitude toward life. Betty was a woman of Faith.



She is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Dr. Merle E. Sjogren.



Survivors include: Sisters: Vernelle Case Borchman of Omaha, Marilyn Roberts of Lake Oswego, Oregon; children: Mark (Chris) Sjogren of Omaha, Barbara Sjogren of Brooklyn, New York, Sue (Tom) Tallman of Lincoln, Linda Sjogren (Barry Hirshorn) of Honolulu, Hawaii; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.



Memorial Services: 11:00 a.m. Monday, (04/03/17), Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd, Lincoln, NE 68516



Visitation with the family: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sunday (04/02/17) at the church.



In lieu of flowers, memorials to Meals on Wheels, Tabitha Hospice or Southwood Lutheran Church



To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

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6 Entries

April 16, 2017

julie clausen-robertson

I am so sorry to hear about Betty's passing. Sincere condolences to the Sjogren family members. Both Betty and Merle were so endearing to work with when I was their travel agent in Kearney. I will always remember them as wonderful, wonderful, genuine human beings that made an impact on my life. Love. Blessings. Wonderful Memories.

April 10, 2017

Judith Erdman

I have just now learned of Betty's passing and although I grieve her death I know her life was a true giving of her ambition, charm, and caring. I pray for those whom she left and know that she will be missed.
My love to all, Judy Lund Erdman, daughter of Dr. Carl and Anne Lund

April 4, 2017

Chelsea Donovan

I knew Betty briefly about ten years ago now. We did a project at our highscool where we partnered with an adult and made a movie about their life. Betty was my partner and she told the most exciting stories about living in Africa and her husband. I remember thinking how blessed I was to meet her. From the short time we knew each other, I could tell Betty was a remarkable woman. I hope the family finds peace in knowing she's finally reunited with her dear husband.

April 3, 2017

Sharon Brunke

For the past 2 years I have had the pleasure with visiting with Betty through the Southwood Church Care Team. I have been touched by the beauty of this special lady inside and out. One of the visits I enjoyed so much was the sing along. Betty sang and so enjoyed the music. With every visit she was so gracious and always so content with life. I have learned much from my time with Betty and thank God for her. My prayers are with your family.

April 1, 2017

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Jon and Amy LeGrand

April 1, 2017

My condolences to you and all of the family on the passing of your mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and great grandmother!
'Those we hold in our arms for awhile we hold in our hearts forever"
May you know of God's presence, His peace, and His provision at this difficult time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Bill & Mary Mann

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