Lorraine Engelbrecht February 5, 1919 ~ July 5, 2011
		Draucker Funeral Home 700 N. Spruce Street Post Office Box 296 Ogallala, NE 69153 Ph:  308.284.4021

 OBITUARY

 
Lorraine Engelbrecht, 92, longtime Ogallala resident and educator, died July 5, 2011 in the Ogallala Community Hospital. 

Lorraine Eunice Engelbrecht was born February 5, 1919, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the daughter of Elmer and Emma Peters DeFord. She received her elementary education in Keystone and Ogallala and graduated from Ogallala High School in 1937.
On September 6, 1941 Lorraine married Paul J. Engelbrecht in Santa Monica, Cal. and the couple made their home in Culver City, Cal.

Beginning her teaching career in a small rural school in the Sandhills north of Paxton in 1937, she rode a horse to school and acted as both the custodian and the teacher. She boarded with the parents of her students, moving every several months. Mrs. Engelbrecht retired in 1998 at the age of 78 after teaching 31 years at the same school, District #14 Sunnyslope. It wasn't her intention to retire as she loved every aspect of teaching but the rural school was shuttered, never to re-open.

One of her proudest accomplishments was graduating with a BA from the University of Nebraska, Kearney after attending faithfully every summer for many years. The Kearney State College honored her with an award for her years of service to the education of mankind. Mrs. Engelbrecht, as she was called by her hundreds of students, was a fierce advocate of the Nebraska Rural School system and became politically active in defense of rural schools, having taught for 55 years in rural schools.

Lorraine's memberships included Keith County Historical Society, and she was active in the Republican Party. Her hobbies included flower gardening and playing the piano and organ.

Preceding her in death was her husband of 65 years, Paul J. Engelbrecht, Sr., her sisters Eleanor, Maxine, Bell, Edith, and Virginia; and one brother Romaine.

Survivors include her children, Paul J. Engelbrecht, Jr. and his wife Cindy of Ft. Collins, Colo., Connie and her husband Chris Ferguson of Glendale, Ariz., and Shirley Neal of Long Beach, Cal. Five grandchildren: Stephanie Jewett, Heather and Paul J. Engelbrecht, III., Chad Ferguson, and Brent Neal.

Also three great-grandchildren: Nicole and Brooke Jewett and Samantha Ferguson.

Visitation will be on Friday, July 8, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, July 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. in Draucker Funeral Home.
The Funeral Service will be Monday, July 11, at 10 a.m. in New Hope Worship Center in Ogallala with Rev. Phil Ewert officiating. Interment is in the Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell on Monday at 2 p.m. Central Time.

A memorial has been established to the St. Labre Indian School in Ashland, Montana. Online Condolences may be sent by clicking here.

Draucker Funeral Home of Ogallala is in charge of arrangements.