Elsie M Vetter

Elsie Mary Williams Vetter

5/25/1930 – 2/17/2023

Elsie was born on the family farm (Loretto, NE) May 25, 1930, to Tena and Eno Saathoff and died February 17, 2023 (Wahoo, NE). Elsie was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Albion, Nebraska. One of 12 children, she attended Loretto schools completing the 8th grade before beginning a life-long pattern of working hard in support of her family. On March 28, 1948, she married Elwin (Bill) Williams to which 4 daughters (Mary, June, Joan, Karen) and one son (Elwin Bill) were born. They later divorced and on November 18, 2000, she married Harry Noel Vetter.

Throughout her lifetime, Elsie was known as a hard-working, generous, and warm person. She was well-known for her culinary skills – for almost two decades (11 years at Ithaca’s Elsie Café) she attracted a steady stream of customers where they enjoyed her famous rolls, hot beef sandwiches, pan-friend chicken, pies, and other specials she concocted for the day. She was a successful businesswoman who took great pride in satisfying packed breakfast and lunch crowds. She also worked as a lunchroom cook and bus driver at Mead Public Schools. She enjoyed time with friends – whether it was a small circle of friends she and Noel enjoyed during their time in Arizona and Kansas or the large group of friends who signed up for her organized bus trips to Kansas City pro football and baseball games. Sewing and quilting were other passions; family members continue to be kept warm under her quilts.

Without a doubt, it was family that most fulfilled her life. Along with her children, she was blessed with 12 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, four stepchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Family gatherings always included good food, games, cards – a buzz of activity with all ages taking part. She is survived by Mary (Marvin) Hass, Ithaca, NE, June (Jerome) Moline, Mead, NE, Karen Nicodemus, Hereford, AZ and Bill Williams, Chino Valley, AZ; grandchildren Staci Hass, Kris (Tim) Dickes, Jason (Kari) Maly, Joel (Amy) Moline, Justin (Jamie) Moline, Sara (Darren) Kuester, Lynsey (Victoria) Moline, Darsey Moline, Josh (Carrie) Moline, Jordan (Brianna) Moline and Caitlin Williams-Cummins. Her 13 great grandchildren, sister Marjorie Rieck (Elkhorn), and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband H. Noel, father of her children Elwin, daughter Joan Maly, granddaughter Robyn Maly, son-in-law George Nicodemus, parents, six sisters and three brothers, several nieces and nephews along with many cherished friends.

Rest well mom and grandma – you have earned it. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Tuesday (February 21) at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Wahoo. Private family services and burial 10:30 a.m., Wednesday (February 22) with livestream available at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home on Facebook. Memorials to the family for later designation. The family also thanks Saunders House, Hospice and Home Healthcare of Saunders County, and Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home for the loving care given to our mother.