Geneva B. Van Cleave

Geneva B. VanCleave, 91 of Homer, Nebraska, passed away Saturday July 28, 2012 at a South Sioux City Care Center. Services will be 10:30 A.M. Wednesday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Homer, with Rev. Randy Rasmussen officiating. Burial will be in the Omaha Valley Cemetery. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 8 P.M. at the church with a prayer service at 7 P.M. Becker – Hunt Funeral Home in South Sioux City is in charge of the arrangements. Geneva was born August 10, 1920 in rural Hubbard, Nebraska the daughter of Louis N. and Bernice E. (Mast) Georgesen. She graduated from Homer High School in 1938. She married John D. VanCleave October 3, 1940 in Hubbard, Nebraska. Like many others from the “Greatest Generation”, Geneva’s lifestyle reflected a pioneer spirit. It was a simple lifestyle composed of hard work, dedication to her church and community, a positive attitude with little complaining, hanging out with coffee time friends, and love of family. She especially liked spending time with her grandson, granddaughter, and great granddaughter. Nothing was more important to her than attending their school events and cooking the family a Sunday dinner. Geneva never lived beyond her means and would save all year to buy Christmas gifts for her immediate family. She thoroughly enjoyed watching them open the gifts she had purchased for them. Her unintentional modeling of sacrifice and giving to others, over many years, may have been the best gift of all. Geneva also had many nieces and nephews she held dear to her heart. They were almost always remembered with a card on their birthday. She was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, W.E.L.C.A. and the Ladies Quilting and Blanket Group all in Homer, Nebraska. Survivors include her daughter Connie and her husband Raymond Newman of Homer, Nebraska, two grandchildren: Sheila Polomis of Plover, Wisconsin, Craig Newman of South Sioux City, a great granddaughter Anya Polomis, two sisters: Luverne Rembold of Blair, Nebraska, Margie Jensen of Lincoln, Nebraska and a sister-in-law Bonnie Georgesen of South Sioux City. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John on February 14, 1988, a brother Raymond Georgesen and two sisters: Nadine Harris and Elaine Georgesen. Pallbearers will be Rebecca Georgesen, Dan Harris, Janelle and Lonnie Soderling, Craig Newman and Sheila Polomis.