Obituary for Gladys Mandel
Funeral Mass will be Saturday, January 11th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in West Point, NE with interment in St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery following a luncheon at the GA Cafeteria. Visitation will be on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., with a Vigil Service at 7:00 p.m., at the church and will continue on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at the Minnick Funeral Home in West Point. The family suggests that memorials be directed to St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Dodge or the Guardian Angels Endowment Fund in West Point.
Gladys D. (Neesen) Mandel, age 80, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020. Gladys was born on February 18, 1939 at her home near Aloys, NE. Gladys received her Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Wedding sacraments at St. Aloysius. Gladys married the love of her life, Dave Mandel, on January 5, 1960. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family on December 22 and had another blessing on Sunday to celebrate their 60 wonderful, loving years. Dave and Gladys had five children; Don (Sue), Dan (Debbie), Russ (Nancy), Mike and Deann (Steve) Grovijohn. Gladys was the proud grandmother of Nick (Kate), Elizabeth (Bradley), Anna (Eric), Megan (Andrew), Samantha, Max, Jacob, Jada, Kyser and Kale. Gladys was also the beaming great grandmother of Noah. Gladys also leaves behind two brothers, Leonard Neesen and Lavern Neesen, in-laws Virgil Schlautman, Angie Mandel, Marvin and Marietta Mandel, Mary Mandel, Charlene Kucera and Rich and Diane Mandel; along with many nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Claus and Elizabeth, sister, Martha Schorn and other relatives.
Gladys had a quick wit and contagious smile. She made everyone feel like a friend and was thought of by many as another mom or special grandma. Gladys was genuinely friendly and always made time to chat with friends, wave, share a smile, or stop on the street for a quick update. She especially like teasing or joking with others; as long as they gave it back. Gladys was known for her amazing cooking and baking skills. She had a way of knowing everyone’s favorite and also had that ready when they were coming to visit. If it was a surprise visit, she also had the cookie jar full and another homemade treat to share. She was well known for her chocolate pie, chocolate chip cookies, fudge nut bars and Cheerio-bars. No one ever left hungry! When she lived on the farm, she had a massive garden that fed the whole family and then she canned for fresh goods all year long. She also had a green thumb and had beautiful flowers and plants around the farm and throughout the house. She would also make a fresh flower arrangement for Sunday meals or guests. Gladys loved to read and would always make time to read every day. Gladys felt education was very important and helped her children and grandchildren with homework. She pushed all of them to do their best at school and always asked about their education whenever she talked to them! Her house was always spotless and she had outstanding organizational skills. She knew where everything was in her house! Gladys had a strong faith and prayed the rosary every day; she always gave great advice that usually ended with the comment to “Pray about it and look for guidance from upstairs”. Gladys cherished her family and they were truly her greatest treasure. She went to all of her kid’s events as they were growing up and continued to do the same with Dave for their grandchildren. Whether it was a dance recital, hockey game, football game, baseball game, school program or grandparent mass; Gladys was there! She loved board games with her kids and grandkids with her favorites being Pig in the Garden, Hi Ho Cheerio and Aggravation.
Over the years, Gladys participated in church groups, prayer groups, Holy Hours, school activities, bowling teams, extension groups and worked at the Bowling Alley in Dodge. She volunteered to bring food for funerals, served food at church events and helped friends whenever in need. Dave and Gladys loved to visit with friends and play card games.
Gladys will be missed by many; her family has lost their rock and matriarch. Her kind, gentle spirit will be a light that continues to shine in this world through her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Gladys D. (Neesen) Mandel, age 80, passed away on Monday, January 6, 2020. Gladys was born on February 18, 1939 at her home near Aloys, NE. Gladys received her Baptism, First Holy Communion, Confirmation and Wedding sacraments at St. Aloysius. Gladys married the love of her life, Dave Mandel, on January 5, 1960. They just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family on December 22 and had another blessing on Sunday to celebrate their 60 wonderful, loving years. Dave and Gladys had five children; Don (Sue), Dan (Debbie), Russ (Nancy), Mike and Deann (Steve) Grovijohn. Gladys was the proud grandmother of Nick (Kate), Elizabeth (Bradley), Anna (Eric), Megan (Andrew), Samantha, Max, Jacob, Jada, Kyser and Kale. Gladys was also the beaming great grandmother of Noah. Gladys also leaves behind two brothers, Leonard Neesen and Lavern Neesen, in-laws Virgil Schlautman, Angie Mandel, Marvin and Marietta Mandel, Mary Mandel, Charlene Kucera and Rich and Diane Mandel; along with many nieces and nephews. Gladys was preceded in death by her parents, Claus and Elizabeth, sister, Martha Schorn and other relatives.
Gladys had a quick wit and contagious smile. She made everyone feel like a friend and was thought of by many as another mom or special grandma. Gladys was genuinely friendly and always made time to chat with friends, wave, share a smile, or stop on the street for a quick update. She especially like teasing or joking with others; as long as they gave it back. Gladys was known for her amazing cooking and baking skills. She had a way of knowing everyone’s favorite and also had that ready when they were coming to visit. If it was a surprise visit, she also had the cookie jar full and another homemade treat to share. She was well known for her chocolate pie, chocolate chip cookies, fudge nut bars and Cheerio-bars. No one ever left hungry! When she lived on the farm, she had a massive garden that fed the whole family and then she canned for fresh goods all year long. She also had a green thumb and had beautiful flowers and plants around the farm and throughout the house. She would also make a fresh flower arrangement for Sunday meals or guests. Gladys loved to read and would always make time to read every day. Gladys felt education was very important and helped her children and grandchildren with homework. She pushed all of them to do their best at school and always asked about their education whenever she talked to them! Her house was always spotless and she had outstanding organizational skills. She knew where everything was in her house! Gladys had a strong faith and prayed the rosary every day; she always gave great advice that usually ended with the comment to “Pray about it and look for guidance from upstairs”. Gladys cherished her family and they were truly her greatest treasure. She went to all of her kid’s events as they were growing up and continued to do the same with Dave for their grandchildren. Whether it was a dance recital, hockey game, football game, baseball game, school program or grandparent mass; Gladys was there! She loved board games with her kids and grandkids with her favorites being Pig in the Garden, Hi Ho Cheerio and Aggravation.
Over the years, Gladys participated in church groups, prayer groups, Holy Hours, school activities, bowling teams, extension groups and worked at the Bowling Alley in Dodge. She volunteered to bring food for funerals, served food at church events and helped friends whenever in need. Dave and Gladys loved to visit with friends and play card games.
Gladys will be missed by many; her family has lost their rock and matriarch. Her kind, gentle spirit will be a light that continues to shine in this world through her husband, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.