Evelyn M. Coffey

A Funeral Mass for Evelyn was held on Tuesday, November 1, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter, Nebraska. A Rosary was prayed at 9:30 a.m., prior to the Mass, at St. Stephen Catholic Church. A Graveside Service was held at the Exeter Cemetery following the Funeral Mass. Agnes Anderson was the organist and Nicole Grubaugh was the cantor. The hymns included "Ave Maria," "Be Not Afraid," "The Prayer Of St. Francis," "On Eagle's Wings," and "On This Day Oh Beautiful Mother." Pallbearers included Todd Tessman, Brian Tessman, Russel Coffey, Justin Lane, Mark Grant, and James Paschal. Honorary Pallbearers included Spencer Tessman, Ayden Tessman, Charlie Lane, Peyton Lane, Preston Howard, Jake Tessman, Gretchen Paschal, Wesley Paschal, Ryne Mierau, Hayden Mierau, and Keenan Howard. Memorials are suggested to the Exeter American Legion Auxiliary. Evelyn Margaret Coffey was born to John Henry Harre & Theresa Elizabeth (Leif) Harre on May 8, 1924 at the family farm near Exeter, Nebraska, and she passed away on October 28, 2022 at Fairview Manor Nursing Home in Fairmont, Nebraska at the age of 98 years, 5 months and 20 days. She was the second born of 15 children in the family. Evelyn grew up on a farm northeast of Exeter. She attended country school and made her first communion at St. Stephen Catholic Church in Exeter. Evelyn graduated from Exeter Public School with the class of 1940. After graduation, she taught at a country school North of Exeter. She thoroughly enjoyed teaching all of her students. On January 26th, 1944, Evelyn married the love of her life, Edward Coffey. They made their home in Exeter, raising their 3 children. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to many. She was an amazing cook and loved having her family around the table to enjoy it. She also loved music, dancing, and playing the piano and organ. “Waltz Across Texas” and “You Are My Sunshine” were at the top of the list. Evelyn always remembered birthdays and anniversaries acknowledging them with a card or a phone call. Evelyn was an active member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, had a very strong faith and loved Jesus. She was also an active member of the Exeter American Legion Auxiliary. Evelyn was preceded in death by her parents John & Theresa; infant son Dennis; husband Edward; daughter Darleen Lane; sisters Reta Mae Coffey, Gladys Coffey, Patricia Hansen, and Joan Kuska; brothers Lawrence, Kenneth, Jerome, Gene, Paul, and Aloysius. She is survived by her son Glen Coffey and wife Charlotte of McCool Junction, Nebraska; daughter Kathy Tessman and husband Dennis of Hastings, Nebraska; son-in-law Dennis Lane of Auburn, Nebraska; grandchildren Kim Coffey of Estes Park, Colorado; Michele Grant and husband Mark of York, Nebraska, Russel Coffey and wife Tammy of York, Nebraska, Todd Tessman and wife Erin of Hastings, Nebraska, Brian Tessman of Omaha, Nebraska, Jessica Paschal and husband James of Auburn, Nebraska, Justin Lane and wife Shayla of Grand Island, Nebraska; 11 great grandchildren; sisters Doris Nicholas of Exeter, Nebraska, Jeanette Paulus of Loveland, Colorado, Leona Smith of New Braunfels, Texas; brother Frank Harre of York, Nebraska; and many nieces, nephews cousins and friends.

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Evelyn M. Coffey

May 8, 1924 - October 28, 2022