Helen G. Harwager, 98, Lincoln, passed away peacefully, on Sunday November 4, in her home at The Legacy.
She was born in Kearney, NE, on May 23, 1920 to John and Bertha (King) Hale. Helen, a lifelong resident of Nebraska, married the love of her life, Earl E. Harwager, of Axtel, NE, on August 20, 1939. Helen and Earl were married for 65 years until Earl’s passing in 2005. During the 1940’s and 1950’s Helen was a stay-at-home mother raising her four children until going to work for television station KGIN-TV Channel 11 in Grand Island in 1960. In 1963 her family relocated to Lincoln and she transferred to KOLN-TV Channel 10. In 1967 she was hired by the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry where she served as the Assistant Dean’s secretary until 1977.
Helen and Earl were die-hard Nebraska football fans who held season tickets from 1963 to 2008 and attended 3 national championship bowl games.
From Earl’s passing until the last year of her life Helen lived an incredibly healthy life that serves as a testament to her amazing stamina and the benefits of a lifetime of a clean living totally free of drugs, cigarettes or alcohol. After Earl’s death she was able to drive and live independently in her own townhouse until the age of 94. She was an adept bridge player and an exceptional cook. She was deeply loved by and an inspiration to her family. She will be greatly missed by all, including her beloved little dog CeCe.
Helen was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) with two relatives, Edward G. Hale and John J. Kirk, who served in the Revolutionary Army. Helen was a patriot who loved her country.
Survivors: daughter, son-in-law Elizabeth and Thomas Baxter, Grand Island, NE; son, Lynn Harwager, Houston, TX; Grandchildren: Lacinda Baxter, Minneapolis, MN; Gian (Michael) Baxter-Collins, Lincoln; Gregory (Adrianne) Baxter, Grand Island; Todd (Nancy) Ehlert, St. Joseph, MO; Victoria Harwager, Palo Alto, CA; Loni and Tyson Herbers, Southern CA; Great-Grandchildren: Miranda Baxter, Alexandria, VA; Alec Baxter, Lincoln; Taylor and Madison Roberts, Grand Island; Kelsey Roberts, Lincoln; Caroline and Anna Mary Ehlert, St. Joseph, MO; Preceded in death by her parents, her brothers Robert, John, Charles, Donald, and Richard Hale, her sister Nancy “Liz” Donnell, her husband Earl, sons Richard E. Harwager who died in 1971, and Douglas K. Harwager who died in 2006.
Services: 10:00 a.m. Saturday (11-10-18) Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 6001 A St. Burial at Westlawn Cemetery, Grand Island, NE.
Memorials: Capital Humane Society, Lincoln, Nebraska in memory of Helen Harwager.
Family will greet friends 30 minutes prior to the service at the church.