Marie (Gatos) Hellerich was born September 6, 1926 and received her heavenly wings on May 11, 2024. Marie was the daughter of Tom and Anna Gatos of Valparaiso, Nebraska.
Marie graduated from Valparaiso High School in 1944. After graduation, she married Alvin Hellerich on December 25, 1945, and they lived on the family farm near Valparaiso until moving to Lincoln in 2005. Together they raised and taught life lessons to their three children, Charlotte, Jeanne and Randy. Marie was a strong supporter of her children and taught them the value of standing up for what they believed. She enjoyed Sunday dinners and holidays sitting at the table surrounded by all available family members, she was an excellent cook!
While raising her family, Marie attended night classes and summer school at the University of Nebraska, ultimately earning a master’s degree in education. She loved teaching, which led to a 35 year career teaching Kindergarten and third grade in the Ceresco and Raymond Central school districts.
Marie (also known as Grams by family and many friends) is survived by her children, Charlotte (John) Mills, Randy (Mari) Hellerich; sister, Karen Gatos Hellerich; 4 beautiful grandchildren, Amy (Jason) Jasa Roche, Matt Jasa, Brooke Hellerich, and Rachel (Garrett) Hellerich Woockman; 5 great grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death by her husband, Alvin, daughter, Jeanne Jasa and her husband Jim, one sister, three brothers, and her parents.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 17, 2024 at Sheridan Lutheran Church, 6955 Old Cheney Road, Lincoln, NE. Followed by cookies and refreshments at the church.
A private family inurnment will be held at Oak Creek Cemetery, Raymond, NE.
All gifts received will be donated to Marie’s favorite veterans’ organizations.
A special thanks to the staff of Visiting Angels, Tabitha Home Health, Traditions Hospice and Pemberly Place for their loving care over the past few years.