Roy E. Farnstrom, 95, formerly of Lincoln, returned to the Lord on June 19, 2019 at Valley View Senior Center in Ord, NE. Roy was born October 2, 1923 on a farm in Lincoln County, NE to Paul and Anna (Hendrickson) Farnstrom. He grew up on several farms in the Gothenburg area and in Chicago, IL.
After graduating from Gothenburg High School in 1942, he joined the U. S. Army Air Corps and served in WWII as a plane mechanic, nose gunner, radioman and was in the first group of airmen to be trained in radar technology. Roy was honorably discharged in 1946 and returned to farming in Gothenburg area before pursuing a career as an electrician.
On February 25, 1949, Roy married Lavawn Edwards and the couple settled in Omaha, NE. Together they raised three children and cared for several foster children through Lutheran Family Social Services. Roy was active in the church and served as a Sunday school and confirmation teacher for many years.
Roy worked for Omaha Public Power District until his retirement in 1979 and returned to Gothenburg, continuing to work as an electrician and carpenter, and pursuing his hobbies including; collecting barbed wire, restoring antique radios, carving wooden toys, and painting landscapes. He was an avid fisherman.
Roy is survived by his beloved wife Lavawn, Ord; brothers Lloyd, Hebron and Dale (Nancy), Prineville, OR; sister Judy (Gary) Grimes, Omaha; daughter Jana (Don) Cockerham, Lincoln; son Kim (Virginia) Farnstrom, Ord; daughter Amy (Stewart Courant) Farnstrom, Oakland, CA; grandson Jon Cockerham, Malcolm and granddaughter Emily Courant, Oakland, CA; many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, brother Charles, sisters-in-law Juleen, Pat and Marjorie.
A celebration of Roy’s life will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery, Maxwell, NE at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Adam Archer officiating. Following the committal service a luncheon will be served at 12:30 p.m. at the American Lutheran Church, 1512 Avenue G, in Gothenburg.
In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in Roy’s memory.