Katherine Monica Eliker

  Katherine Monica Ernst Eliker, 87, of Overton, Nebraska, was transferred from the Lord’s Kingdom of grace to His kingdom of glory on Christmas Day, 2017, at her home in Overton.   She was born on November 16, 1930 at Friedensau (Hebron) Nebraska. Her parents were David and Theodora (Schabacker) Ernst. She became a baptized child of God on November 23, 1930. She made a public affirmation of her baptism at her confirmation in May, 1945. Her confirmation verse was “Be thou faithful unto death and I will give you a Crown of Life.” Revelation 2:10.   Katherine graduated from high school at Lexington, Nebraska, and attended college at Condordia University, Seward, and at the University of Nebraska in Kearney from which she received a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration. Katherine taught school for a number of years including Lutheran parochial schools at Wisner, Nebraska, and Brighton, Colorado. She was elected Dawson County Superintendent of Schools and held that position for 17 years.   Katherine was married to James Eliker on June 11, 1954, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington. James preceded her in death in 2002.   She is survived by her children, Peg (Larry) Fisher of Overton, Nebraska, Jane (Dale) Sprague of Huntley, Nebraska, and Ted of Holdrege, Nebraska: eight grandchildren, Jill, Justin, James, Monica, Amanda, Benjamin, Anthony, and Addy: and a number of great grandchildren. She has three surviving siblings, John Ernst of Rockford, Tennessee, Charlotte Leckband of Urbandale, Iowa, and Margaret Hammes of King, Wisconsin, along with a large number of nieces and nephews with their mates and offspring, including two very special nieces, Margaret Booth and Susan Holder.   Katherine was preceded in death by her parents, six brothers and sisters, two grandchildren, Adam and Jan Lee, and one great-grandson, Taylor.   Katherine had a rich heritage of LCMS (Lutheran) pastors in her extended family, including both grandfathers, eight uncles, two brothers, some cousins, and a couple of nephews.   Katherine served in a number of organizations, including the UCIC Extension Club, LWML Women’s group at her church, the Human Care Guild, an officer in the Nebraska State Education Association (NSEA), the Nebraska Association of County Superintendents (NACS), and was on the Board of Directors for the Community Center in Overton.   She enjoyed the life that God had given her and had a number of interests. She was the genealogist of her family, read voraciously, loved music and was very active in her church including playing the organ for church services and teaching Sunday school. She liked to travel, sew, garden, quilt, embroider, crochet and photography.   Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 29, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor William Ohlmann officiating.   Burial will be in the Overton Cemetery.   Visitation will be held one hour prior to the funeral at the church.   Memorials are suggested to Trinity Lutheran Church. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.