Babette Johanna Garder

Babette J. Garder, 84, of Newman Grove, NE, passed away Thursday, December 14, 2023, at Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove, NE.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, December 21, 2023, at Immanuel-Zion (South Branch) Church rural Albion, NE with Pastor Elizabeth Goehring officiating. Interment will be at North Branch (East) Cemetery. Visitation will be 5:00-7:00 p.m. Wednesday at Levander Funeral Home in Albion, NE. The service will be livestreamed by the church and can accessed at the following link: https://www.facebook.com/ImmanuelZionLutheranChurch

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Immanual-Zion (South Branch) Church or to the family for a later designation.

Levander Funeral Home of Newman Grove, NE is in charge of the arrangements.

Babette Johanna Garder, daughter of Elmer and Elsie (Ruge) Wallwey, was born on June 14, 1939, in Emerson, NE. She was baptized and confirmed into the Lutheran faith at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Emerson, NE. She attended and graduated from Emerson high school and later attended Wayne State College, where she received her two-year teaching certificate.

On June 26, 1960, Babette was united in marriage to Norman Garder at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. The couple lived in rural Petersburg. There they raised their four children: Kenn, Scott, Karen, and Steve. Babette taught for one year before staying home to raise her children and help with the farm. She farmed with her brother-in-law and sister-in-law after Norman's passing. She trucked the harvested crops at a time when there weren't many women trucking.

Babette was a member of Immanuel-Zion since 1960. She served on the church council, WELCA, Sunday school superintendent, and organist. She was a longtime member of the Rae Valley Heritage Association. Babette was very active in the association and served as the secretary for many years.

Babette loved to sew and quilt. Each one of her grandchildren received a denim quilt that she made specially for them. She loved to host friends and family; it was impossible to leave her house hungry. Babette was a hard worker and loved having her grandchildren spend time with her on the farm. Some of the best memories she made with them was riding in the truck during harvest and helping with Rae Valley. She enjoyed Sunday afternoon drives with Roger.

Babette is survived by her "My Roger": Roger Lee of rural Petersburg, NE; four children: Kenn (Shari) Garder of Omaha, NE; Scott (Chele) Garder of Blair, NE; Karen (Dennis) Bidne of Blair, NE; Steve (significant other Michel Moore) Garder of Hadar, NE; 11 grandchildren: Jason (Jessica) Garder of Stillwell, KS; Matthew (Sarah) Garder of Louisburg, KS; Kristine (William) Findlay of Oakland, NE; Katie Bidne of Denver, CO; Daniel (Hannah) Bidne of Omaha, NE; Michael Garder of Missoula, MT; Christopher Garder of Norfolk, NE; Amanda (fiancé Bryce Leuthold) Garder of Stanton, NE; Ryan (Taylor) Garder of Gretna, NE; Jacob Garder of Omaha, NE; Tyler Garder of Lincoln, NE; 11 great-grandchildren; two sisters: Wilma (Jim) Morse of Henning, MN; Marilyn Johnson of Fort Dodge, IA; sister-in-law: Barb Wallwey of South Sioux City, NE; along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband: Norman Garder; brother: William Wallwey; brother-in-law: Milan Garder; sister-in-law: Gaye Garder; brother-in-law: Harlan Garder.