Mary "Jeannie" Jean Patzel

Mary "Jeannie" J. Patzel, 85, of Newman Grove, NE, died Friday, December 26, 2025, at Mid-Nebraska Lutheran Home in Newman Grove, NE.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 2, 2026, at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spalding, NE with Fr. Lawrence Vadakkan officiating.  Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Visitation will begin at 9:00 a.m. until service. The rosary will start at 10:00 a.m. at the church.

Levander Funeral Home of Albion, NE is in charge of arrangements.

Mary "Jeannie" Jean Patzel, beloved daughter of Lloyd and Ernestine (Carraher) Bumgardner, was born on December 5, 1940, in Spalding, Nebraska. She began her education at Spalding Academy and later attended Spalding High School, where she graduated and began the next chapter of her life.

In 1958, Jeannie married Eugene R. Patzel. Together, they made their home in Newman Grove, where they raised five children: Eileen, Arnold, Marlene, Arlene, and Charlene. Jeannie dedicated her life to her family and her community. Over the years, she worked at the Newman Grove Creamery, shared her skill and creativity as a seamstress, and cared for others in her role at the Newman Grove Nursing Home as a CNA and Medication Aide. One of her most meaningful callings was caring for her son, Arnie, a role she fulfilled with unwavering devotion and love.

Jeannie had many gifts and passions that filled her life with joy. She was a talented musician who loved to play guitar, banjo, and piano. Her flower beds bloomed under her attentive hands, a reflection of the beauty she cultivated in the lives around her. She was known for her bright spirit, her contagious laughter, and a remarkable sense of humor that could lift any room. Most of all, she treasured time spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, each one a source of immense pride and love.

Left to carry her memory are her three children: Eileen (Lance) Griswold of Omaha, NE; Marlene Duffy-Patzel of Carroll, NE; and Arlene (Richard) Borgheiinck of Newman Grove, NE; nine grandchildren: Cassie (Chris) Casey of Blair, NE; Jessie (Jaime) London of Norfolk, NE; Blake Prorok of Omaha, NE; Brittney (Jesse) Vance of Kansas City, MO; Bryan (Lucy) Widhalm of Newman Grove, NE; Benjamin (Josylin) Widhalm of Newman Grove, NE; Bridgette Borgheiinck of Lincoln, NE; Breanna Borgheiinck of Newman Grove, NE; and Bethany Borgheiinck of Norfolk, NE; and 13 great-grandchildren: Sean, Lillian, and Liam Casey; Elliot, William, and Emory London; Damian, Dominick, Danicka, and Deneese Widhalm, Ayliin Widhalm; and Graham and Noah Vance.

She is also survived by five brothers: Tommy  (Kathy) Bumgardner; Jim (Thoma) Bumgardner; Johnny (Nancy) Bumgardner; Jerry (Diane) Bumgardner; and Bill (Donna) Bumgardner; two sisters: Barb Legate and Janet (Wayne) Gosson; as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished friends whose lives were touched by her friendship and love.

Jeannie was preceded in death by her parents; her two children, Charlene Kuehler and Arnold Patzel; grandson Blake Widhalm; sisters: Sheila King, Joan Rudloff; and brothers: Denny and Danny Bumgardner.