Berdina L. Pfeiffer of Ralston, NE, age 81, passed away Friday, September 11, 2015, at the Elwood Care Center in Elwood, Nebraska.  Berdina was born March 8, 1934 at Eustis, Nebraska to John F. and Lucille E. (Puls) Moritz.

Berdina attended school in Eustis, Nebraska and graduated in 1951.  She attended Kearney Teachers College at Kearney, Nebraska and then taught rural school at the Houser School District.

Berdina was joined in marriage with Melvin B. Houlden on January 1, 1956 at Salem Lutheran Church of rural Elwood, Nebraska.  They made their home south of Elwood where they farmed and also raised their family.  Melvin passed away on March 7, 2007.

Berdina was joined in marriage to William E. Pfeiffer on April 19, 2012 at Lexington, Nebraska.  They lived part of the time at the farm in Elwood and more recently lived primarily in Ralston, Nebraska.

Berdina was a member of Our Redeemer Lutheran in Elwood where she was active in Ladies Aid.  Berdina and Bill also attended First Lutheran Church in Papillion, Nebraska.  Berdina served as a member of the Elwood Public School Board for many years.  She was a long time member of the American Legion Auxiliary Post 290.  Over the years she attended countless numbers of athletic, academic and musical events.  Berdina loved flowers, gardening, playing cards and dancing.  She loved time spent with family and friends. 

Berdina was a loving mother to her children.  Her memory will be respected and cherished by:

Husband: Bill Pfeiffer of Ralston, Nebraska
Children: Stan and Margo Houlden, Kolby and Kate of Friend, Nebraska
                 Connie Houlden of Oxford, IA
                 Ed Houlden,  Kate and Kevin Reiners, Carson, Bryce and Berkley Reiners, Jake              Hofman, all of Elwood, NE, Betsy Hofman of Omaha
                 Dan & Suzanne Houlden and Danielle of Turlock, CA
                 Mary Jane Ervin, John IV, Brianna and Justin of North Liberty, IA
                 Rocky and Suzie Oaklund, Cherie and Carrie of Kearney, NE
                 Nancy and Steve Schutz of Elwood, NE
                 Russell and Judy Oaklund of Wahoo, NE
                 Susan MacDonald of Elyria, OH, Jamie and Mark Zocchi of Cleveland, OH, Devin MacDonald and Maili MacDonald of Elyria, OH
                 Linda and Karl Clark of Milford, NE, Carla Clark and fiancée Chris Mackey, of Lincoln, NE, and Mitchell Clark of Kearney, NE
                 Ronnie and Katrina Oaklund of Elwood, NE, Codina Schutz, Conner, Parker, Grady and RiLee Schutz of Elwood, NE, Wayco and Megan Oaklund, and William Oaklund of Elwood, NE

 

Adopted Son: Denny and Irene Kenning of Elwood, NE, Kelly and Shannon Bennet and Cauy of Elwood, NE,  Tag and Sandy Kenning, Lauren, Keaton, Kolton and Kassidy of Elm Creek, NE     

 

Step Children

Bradley and Shelly  Pfeiffer of Ashland, NE, and Kaitlyn, Hayley and Brandon Pfeiffer of Ashland, NE  Maureen Pfeiffer and fiancé Jim Sprick of Ashland, NE

 Leslie and Dennis Ruch, Chase and Marissa, Blake and Chelsea, and Taryn Mollak       

Shelly Gray of Omaha, NE, 

Gina and Gene Bell,  Parris and Jamel of Omaha, NE,                                                                                                          Mary Gray of Omaha, NE and Daisha and Mekhi,

 Paul Gray of Omaha, NE,

Anna and Jose,  and Jocelyn of Omaha, NE,

Lucy Gray of Omaha, NE and TJ and Timmy Gray

Jeff and Tamara Pfeiffer of Omaha, NE
Andy Pfeiffer of Omaha, NE, Dane, Ben, Carly, and Mason 

Berdina is survived by one sister, Donna Lehman of Juniata, NE, sister-in-law, Verna Moritz of Cozad, NE, brother-in-law, Dean (Elaine) Houlden of Elwood, NE, sister-in law, Barbara Halloway of Poquoson, VA, numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Berdina was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Melvin Houlden, her father and mother-in law, Clyde Sr. and Mary Houlden, daughter-in-law, Julie Houlden, grandsons, Shayne MacDonald and Connor Houlden and numerous other relatives.

Condolences or personal reflections can be left at elwoodfuneralhome.com

Viewing and visitation will be Wednesday, September 16, 2015 from 4 PM till 8 PM at Elwood Funeral Home, Elwood, Nebraska. Funeral services will be Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 2 PM at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church in Elwood, Nebraska with Rev. Michael Wolff, officiating. Interment will be at the Elwood Cemetery, Elwood, Nebraska. Memorials are suggested to the American Legion Auxiliary Post 290, Our Redeemer Lutheran Church of Elwood, or donor’s choice. Elwood Funeral Home of Elwood, Nebraska is in charge of arrangements.