Lilly May (Hauger) Epke, 82, of North Platte passed away July 15, 2016 at Centennial Park Retirement Village.
Lilly was born in Carthage Missouri on May 6th, 1934, to Albert Kornelius (Buss) Hauger and Inez Rose (Brown) Hauger. In 1935 her parents and older brother Albert Edward moved to Valentine, Nebraska. Lilly was baptized in the Episcopal Faith at Saint John's Episcopal Church in Valentine. Later she transferred to the Episcopal Church of Jesus in Rosebud, South Dakota, and was active in church affairs. Lilly attended school from kindergarten through 12th grade in the Valentine school system and graduated in 1952.
On September 5th, 1958, she married Jimmie Lee Epke of Crookston, Nebraska. To this union two children were born. Samuel Wayne on January 12th, 1962, and Joni Lynn on January 19th, 1965.
On December 29, 2007, Lilly moved to Centennial Park Retirement Village in North Platte, Nebraska where she resided until her death. Lilly quickly made lots of friends with staff and residents. She loved attending all of the activities. She loved dressing up in costumes and making others smile. One of her most favorite outings was the Fishing Trip.
One of Lilly's favorite projects and passions in life was organizing the Todd County South Dakota chapter of the American Cancer Society. She also enjoyed many different kinds of arts and crafts, painting, wood carving, leathercraft, gardening, and visiting with her special friends and neighbors.
Lilly was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother Albert.
She is survived by her son, Sam; and granddaughters Allie Jean and Jenna Rae Epke; daughter Joni, (Dustin) Jorgenson; and grandsons Tucker James and Cooper Wayne White. Her grandchildren were the light of her life. Lilly is survived by the many friends and family that she touched with her kind heart and special smile.
Memorial services will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 2016 at the Episcopal Church of Our Savior with the Reverend Jeffrey Olson officiating. At her request she was cremated and requested that her ashes be spread in places where she and her family had special memories. Those wishing to sign the register book may do so 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, July 27, 2016 at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home which is in charge of arrangements.