Elizabeth attended grade school, junior high, and high school in Sioux City IA, and also attended Morningside College for one year. While in school, she was a cheerleader, editor for the school paper, and spelling came easy to her. She enjoyed Sunday dinners, sweet corn, and being outside. After living in Sioux City, IA, she lived in Minneapolis, MN and Crete, NE; and ultimately moved to Lincoln, NE in 1977. Elizabeth worked for Younker’s Department Store as a cosmetic specialist for over 30 years and was honored with the Rose of the Region award because of her exceptional customer service and growing the Lancome business. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church and former member of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Crete.
She loved to make porcelain ceramics, walk outside in the fresh air, ride her bicycle, put together puzzles, popcorn, and ice cream. And let’s not forget her famous chocolate chip cookies. She also loved her Wedgewood neighborhood family – Sheryl, Joel, and Irv.
She moved to Southlake Village in January of 2019 and became Mayor immediately. She touched the lives of residents, staff and caregivers, who also became family. They loved helping her with her puzzles, garnering sage advice, and grabbing a piece of candy – after Liz hid her favorite Milk Duds and lemon drops.
Her family cannot thank everyone at Southlake Village enough for the exceptional love, care and concern they gave Liz while she lived there. We know they don’t have favorites, but…we know.
She had five wonderful children, five grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. Included is her son, Krage; his children Nicol Woody (Aaron Latham) and her children, Elizabeth and Bennett; son Michael (Lindsey) Kowalke and their children, Chandlar and Sawyer; son Ryan (Jacki) Kowalke and their children, Anna and Logan; son Kirk (Carol) Kowalke of Medford, OR; son David (Carol) Kowalke of Scottsdale, AZ; daughter Carol (Jeff) Davis of Allen, TX; daughter Lisa (Roy) Shelton of Lincoln, NE, and their daughter, Brooke (Adam) Rudloff and children Saylor and Mila; their son, Connor (Alyssa Hutchins) Shelton.
She also loved her nieces like daughters.
The only thing stronger than her love of family was her faith in the Lord.
She was preceded in death by her parents, son Krage Kowalke, three brothers and one sister.
Celebration of Life service: 2pm Monday November 7, 2022, at Roper and Sons Midtown Chapel, 4300 O St.
Visitation with family present from 4-6pm Sunday November 6, 2022, at Roper and Sons Midtown.
Memorials in lieu of flowers to Nebraska Kidney Foundation or Faith Lutheran Church.