She was one of three children and came into the world with a twin sister (Joy) and an older brother (Ron). She was raised on farmsteads East of Hallam and attended country school district #114. She graduated from the Cortland High School in 1957. She enjoyed many different sports in high school such as Volleyball and Softball. She was also a cheerleader.
The highlight of June’s life was meeting her future husband in 1957. They dated while Jack was in the army stationed in Washington D.C. They were married on August 23, 1958 and celebrated 65 years of marriage earlier this year. They were blessed with three children, six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. June was very involved with her children’s schools and activities (room mother, Girl Scouts and 4-H). Family was always a priority for June and she would do anything she could to ensure her family’s happiness.
Her early career choices were mostly office-based work. Towards the end of her career she liked working in school cafeterias. For the majority of her 20’s and 30’s, she was a stay-at-home Mom and homemaker, always enjoying making her house a home. Her cooking and baking skills were extraordinary and one of her life’s passions. She was also an excellent seamstress and craft person–always making clothes, jewelry, home décor and gifts for her family. In retirement, she put her sewing skills to good use by volunteering for 25 years at Bryan hospital making bone/heart pillows and tray favors for patients.
June also enjoyed the outdoors in the Spring, Summer and Fall with vegetable gardening, flowers, and many family trips. She liked outdoor games such as yard darts, bocce ball and croquet. She loved taking long walks in the neighborhood with Jack and their dog Cody.
In retirement, June cherished the trip she and Jack took to Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. She also enjoyed multiple cruise vacations. In her later years, she and Jack also took many bus trips with Union Bank to various destinations.
Church was always an important part of June’s life. As a child, she attended the Hallam Congregational Church and was also united in marriage at this church. All her adult life in Lincoln was devoted to Christ United Methodist Church where she was involved as a Sunday school teacher, usher, nursery volunteer, wedding coordinator and kitchen volunteer.
Her organization skills were top notch, and everything always came together just as planned. This ability was used in all facets of her life, whether putting together large family meals, family reunions, camping trips, vacations or high school reunions. She was also an early adopter for her age group on learning computer skills and how to use her smart phone. Jack will miss her skills in this area immensely!
June’s love of sports and dancing continued throughout her life. Over the years, she and Jack square danced, participated in ballroom dancing and bowled in a league for quite a few years. They frequently enjoyed attending many Husker sporting events and Kansas City Royals’ baseball games. They also never missed an opportunity to watch extended family playing in high school sporting events in Lincoln and surrounding areas. Later in life, she enjoyed watching sports on TV.
Another favorite life-long hobby of June’s was collecting antique furniture and dishes. This involved going to auctions (with, of course, a picnic lunch!), attending flea markets, going to garage sales and visiting antique stores. This hobby was put to good use in her ability to set a beautiful table of dishes to accompany her awesome meals.
I’m sure you’re all wondering at this point, what about the cards and games? If you spent any time with June, eventually a deck of cards or a board game would come into “play.” She was involved in many card clubs with various groups of friends (Pinochle, Bridge and Canasta). She also enjoyed bingo, dominoes, shuffleboard and puzzles. She loved to play games with everyone, including new friends she met in her final years at The Legacy and The Knolls retirement communities!
Survivors include husband John; children Tim Garrison (Sharlene) of Hallam, NE, Jeanie Garrison (Ken Howard) of Crete, NE, Lisa Dodson (David) of Lenexa, KS; grandchildren Linzey DeRienzo, Jacqlyn Parratt, Hunter Dodson, Jacob Wickey, Travis Dodson, and Brooke Wickey; great grandchildren Jaxon Herman, Laney Herman, and Norah Herman; sister Joy Hladek (Ken).
Preceded by parents (Norma and Ayres); brother (Ronald Lahm).
Memorials may be directed to the Alzheimer’s Association or Christ United Methodist Church.