Edythe Bartak

Edythe Elizabeth Bartak (age 102) passed away July 18, 2025, at Brookestone View in Broken Bow. She was born near Gothenburg on November 23, 1922, to Edward and Anna (Kuhlman) Lauer.

Edythe attended rural schools in the Gothenburg and Cozad areas. She graduated from Gothenburg High School in 1939 at age 16. She taught in rural schools for several years, then attended Teachers College in Greeley, Colorado, and then continued teaching school in Dawson and Custer counties. In her first year of teaching, she lived in the home of one of her students. She was thrilled to hear from two of her students at her 100th birthday. She also worked for a couple of years in a children’s home in Iowa.

While teaching in Custer County, she met William “Jack” Bartak at a dance in Callaway. They were married May 23, 1948, at Christ Lutheran Church near Gothenburg. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Bradley and Steve, and two daughters, Marilyn and Marcia. They raised their family on their farm on Cliff Table west of Merna. After having electricity in Gothenburg, Edythe had to live without it for the first few years of their marriage.

She was an active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, a member of the Ladies Aid and LWML, both at the zone and District levels, and taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. She had been a 4-H Club leader and an active member of the extension club and the SOS Social Club. She was a master cook and was widely known for her baking contributions to church and community events.

Her active lifestyle was centered around her family. She enjoyed having the family for dinners and watching the grandchildren grow up. She enjoyed attending their school activities.

Edythe was preceded in death by her husband, Jack, her parents, and a daughter-in-law, Jeanne Bartak. She is survived by her sons, Bradley (Barb) Bartak of Merna, and Steve (Rebecca) Bartak of Ainsworth, and by her daughters, Marilyn (Tom) Reese of Sandy Springs, Georgia, and Marcia (Marvin) Swan of Grant, 14 grandchildren (and 11 spouses), 27 great grandchildren (and 2 spouses), one great-great grandson, 2 step-grandchildren, and 5 step-great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Finke (age 97) of Gothenburg, and many nieces and nephews.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 10:30 AM at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, NE. Burial will follow in the Cliff Table Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna or A-M Foundation. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 21st, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the family greeting from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at Govier Brothers Mortuary. Govier Brothers Mortuary is in charge of arrangements. Online words of remembrance or encouragement may be left at www.govierbrothers.com