Harlene Cordell

Harlene Elizabeth Cordell, who celebrated her 100th birthday in January, passed away on October 13, 2026. Harlene had a remarkable way of making 100 years look easy. She never looked or acted her age. She was an avid reader, a devoted Jeopardy! fan, and was known to put a dollar (or several) into a casino slot machine. In her later years, few things brought her more pleasure than following the Nebraska women's volleyball team.

Born on January 6, 1926, to Roy and Ella Banning of Mason City, Nebraska, Harlene married Homer Cordell on June 22nd, 1948. Together, they built a life and raised a family, spending much of their married life in Broken Bow, Nebraska, before eventually settling in Lincoln in 1988.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her brother, Edwin Banning, and her sister-in-law, Helen Banning. She is survived by her three children: Thomas Cordell of San Francisco; Nanci Sherwood and her husband, James Sherwood, of Lincoln, Nebraska; and Michael Cordell of Charlottesville, Virginia.

A long life is a remarkable gift, but the quiet kindness Harlene brought to others may be its most lasting measure.

Memorials to The Food Bank of Lincoln may be made in her honor. Govier Brothers in Broken Bow will be in charge of arrangements. Services will be held at a later date with Burial at the Mason City Cemetery in Mason City, NE. Online words of remembrance or condolences may be left at www.govierbrothers.com