Bette L. Brehmer

Elizabeth “Bette” Lou Mae (Gatzemeyer) Brehmer, 90, of Lyons, NE passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at her home in Lyons. The visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyons, with a prayer service starting at 7:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. Burial will be in the Lyons Cemetery in Lyons. Memorials are suggested to the family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Munderloh-Smith Funeral Home in Pender, NE.

Bette was born on June 4, 1935, to Louis and Madeline (Waite) Gatzemeyer in Bancroft, NE. She grew as a farm girl and learned how to take on responsibilities at a young age. She was active in Cuming County 4-H and was later crowned the Queen of the Aksarben Rodeo. She graduated from Bancroft High School and continued her education at the College of St. Mary’s in Omaha. After earning her certificate of completion from the College of St. Mary’s she finished the remainder of her college at Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. While teaching kindergarten in Pender, Bette met an old high school friend and instantly fell in love. On June 16, 1956, Bette married Rey Brehmer at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Bancroft, NE. To this union the couple had nine children. They lived in Pender for several years before moving to Lyons, where Bette started teaching and Rey founded Brehmer Manufacturing. Bette was a life-long elementary teacher and truly enjoyed every year until her retirement in 1997.

Bette was very active in the Catholic Church and went to Mass on a regular basis. She enjoyed drinking coffee with her friends and colleagues. When the weather permitted, Bette liked to walk! She walked everywhere and for hours at a time all around Lyons. Bette and Rey loved to travel all over the United States together. Bette’s family and friends will always remember her welcoming smile and loving hugs.

Bette is survived by her sons, Joey (Tammy) Brehmer of Lyons, NE, Jamie (Vicki) Brehmer of Lyons, NE, Tim (Julia) Brehmer of Papillion, NE, Ladd (Cyndy) Brehmer of Kingwood, TX, Chad (Julie) Brehmer of Lyons, NE; daughters, Jill (Steve) Smith of Pender, NE, Tami (Brian) Scollard of Ponca, NE, Teri (Kurt) Lehmkuhl of Valley, NE, Kim Slaughter of Honolulu, HI; 20 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; brother, Tim Gatzemeyer; brother-in-law, Edward Raasch; sister-in-law, Jo Ann Brehmer; and several nieces and nephews.

Bette is preceded in death by her parents; husband, Reynard Brehmer; son-in-law, Kirk Slaughter; great-grandson, Kendrix Brehmer; sister, Cheerie Raasch; brothers, Bill (Kay) Gatzemeyer, Tommy Gatzemeyer; and sister-in-law Mary Gatzemeyer.