Florene Becker

Florene Arlene Becker Lathen died Jul. 3rd, 2008 at Wedgewood Nursing Home, in Grand Island, after suffering a brief illness. She was born Feb 1st, 1922 to Fred and Florence Becker of Fairbury, NE.

Florene graduated from Fairbury High School in 1940. At the age of 21, she was elected Fairbury’s City Clerk. She was both the first female in the State of Nebraska to be elected City Clerk as well as the youngest City Clerk in the State of Nebraska.

She married Thomas B. Lathen on Jan. 21st 1948 and together they had four children.

Florene was the Bookkeeper/Office Manager for Peterson & Peterson Moving and Storage in Grand Island for many years.

She is preceded in death by her parents (Fred Sr and Florence), a brother, Fred Jr,, an infant sibling (????), and a granddaughter Elizabeth Ann Lathen. She is survived by her children, Robert L. Lathen of Grand Island, S. Clair Lathen of South Carolina, Thomas B. Lathen Jr., of Roland IA and Virginia L. Fahnestock of Grand Island; grandchildren Amanda L. Lathen of Lincoln, Alycia C. Lathen of Lincoln, Michael T. Lincoln of Roland IA, Krista R. Lathen of Overland Park KS, Jennifer J. Lathen Falk of Atchison, KS, Christopher M. Lathen of Lincoln, NE, Kathryn M. Lathen of Lincoln, NE and 4 great-grandchildren Elizabeth Falk, Morgan Falk, Sterling Falk all of Atchison KS and Clint Lathen of Lincoln NE and her sister Florence (Becker) Rall of Fairbury NE.

Mom loved gardening, flowers, sewing and quilting.

A Memorial Service will be held at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Grand Island and a graveside service and internment in Fairbury NE. on Saturday, July 5, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. with Pastor Jim Cutts officiating.