Pauline Louise Disney

Pauline Louise (Knigge) Disney, 84, formerly of Alexandria, NE, passed away February 19, 2024, at Heritage Crossings in Geneva, NE. She was born on November 29, 1939, to David (Levi) and Pauline Louise (Komrs) Knigge at the Hospital in Alexandria, NE, which is now the Village offices and library. She was the 8th child born to them in a family of 11 children.

The Nurse on duty when she was born asked if they had a Name picked out for the “little Lady”, which they had not. The nurse looked at her mother and said, “your name is Pauline Louise, my name is Pauline Louise, maybe we can have a 3rd, Pauline Louise”.  Her parents both agreed that was what Pauline’s name would be. Another Pauline came into the family and was given up for adoption but found her birth mother in later years.

Pauline attended all 12 years of school in the Alexandria Public School, graduating with the class of 1957. After graduation, she worked at Dr. Walter H. Luers Dental Office in Grand Island. She met the “Love of her life” William (Bill) Lee Disney in Grand Island. It was “LOVE” at first sight. They dated and they both knew they wanted to be together. Bill proposed to her, and they were married in the Alexandria Presbyterian Church by Reverend John Pettit on June 12th, 1960. They made their home in Grand Island where their 2 older children, Cynthia Lee and Thomas Lynn were born.

Bill’s employment transferred them to Aurora, NE, where they lived for a time before moving to DeWitt, NE, with their 2 younger children Curtis LeRoy and Christine Louise, born in Beatrice. Both Pauline and Bill worked at Petersons Manufacturing Co. A much better job opportunity came up for Bill at Adolph Coors in Golden, CO. When all the children were in school, Pauline worked at Sears in Lakewood, CO, in the Security office. They resided in Golden until 2000, when they were both old enough to retire. They decided to move back to Alexandria, Nebraska to be closer to more of their siblings.

Pauline lost the loving husband of her life when Bill passed away October 23, 2013, after 53 years of marriage. She had always kept herself busy (even though she never learned to drive), so much of her focus was on her home.  Pauline was a very good cook and she loved to try out new recipes. Holidays were always a great “FEAST”. She made many crafts over the years, giving many of them away. She served as United Methodist women’s group president in DeWitt. She also served as Cub Scout Den Mother, which she had also served this duty in Golden. She taught Bible School and Sunday School in DeWitt. She and Bill served as the Chairpersons for the married couples “Fellowship” Group. In Alexandria Presbyterian she served as an Elder and Deacon. Bill and Pauline helped with the 5 Star Bible Camp. Pauline served as the secretary of the Alexandria Cemetery Board since 2002. She also helped with the childrens “Summer Story Hour”. She and Bill raised a large garden, and she canned lots of produce for the family to enjoy. She and Bill loved to go camping, but when Bills health declined, they gave it up. She became his caregiver.

As Pauline’s health declined (on her doctor’s order) she made the decision to move to Heritage Crossings Nursing Home in Geneva, in March of 2018 where she became a very active resident, going to all the activities and spending quiet time each weekday morning in the Chapel waiting for the morning devotion before going to exercises! She made many new, as well renewing old friendships in both residents and staff. She let her faith lead her life.

Preceding her in death were her parents, daughter Cindy Phelan, siblings Kathleen (Knigge) Morgan, WandaLee McMillan, brothers Leland David Knigge, Donald Levi Knigge, Wayne Merle Knigge and 5-year-old grandson Shawn Peter Disney in 2003, from Neuroblastoma Cancer, Stephen Johns and twin granddaughters Crystal and Rebecca Phelan passed away at birth.

She is survived by children Thomas Lynn Disney and wife Donna, Curtis Leroy Disney and wife Melanie, Christine Louise Phillips and husband Bob and Pauline Johns and husband Terry, son-in-law Johnny Phelan. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, 2 step-grandchildren, siblings Betty Bulin, Darlene Hudson, Wilma Luther, Margie Durflinger, Cherlyn Domeier, and many extended family and friends.

Services will be Monday, February 26, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at the Presbyterian Church in Alexandria. A lunch will be served before the service at noon at the church. Burial will be at the Alexandria Public Cemetery. The family will greet friends Sunday, the 25th from 4 – 6 p.m. at Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury.  Memorials have been established to the Family’s Choice. Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home is assisting with arrangements.