Lavina Melichar
Sept. 28, 1921-Feb. 25, 2022
Lavina Melichar, age 100, peacefully passed away in her sleep Feb. 25 in Nebraska City, Nebraska.
She was born Lavina Marcella Pisar, Sept. 28, 1921 in Dorchester. Her parents being Frank and Anna Pisar. She attended school at District #44 in Dorchester, experiencing the trying times of the depression. Fortunately she was surrounded by many relatives and friends enjoying and embracing the rural farm life. In 1939, Lavina set out on her journey to become a registered nurse. She fulfilled her dream attending the St. Elizabeth School of Nursing. She worked at the Crete Hospital for 23 years. Rarely did Lavina miss a day as she battled the weather and emergency situations such as the ammonia explosion that rattled much of Saline County. She had 2 granddaughters follow her into this profession which made her very proud. Leonard Melichar of Pleasant Dale was often teased about being the lucky guy to marry the beautiful Dorchester girl on Dec. 6, 1943 during challenging times of WWII. She followed Leonard to different high schools as he was a teacher, coach and school administrator. Eventually the homes roots guided them back to the family farm near Pleasant Dale. Along this journey they were able to have daughters Marcia and Dianne as well as son Byron. Leonard had been an officer in the Navy but Lavina was not shy at all about giving orders to assure that the daily chores of the farm were completed. Lavina retired from nursing and they found themselves in Crete as Leonard completed his working career in the business office at Alpo. Lavina loved to dance and many Saturday nights were found to be great times as they strolled the waxed floors of the Pla Mor Dance Hall in Emerald as well as Sokol Hall in Crete. She loved to travel with Leonard experiencing many places such as the Worlds Fair in Canada and the beautiful historical sites of Czechoslovakia to be among their favorites. Lavina was a 50 year member of Eastern Star having joined Blue River Chapter #132 where she once served as Worthy Matron and many other offices. She was also a member of Sokols. Lavina enjoyed her family and watching them grow and prosper. She was the matriarch of her family. In her final twilight years Lavina’s life was celebrated in Nebraska City in an assisted living facility. This including such things as her 100 year old birthday party.
Surviving Lavina are children: Marcia Elder (Thomas) of Imperial, Dianne Bender (Jerry) of Nebraska City and Byron and Janet Melichar of Crete. Grandchildren Angie and John Bebout of Nebraska City, Branden and Tesha Bender of Nebraska City, Debra and Tom Griess of Bellevue, Mike Elder of Omaha, Timothy Melichar of Denver, Colorado, Mark Melichar and Halah Bajaber of Lincoln and Amy Melichar of Lincoln. Great-grandchildren Kyle Christiansen, Clayton Christiansen, William and Taylor Christiansen, Daxx Bender, Beaux Bender and Samir Melichar. Great-great grandson Chance Christensen. Niece Linda Unger of Crete.
Lavina was preceded in death by husband, Leonard; parents Frank and Anna Pisar; sister Evelyn (Pisar) Hays; in laws Annie and Anton Melichar, LaVern and Stan Unger; niece Sharon Unger; and other relatives and friends.
Memorial contributions may be made to the family for future designations.