Norene U. Lackey, age 91, of Lincoln, Nebraska passed away surrounded by her loving family on Friday, February 14, 2025. She was born on July 16, 1933 to Clem and Marie Sunneberg in Axtell, Kansas where she was one of twelve siblings.
Norene lived and grew up on a farm in Pawnee County, Nebraska. She graduated from country school in Pawnee County, NE in 1948 and later graduated high school in 1952 from Saints Peter and Paul in Seneca, KS where she was homecoming queen and met her future husband, Gene Lackey. After graduation, she married Gene on July 11, 1953 at St. Bridget's Catholic Church. They moved to Lincoln, NE where they raised their family of seven children: Mary, Bill, Jane, Theresa, Margaret, Ken, and Jeremy. Norene was a devoted wife and mother to her children. She was dedicated to her Catholic faith, specifically with St. Teresa's Church where she was a member for over 40 years and a part of the Altar Society. Norene served meals to the homeless through Matt Talbot Kitchen & Outreach and volunteered for St. Teresa's Thrift Shop. Norene enjoyed antiquing and had her shop in Lincoln at "Old Glory Antiques." She loved gardening and hosting holidays with her family.
She is survived by her husband, Gene; children, Mary Osborne, William (Ruth) Lackey, Jane (Jeff) Weideman, Theresa (Brad) Allen, Margaret (Shawn) Mahler, Kenneth Lackey (Kim McKee), and Jeremy (Valerie) Lackey; grandchildren, Braden Lackey, Phillip Lackey, Gabriel Lackey, Meg Lackey, Katherine Young, Norene Lackey, Zachery Mahler, Tristan Mahler, Collin Mahler, Logan Weideman; six great-grandchildren; siblings, William Sunneberg, Regis Sunneberg, Janie Heinen; along with many nieces, nephews, and loved ones.
She is preceded in death by her parents; infant child, Jennifer; granddaughter, Bridget Lackey; son-in-law, Harry Osborne; siblings, Bernita Sunneberg, Joan Lackey, Esther VanGundy, Gerald Sunneberg, Robert Sunneberg, Rosie Whitmer, Alberta Carpenter, and Gerva Sunneberg.
A rosary for Norene will be held Monday, February 24, 2025 at 9:30 AM at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 9101 S. 78th St., Lincoln, Nebraska 68516, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Michael's Catholic Church at 10:00 AM. Graveside service immediately following at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6700 S 14th, St., Lincoln, NE 68512. Please join the family for a fellowship luncheon at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home following the graveside service. Memorials in Norene's honor are in the care of the family for future designation. Arrangements entrusted to Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home in Lincoln, Nebraska.
