Ms. Anita Henrietta Van Cleaf

Anita H. Van Cleaf, 97, died peacefully at The Monarch, Lincoln, NE on October 16, 2014. Born June 19, 1917 to William and Louisa (Zarndt) Schmale in Madison, Wisconsin. Anita graduated from Madison West High School in 1936 and married Alfred Daniel Van Cleaf on February 21, 1943. Al and Anita were residents of Wisconsin, Connecticut, and New York. They and their four children moved to Lincoln, Nebraska in 1961. For the past 13 years, Anita lived at Burke Plaza in Lincoln, enjoying coffee hour, card games and other activities. Anita was a long time member of Grace Lutheran Church. Anita is survived by son and daughter-in-law, James (Deborah) Van Cleaf of Buda, TX., son and daughter-in-law, John (Pam) Van Cleaf, daughter and son-in-law, Louise (Todd) Shields and daughter-in-law Rosemary Van Cleaf, all of Lincoln, NE. She is also survived by seven grandchildren— Kara Van Cleaf, Jessica Hesterberg , Jake Van Cleaf, Jayne Duncan, Andrew , Kristin and Jordan Shields. In addition, Anita has thirteen great grandchildren. Anita was predeceased by her parents, eight siblings—Melvin, Bernice, Elmore, Emil, Lucille, Stanley, Wilbert, and Wilma, husband of 57 years, Alfred, and her son, David Van Cleaf. The family wishes to thank the many friends of Anita for their friendship and support to her over the years, especially Pastor Bob Rademacher and Dr. Gerold Stark and his staff. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. A memorial service is planned for Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 11 AM, Grace Lutheran Church, 2225 Washington Street, Lincoln. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace Lutheran Church, Burke Plaza or charity of choice in her honor. Condolences may be left online at www.lincolnfh.com.