Margaret Ellen Cole

Peggy or Peg as she was known to family and friends.

Born August 6th 1938 in Sioux City Iowa

Her journey of life ended Tuesday March 23rd 2021 in Lincoln Nebraska

Parents Arthur and Mary (Brown) Bern.

The family moved to several smaller towns during Peggy’s childhood, LeMars Iowa, Colon Nebraska and then they called Wahoo home. She worked in her father’s Gamble Store after school saving her money so after graduating from Wahoo High School she moved to Lincoln to attend Bryan School of Nursing. She graduated with a BA in Nursing. During this time, she was set up on a blind date with Larry Cole. The two eventually fell in love and married December 23rd 1957. Peggy worked at the Lincoln Clinic as a nurse until she went to work for Dr. Youngman in Ceresco. She made many friends in the small town and enjoyed her time with the Doctor. After he retired she went to work for Wahoo Public Schools as the school nurse. She then went to work for Dr. Ahrens and Haag in their practice in Lincoln. After many years she left the practice to become the Director of Nursing at Lancaster Manor. She was recruited away from there to open and become the Administrator of the new Holmes Lake Manor, where she stayed until her retirement.

Being a nurse meant she became the family and neighborhood doctor. Every scrape, scratch, ache, chill and fever made its way to her kitchen table for Peggy’s gentle and loving care.

Larry and Peggy had 1 child Julie Cole. Their life was always full of laughter and love…Fish fries and Game Feeds in the backyard, family holidays in their home where there was always room for 1 more in the house on 68th street.

They kept busy with both working full time jobs and being partners in the Rendevous Supper Club, a few smaller bars then eventually owning Duffy’s in downtown Lincoln. Peggy spent football Saturday’s mixing up the bloody mary mix which of course had to be taste tested before serving, washing glasses and doing whatever else needed done. Sunday’s were spent doing the bookwork for Duffy’s. She also made all the food for the bar, the famous Duffy Burgers, Chili and Stew.

Larry and Peggy took some wonderful fun filled trips and had many stories to share with each one. A camping trip in a tent that turned into a snow storm, a resort vacation to Costa Rico, Cruise Ship vacations but her favorite vacations were spent in northern Minnesota at her parent’s resort Meadwood.

Larry and Peggy then purchased a small farm with a 30 acre pond on it. Many family bbq’s where held there and in 1986 before Larry passed away a cabin was built so he could see his dream fulfilled. Peggy then spent weekends at the cabin with their best friends Keith and Shirley Hatfield. The laughter and friendly arguing (with Keith) could be heard across the lake when the cards were out and a game of Dirty Canasta was being played.

After Larry passed away Peggy travelled with Shirley Hatfield on some wild Doe’s convention trips. She loved every minute of their time together.

Then one day Peggy was called to a residents room at Holmes Lake Manor, when she entered the room she found the resident and her son. The women said hi I want you to meet my son. Peggy stated she had already met her son and she said No I want you to “MEET” my son. The son then asked her out to coffee and thus began her second part of life filled with love. She met William (Bill) Finnigan in 1989 and they were together until he passed away in 2012. Peggy and Bill enjoyed many vacations to Florida, the East coast, Las Vegas, Laughlin Nevada, Hawaii and many many more destinations. They were very happy in the life they had, they each had their own homes they lived in yet were together every day, she cooked and Bill loved to eat. They had a very special bond filled with love.

After Bill’s passing Peggy enjoyed travelling with her daughter until her health prevented her from doing it.

She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and cooking for Holidays. Her homemade pies were always a family favorite.

Peggy is survived by her daughter Julie Cole, Her brother Mark (Elise Eisenhower) Bern, Sister in Law Jolene Cole, Sister in law Carol Phillips Cole, Brother in law James Fauver, many cherished and beloved nieces and nephews, extended family and friends, her bird George and her cat Max.

She was preceded in death by her parents Art and Mary, her husband Larry, his parents Clarence and Wilma Cole. Her sister Karen Fauver and her special friend Bill Finnigan.

Services will be held Saturday April 24th 2:00 Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, Internment at graveside then a luncheon following at the Funeral Home.

Memorials may be given to Havelock United Methodist Church, The Friendship Home or to the family for further designation.