Martha Anne Cech

The oldest of three children, Anne was born on June 18, 1930, to Emerie and Lillian (Bookstrom) Cummings in Hastings. Anne’s family moved to Holdrege before her senior year of high school, where she graduated. In 1952, she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Zoology from the University of Nebraska College of Arts and Sciences.

Anne was married to Henry Cech for 55 years, until his death in 2011. They had two daughters, Lauri and Jane.

Anne’s role in the family was to take charge of the Cech household, but she devoted time to volunteer work throughout her life. Her experience as a volunteer began in the 1960’s when she provided physical education activities to students with intellectual disabilities at the former LARC School. In addition, she was involved with the Capital Association of Retarded Citizens and Mayor’s Committee on Mental Retardation. In 1970 Anne co-founded the Nebraska Special Olympics, working at the Second International Special Olympics in Chicago, Illinois, and again at the 2010 national games in Lincoln. She received awards for meritorious service from the Special Olympics Foundation and several local awards for her contributions.

Anne was actively involved in Kappa Delta Sorority nationally as an alumnae officer as well as locally in UNL Pi Chapter. She served on the UNL Arts and Sciences Alumni Board and Alumni Association’s Cather Circle (mentoring network for female graduates and students). In 2008 Anne received the University of Nebraska Alumni Association’s Distinguished Service Award for providing more than 40 years of service to her alma mater, including involvement with the Greek community through the Panhellenic association and volunteer work in other university organizations. She carried on her husband’s commitment to the UNMC College of Dentistry by continuing to be a lifelong donor.

Anne was a 50-year member of Junior League of Lincoln. She served on the Homestead Girl Scout Council and volunteered for Fresh Start (shelter for homeless, single women).

As a sports enthusiast, there was no place like Nebraska for Anne. She attended 27 Husker bowl games and cheered on Big Red football and men’s basketball at home for over 60 years. Athletic Director Bob Devaney approached Anne to serve as a community representative for the UNL Title IX policy-forming committee and the search committee for the first female women’s basketball coach. At Basketball Coach Joe Cipriano’s request, Anne organized and coordinated a Lincoln Parent Program for the NU men’s basketball team; and Basketball Coach Danny Nee elected her as the first female to the Rebounders Board. For 38 years Anne served as a UNL track and field head official in scoring and awards. She was recognized for her leadership positions in the Husker Relay Club and Husker Track and Field Officials Club, both of which inducted her into their respective Halls of Fame.

Survivors include her daughters Lauri Elson Dodge of North Platte and Jane Cech of Lincoln; granddaughters Beth (Jamie) Tabares of North Platte and Kate (Nick) Dougherty of Wentzville, Missouri; great grandchildren Lucas and Landon Tabares and Max and Addie Dougherty; special friend Roy Yanagida, and many other family members and friends.

Preceding her in death were her husband Dr. Henry Cech; parents Emerie and Lillian Cummings; sister Mary Hiatt and brother Joe Cummings; and sons-in-law Rich Elson and Steve Dodge.

Graveside services will take place at 10 a.m., on Friday, July 31, at Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery, 6700 South 14 Street, Lincoln, NE. A Celebration of a Life Well Lived will follow (11 a.m.) in the Williamsburg Room at The Landing at Williamsburg Village, 3500 Faulkner Drive, Lincoln, NE.

Memorials may be made in Anne’s honor to Special Olympics Nebraska.