Letha Joan Shimerka

PIERCE – Graveside services for Letha J. Shimerka, 92, of Norfolk will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to the Shimerka foundation at PO Box 102 Pierce, NE 68767 or the Pierce Senior Center. Letha passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026 at the Heritage of Bel Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. Stonacek Memorial Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Letha Joan Shimerka, age 92, of Pierce, Nebraska, passed away on February 16, 2026. She was born June 16, 1933, on a farm near Bruno, Nebraska, the daughter of Ernest and Rose (Krepcik) Nozicka. Letha attended Bruno Public Schools and graduated David City High School. She continued her education at Wayne State College and went on to teach school at Bruno Public Schools, beginning a lifetime devoted to learning, service, and community. On July 18, 1951, Letha married her best friend, Donald Shimerka, at the First Lutheran Church in Worthington, Minnesota. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and dedication to others. Letha worked for 32 years at the former Soil Conservation Service Office in Pierce, serving as the Lower Elkhorn NRD Secretary. Her work ethic and commitment to conservation and public service were well known and deeply appreciated. Letha's life was defined by her love for her family, church, and community. She actively participated in the UCC Women's Fellowship, and she volunteered countless hours to projects that strengthened and enriched the Pierce area. She served on the Pierce Improvement Projects, Pierce Arboretum Board, 4-H Judging Committee, and the Tourism Committee for the Chamber of Commerce. She also volunteered with the Historical Society, served as a Norfolk Concert Board member, and was a Story Hour reader at Lied Public Library. Letha was involved with the Nebraska Community Improvement Program, serving as an NCIP Ambassador for Northeast Nebraska, and was a dedicated member of the Pierce Tourism Board. She was also active in the Norfolk Women's Connection and participated in Bible classes. Her lifelong service was recognized through numerous honors, including the Conservation Steward Award, City of Pierce Leadership Award, Pierce Outstanding Citizen Award, and recognition through the 20 Over 60 Norfolk Daily News Recognition Program. Letha treasured time spent with friends and especially enjoyed her weekly "Lunch Bunch" gatherings, which continued for over 20 years. Letha is survived by her daughter, Linda Hedrick (David); Centennial, CO, and her son, Dave Shimerka (Jane); Cheyenne, WY, grandsons Ryan Hedrick (Flora); Chevy Chase, MD, Jason Hedrick (Stephanie); New York, NY, granddaughter Rikki Wirtley and great-grandchildren William, Ethan, and Olivia and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Shimerka; her parents, Ernest and Rose Nozicka; her sister and brother-in law, Elaine and Floyd Greenlund; and numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, and cousins. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Letha Joan Shimerka

June 16, 1933 - February 16, 2026