Sarah J. Unkel

BATTLE CREEK -- Private family service for Sarah J. Unkel, 96, of Battle Creek will be held at a later date. Private family inurnment will be at the Union Cemetery, Battle Creek. Memorials may be mailed to her family at 302 N Pine St, Norfolk, Nebraska, 68701. Sarah passed away on Thursday, September 19, 2024 at the Heritage of Bel-Air Nursing Home in Norfolk. Stonacek Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Sarah "Sally" Jane Unkel was born on May 14th, 1928 at their farmstead in rural Battle Creek to Paul and Carrie (Rhea) Sesler. She attended rural country school through the 8th grade. Most days, she would have been found riding her pony Nellie with her little sister Rhea riding on the back. Sarah was often seen helping her dad on the farm, and milking the cows before school. As a child her dad told her “girls don't cry, but you can cuss a blue streak.” She made sure to pass this motto down to her many generations of family. Sally attended Battle Creek High School and was in the graduating class of 1945. During high school, she met her tall, dark, and handsome husband Loren Unkel, and the two were smitten. After high school, she enrolled in beauty school while she waited for her husband to finish high school. She worked at the beauty shop in Battle Creek for a few years until she was married. Nothing made Granny happier than lipstick and her granddaughter Stacie giving her a perm. Loren and Sally were married in September of 1948. They had two boys: Jay born in 1951 and Joe born 1952. She spent most of her days chasing the boys and the chickens about their farm in rural Battle Creek. She was a hard worker and fierce protector, and would have done anything for her family. Once the boys graduated, the Unkels enjoyed traveling and spur of the moment trips.The boys went on to give Sally three grandkids who she helped raise and spent many days babysitting. Her three grandkids were her pride and joy. She was always excited to see how much they grew. She was short and her husband was tall. When her grandkids (and eventually great-grandkids) all outgrew her, she would say "I gave them half a chance, and they took the whole chance!" (at being tall). She was an active member of the First United Methodist Church in Battle Creek and later Norfolk. She belonged to the Lady's Aide and Women's Society. Sally, along with her husband Loren, belonged to the Lions/Lioness Club. Sally and several members of the Lioness Club started a lunch wagon and would serve food out of a trailer at many auctions. The money made was used to help with those in need in the community. After her husband died in 1993, she moved to Norfolk. During this time she worked as a prep cook at the Granary for several years - there wasn’t an onion ring or chef’s salad that Sally didn’t pour her heart into. Once her great-grandkids were born she was active in helping babysit and enjoyed every minute of being their “Granny.” From their ornery personalities to every sporting event or activity success, Granny was proud to brag about the great-grandkids she loved so much. She lived at home independently until she was 94. She resided at Heritage of Bel-Air in Norfolk the last year and a half of her wonderful and full life. She passed peacefully with her family by her side on September 19th, 2024. She is survived by her son Joe Unkel of Norfolk; daughter-in-law Sharon Unkel of Columbus; granddaughter Stacie (Joe) Schaecher of Tilden with their children Kyleigh (Jeff) Kumm of Council Bluffs, Iowa; Jaydn Schaecher of Fairmont, West Virginia; Brock (Korah) Schaecher of Fullerton; and Sydnee Schaecher of Yankton. Granddaughter Alecia Unkel and fiancé Bill Dabney of Denver, Colorado; and grandson Travis Unkel and his son Zander Unkel of Watertown, Wisconsin. She was preceded in death by husband Loren G. Unkel; son L. Jay Unkel; Parents Paul and Carrie Sesler; In-laws Walter and Tillie Unkel; and Sister Rhea (Bob) Kemp. Condolences may be expressed to the family on-line at www.stonacekfuneralchapel.com.

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Sarah J. Unkel

May 14, 1928 - September 19, 2024