Vera Jean Havener

Memorial services Thursday September 1, 2022, 1:30pm at the Milford United Methodist Church.

Visitation Wednesday August 31, 2022, 2pm to 8pm with Brad and Donna Havener greeting family and friends from 6pm to 8pm at Lauber Funeral and Cremation Services, Milford.

Private family graveside burial.

Vera Jean Havener of Milford passed away Sunday August 28, 2022, at Ridgewood Rehabilitation & Care Center in Seward at the age of 99. She was born September 30, 1922, in Newport Beach, CA to Aaron Lloyd and Belva (Pearson) Braddy. She graduated from Newport Harbor Union High School in 1940. Vera owned a beauty shop in California with several beauticians working for her. She shared with us that she drove home from taking her cosmetology test during the Black Outs in California in 1942.

Vera met Al while he was in California serving in the Marine Corp Reserve during the Korean conflict. They were united in marriage at the Capilla de San Antonio Wedding Chapel in Anaheim, CA on June 27, 1952. Coming from southern California in 1952 to Milford, NE, was quite a shock and not quite what Al had led her to believe. She shared many times that if it were not for the Fieselmen’s, Bender’s and the rest of the Nebraska Trade School family, she would have returned to California.

Vera continued as a beautician and operated Vera’s Beauty Shop for 30 plus years in Milford. Vera’s specialty was the kitchen. She was a wonderful cook and could make the best meals with what seemed to be minimal effort. She loved to entertain and was known for her kitchen skills. She was always ready to feed a crowd of family, friends, college instructors, and college students. She was always in the kitchen and to sit at her table was a wonderful time. Many will remember her for her famous stew and biscuits, chicken and noodles, tamale pie, cakes, pies, cookies and so much more.

Vera was a member of the Milford Legion Auxiliary for 36 years, Memorial Health Care System Auxiliary, The Milford Senior Center Board, Tabitha Hospice Volunteer and was on the Webermeier Library Board for many years. She is also a member of the United Methodist Church for 69 years and the United Methodist Women.

Vera is survived by son Brad and wife Donna Havener of Milford, and daughter in law, Connie Havener, Junction City, KS. Four grandchildren, Tiffany and husband Scott Cook, Junction City, KS, Sean and wife Jocelyn Havener, Kansas City, MO, Cody and wife Jami Havener, Arapahoe, NE, Calvin Havener, Elwood, NE. Adopted daughter, Coral Eberspacher, Milford, and a special #3 son, Leon Meats, Craig, CO. Great grandchildren, Arijana and husband Jacob York, Emporia, KS, and Jadan Schulz, Arapahoe, NE. Great great grandchild, Lucas York, Emporia, KS, along with many nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by her husband Elton “Al” Havener, her parents, sister and brother-in-law, Marilyn and Bert Mennes, and her son Steve Havener.

Memorials may be made to Milford Senior Center, Southeast Community College-Milford Campus the Al Havener Scholarship Fund, Memorial Health Care Systems, or Milford United Methodist Church.

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