Amelia Mathauser Kizer, 98, passed away peacefully on June 25, 2021, at Grandview Assisted Living, Ord, NE. On January 4, 1923 identical twins were born to William and Emma Mathauser – Wilma and Amelia.
Amelia was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Amelia went to Burwell Public Schools of which she graduated in 1941. In February 1942 Amelia went to Washington DC, where Amelia worked in the Pentagon. This was her start as a Rosie the Riveter. She ventured across the country to Seattle Washington to marry Wilber Kizer. She worked for Boeing being a mechanic on the B17.
Wilber was not drafted and was sent home to Nebraska to the family farm outside of Ord to farm. Amelia never dreamed that she would be married to a farmer. Within 3 years they had purchased the farm across the road from family farm and in October of 1946 the first of three sons were born. Ron being the oldest son, Eric born 2 years later, Douglas born 3 years later and a daughter Luann born 3 years after that. So, the family farmed until a corn picker accident happened to Wilber and he lost his right hand. He then attended business college and pursued a career as a hospital administrator.
In September 1967 Wilber, Amelia and family moved to Amelia’s home town of Burwell. Where they lived and celebrated 60 years of marriage until Wilber passing on Christmas day 2002. Amelia maintained the family home until October of 2020 when she moved to Grandview Assisted Living in Ord.
Amelia is always trying to improve herself and help others, while living in Burwell, She was a member of Eastern Star, She started the Women Without Partners meetings and was a member of the United Methodist Women and at times gave the Sunday children lesson at church. She wrote and publishing 3 children’s books. Some of her short stories have been published in the Burwell Tribune and the Grand Island Independent newspapers.
Amelia lived in 3 different states plus she and Wilber traveled to all 50 states. In her 98 years young she has spent 72 years living in her home town. She once read that you will be the happiest living within 25 miles of your birth place, for those 72 years she lived within a block and half. She was very elated!
Amelia is preceded in death by her husband Wilber Kizer, son Ronald Kizer, her parents William and Emma Mathauser, sisters –twin Wilma Rees and Marie Borghese, brother Elmer and several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law.
She is survived by her son Eric and wife Mary of Aurora, CO, son Douglas and wife Vickie of Omaha, NE and daughter Luann of Kansas City, KS. Grand children Kimberly Sorensen and husband Travis of Omaha, NE, and Kate Rudloff and husband Joel of Omaha, NE. Great grandchildren Joslin Sorensen, TJ Sorensen, Natalie Sorensen,
Emma Rudloff and Kaylee Rudloff all of Omaha, NE; along with nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 10:30 am on Wednesday June 30, 2021 at the United Methodist Church in Burwell. Burial will be at the Cottonwood cemetery in Burwell, NE. Pastor Serene Samuel will be officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday June 29, 2021 from 5:00 to 7:00pm at Hitchcock Funeral home in Burwell, NE.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Burwell United Methodist Church.
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