Nancy L. Mader, 65, of Grand Island, died Monday, February 9, 2015 at Good Samaritan Village after a lengthy battle with cancer, with her family at her side.
A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 am Saturday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary Harris will officiate. Burial will be in Wiegert Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-8 pm Friday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Spina Bifida Association in honor of Nancy's grandson, Mason, or My Bridge Radio.
Nancy was born on March 23, 1949, in Orchard, Nebraska to John and Mabel (Sims) Goakey. She grew up and received her education in Orchard, graduating from Orchard High School in 1967. In August of 1967 she moved to Grand Island to attend the Grand Island School of Business.
She was united in marriage to Donald Leschinsky on April 3, 1971. The couple made their home in St. Paul. Following Donald's death Nancy returned to Grand Island. On December 27, 1975 she was united in marriage to Robert Mader. They lived on a farm near Grand Island. Along with helping her husband on the farm she also worked many years as a secretary, including more than 20 years at Sewer Rooter Plumbing. Nancy retired in October of 2014 due to poor health.
Nancy was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church. She enjoyed reading, cross stitching and watching television. Throughout life her real joy was her family, she especially loved attending her grandchildren's sporting and music events.
Survivors of the immediate family include two sons and daughters-in-law, Michael and Theresa Leschinsky of Grand Island, and Paul and Jaycee Mader of Grand Island; two daughters and sons-in-law, Debra and Lonnie Jauken of Holdrege, and Loretta and Steve Stelk of Grand Island; ten grandchildren, Mike and Breanna Leschinsky, Reba, Chloe, Stella and Charlotte Mader, Mason and McKinley Jauken, and Austin and Tyler Stelk; a sister and brother-in-law, Judith and Edward Allshouse of Berthod, CO; and nieces and nephews.
Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, her husbands, Donald Leschinsky and Robert Mader, a brother, John Goakey, and two sisters, Dianne Goakey and Carol Goakey.

A Celebration of Life will be at 10:30 am Saturday at Messiah Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary Harris will officiate. Burial will be in Wiegert Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7 pm Friday at Livingston-Sondermann Funeral Home.
Memorials are suggested to the Nebraska Spina Bifida Association in honor of Nancy's grandson, Mason, or My Bridge Radio.