The population of the Cliff Table farming community west of Merna, Nebraska, increased by one on June 29, 1929. Detta Pearl Shaw was welcomed into the family by her parents, Ora R. and Zella Pearl Schmidt Shaw, and an older brother, Vernon.
Having lived 94 fruitful years, Detta passed from her earthly life on Saturday, September 9, 2023, while residing at Brookstone View in Broken Bow, Nebraska.
Early childhood found Detta’s enjoyment playing with dolls, marbles, a pet coon, dressing-up the cats, and riding her pony, Tony to school and church. Her love of cooking began at a young and innocent age. Small hands removed the newly laid chicken eggs from the hens’ nests to became a special ingredient in her mud pies. Later in life, she found enjoyment painting, gardening, crocheting, collecting poems, and raising African violets.
The Center School was Detta’s beginning source of a formal education. She remained there until her eighth-grade year when the family moved to a farm south of Broken Bow where she attended the Marquis country school. Detta graduated from Broken Bow Public High School in 1947.
A new and lasting relationship began at a carnival. There Detta met Herman Paul Safranek who she described as “good looking with his black hair, he was lots of fun to talk to and he was good to me.” They exchanged marriage vows on March 27, 1949, and had celebrated their 74 th wedding anniversary. She wrote, “He has been my best friend all these years. Marriage is sharing, caring and forgiving. Laughing and crying together. Going to church and praying together and always thanking God for each other. I am blessed to have a loving, caring, generous husband. God has been good to me.”
The births of Gerald Alan, Roger Lynn and Joyce Ann rounded out the family circle.
Detta was active in extension clubs, a charter member of the Merna Area Promoters, Legion Auxiliary and the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League. She was a member of the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, Nebraska, where she taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School.
Helping and caring for others came naturally. Her home and meal table were open to families, friends and those in need.
Detta’s faith and relationship with Jesus Christ was of the greatest importance. She addressed the influence and importance of her faith by writing, “My faith has gotten me through all the bad times. I can always go to God in prayer, He will supply me with the power I need. With my faith I can cope with whatever life may bring. God’s power lights up my life!”
Detta was predeceased by her parents, Ora and Zella Shaw; and brother, Vernon Shaw; parent-in-laws, Paul and Caroline Volmer Safranek. Herman’s siblings and their spouses, Gertrude Safranek Tillman and husband, Arthur; Karl Safranek and his second wife, Kathryn (d. 2022) and his first wife, Mildred (d. 1967); Emma Safranek Lyon and husband, Dwight; Josepine Safranek Cool and husband, Dale.
Survivors are husband Herman Safranek; sons Gerald Safranek and wife, Karen; Roger Safranek and wife, Sharon; daughter Joyce Safranek Mooberry and husband, James. Grandchildren Kevin Safranek and wife, Martha; Craig Safranek and wife, Kelli; Troy Safranek; Brent Safranek and wife, Leslie; Jason Mooberry and Johanna Mooberry Sumsky. Great-grandchildren Collin Safranek and wife, Olivia; Kourtney Safranek Hutt and husband, Logan; Rhett Safranek; Kade Safranek; Hadlee Safranek Davis and husband, Dylan; Shaylyn Safranek; Cruze Safranek and Melody Sumsky. Many beloved nieces and nephews.
Memorial services will be Thursday, September 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary, Broken Bow, Nebraska. Burial will follow at the Merna Cemetery.
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 13, 2023, from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with family greeting from 5:00 – 6:30: p.m. at Govier Brothers Mortuary.
Memorials are suggested to the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Merna, Nebraska.