Lora J (Stave) Salem

Lora J (Stave) Salem

Nov. 9, 1969-Nov. 7, 2023 

Go rest high on that mountain

Daughter, your work on earth is done

Go to Heaven a shoutin’

Love for the Father and the Son

Lora Jane Salem (Stave) led the most unique of lives. Saddled by burdens and obstacles that would sideline the strongest of warriors, Lora led a too short but full and amazing life through strength and faith, and with the love of her many family and friends.

Lora was born in 1969 to Ronald and Jane Stave. As a child, she was an exceptionally smart and gifted student, and was also a talented dancer. Her childhood was nearly cut short when as a fifth grader she was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. Being the fighter she was even at that age, she battled for many months through brain surgery and radiation treatments and came through smiling on the other side.

While cancer had some lasting impacts on her at the time, Lora went on to live a normal, healthy, and happy life for many years. She graduated from UNO with her degree in 1992, and in the meantime married her high school sweetheart, Tarek Salem. Their lives were enriched in 1996 when their son Zachary was born, followed several years later by Joseph and then shortly after by Joshua. These three boys were the pride and joy of Lora’s life.

Unfortunately, Lora’s cancer returned in 2006, and this time it took a bigger toll on her. Another brain surgery caused extensive cognitive and physical impairments that slowly progressed over the past 17 years. Yet through it all, she continued to persist and persevere. She never complained about her lot in life, and in fact enjoyed everything she could that life had to offer, from the love and camaraderie found with her dear family and friends, to the activities that kept her going such as playing cards, doing puzzles, and watching shows and her beloved Huskers.

Special mention must be made to Lora’s longtime friend Kelli Smith and cousin Kirsten Baloun for their support and dedication, as well as her caregivers Lauren Kusy, Stephanie King, and Kelsey Wigmore. Last but certainly not least, the love and care provided by Lora’s mother Jane and her stepfather Jim these last years has been a testament to the devotion of a parent to their child, above and beyond and truly special in every way.

Not many could live the life that Lora led, and yet she did it with grace, love, faith, and most of all strength. Go rest high on that mountain, Lora, your work here is done.

She was preceded in death by her father, Ron Stave; grandparents: Herb and Bernice Stave, Frank and Norma Stockman. She is survived by her children: Zachary, Joseph and Joshua Salem; mother, Jane Stave Rauch (Jimmy Rauch); brother, Doug Stave; stepbrother, Brad Rauch; aunts: Linda Hanson, Lani Roberts, Julie Waring (Mike); special friends, Kelli Smith and Kirsten Baloun.

Visitation with the family, Friday, November 10, 2023, 5-7pm at St. Michael Lutheran Church (132 & Blondo St). Funeral Saturday, November 11, 2023, 11am at St. Michael Lutheran Church. Private Interment.

Memorials are suggested to St. Michael Lutheran Church, Kountze Lutheran Food Pantry or American Cancer Society.