Mary Shelledy Lueder
April 13, 1928 – December 14, 2023
Mary Shelledy Lueder of Omaha, age 95, passed away on December 14, 2023. She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Robert Lueder, her daughter, Elizabeth Karnes and son-in-law, David Karnes. She is survived by her daughters, Nan Tiedeman (John), Carrie May (Ed) all of Omaha; and son, Dr. Gregg Lueder (Cindy) of Webster Groves, Missouri. She is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Korey, Kalen, Kara, Laurel, John, Julie, Ben, Jeff, Gregg, Mary, Kirsten, Lizzie and Sarah; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Mary was born in Milford, Iowa, on April 13, 1928, to Dr. James and Maude Shelledy. She had four older siblings and was a source of joy to her family during the difficult years of the Depression and World War II. Mary had a beautiful singing voice and during high school was one of the Harmonettes which sang regularly on KICD radio. After graduating from high school, she attended Iowa State University where she met her future husband, Bob. One of her highlights at ISU was being crowned Homecoming Queen. After they were married, Mary and Bob moved to Omaha, where she completed her degree at Omaha University and raised her family.
Mary was known to her family and many friends as “Mimi”. She was a model of kindness and gratitude. She also had a keen sense of humor and was nicknamed “Mary Maintenance” in honor of her fondness for cleanliness and order. Her grandchildren will always remember “Mimi Day” which celebrated their birthdays every year. Each grandchild spent the day with Mimi doing whatever they wanted to do. Mimi was a great sport.
Mimi also gave back to the community through her volunteer work as Chair of both the Aksarben Women’s Ball Committee and the Omaha Symphony’s Debutante Ball. She was also in the Omaha Junior League, on the board of the Omaha Community Playhouse and volunteered at many other community organizations.
Without question, her first love and priority were her husband and family. She loved them all deeply. The way she respectfully treated them and everyone she came in contact with is a model of how to lead one’s life. Thank you for everything Mimi.
The family would like to thank the Newport House staff for their compassionate care. We appreciate your kindness and love toward Mimi (and us).
Mary has donated her body to science through the Nebraska Anatomical Board. A private family service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be directed to the Omaha Library Foundation.
10 Comments
Sending my sincere sympathy to each of you. I loved Mary..
Condolences to the entire Lueder family and her beautiful extended clan…a magnificent extension of Bob and Mary that has grown so over the years. So sad this Saturday the 16th finding this obituary as I will miss Mary so much and know she is happy, free now with Bob, Liz, Dave and all her family. Her optimistic presence, humor, wisdom, interest and insight for all her family and many friends will live on in our memories and heart. She has touched my life since Liz and I became close friends at age 12 and it has been a lifetime journey. We talked, reminisced about the past two decades since Liz’s passing and nearly an exact decade since Bob’s. Her love, contributions to all her family and the community was immense. She cared deeply and kept it all moving with that wonderful smile and presence that lit up the day, touched our hearts. There will always be a Mimi day. Always Bonnie
My sincere sympathy to her family. I knew Mary from PEO. She was a lovely person.
Dear Nan, John, and family. My heartfelt condolences on your loss. Nan, you look so much like your mom! A beautiful person, inside and out. I have mourned the passing of Liz and David and Bob and will now add Mary to my prayer list. You have been blessed by a wonderful, caring family. While it’s very hard to say goodbye we know they have left this world a better place.
I knew Mary from years past.. She was fun, loving, friendly, and a dear person. I know she will be missed.. It’s always hard to say goodbye.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of Mary Lueder..
She was an amazing woman and a wonderful mother and grandmother. Sending love from the Hefflinger’s!
Dave, Julie , Mark, Joe and Anne
HEARTFELT SYMPATHY IS SENT TO MARY’S LOVING FAMILY. HER LEGACY OF KINDNESS, GIVING,ABLE LEADER SHIP IS A TREASURED MEMORY.
Nan I am so very sorry for the loss of your mom…. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family…..
My deepest sympathy to Mary’s family. I have so many wonderful memories of Mary. She became my friend during the year I. prepared to be the Queen of AkSarBen. She make me laugh, kept me organized and she embraced the Omaha community..She made my experience a truly memorable one simply because of her presence.
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Mary was a bright light. My mother and I send our heartfelt sympathy. We are grateful for her friendship and example. She leaves a beautiful imprint on this world, and a lovely family to honor and legacy. Special hug to Nan.
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