Lois Mariel Tefft age 97 of Omaha, Nebraska (formerly of Lincoln) died on Saturday, August 20, 2011.  Lois was born in her family home in Lincoln, Nebraska and passed away peacefully at Parsons House in Omaha, Nebraska.  Lois graduated from Jackson High School and attended the Lincoln School of Commerce and night classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.  From 1933-1941 she was the secretary to the University of Nebraska 4-H club leader.  In 1941, she moved to Washington, D.C. where she was the administrative assistant in the Quartermaster General’s office helping arrange overseas troop transport, screening classified documents, and handling highly classified war plans.  From 1947-1967, she was the secretary to the officers of Continental and First National Banks including T.B. Strain, C. Wheaton Battey, Alvin C. Glandt, and Walter E. Nolte.  From November 1966-January 1971, Lois was the personal secretary and office manager for Nebraska Governor Norbert Tiemann.  From 1971-1972, Lois was the executive secretary to George Loomis, vice-president of Central Telephone and Utilities.  In October 1972, she became the first woman manager of the Cornhusker Better Business Bureau (Lincoln).  She remained in this position until her retirement in 1985.  During her years with the Bureau she was also selected to be an executive member of the Board of Governors of the National Better Business Bureau.  She was the first woman selected to hold such a position. 

Lois was president of the Women’s Division of the Chamber of Commerce, president of the Cornhusker Chapter of the National Secretaries Association, a member of the Warren Methodist church council, and a 4 year member of the Nebraska Status of Women Commision.  Lois was a lifelong member of Warren Methodist Church in Lincoln.

Lois was preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Grace Tefft; sister and brother-in-law, Flossie and Don McCloskey; sister and brother-in-law, JoAnn and Don Christenson; brother and sister-in-law, Larry and Mickey Tefft; nephews, Dave Gallmeyer and Lonnie Hutcheson; and niece, Laurie Christenson.

She is survived by her nieces and nephews, Lois Gallmeyer; Steve McCloskey; Mike and Ilo Tefft; Doug and Jeannie Horner; Steve Chandler and Patty Hutcheson-Chandler; Mariel Reynolds; and Dr. Cheri Christensen.  Great nieces and nephews include, John and Christina Gallmeyer, Bill and Somerset Gallmeyer; Justin and Jenn Tefft; Jeremy and Babs Koch; Clarke and Kimrey Tefft; Will and Jenni Baeder; Ryan and Katie Horner; Aaron and Paige Hutcheson; Brian and Aarica Litchfield; Andrew Hutcheson, Dain Christensen; Caitlin Christensen; and Reid Christensen.   Lois is survived by her cousin, Turner Tefft, and dear family friend, Marion Kantner.   She is also loved and survived by nineteen great-great nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are Will Baeder, Ryan Horner, Justin Tefft, Dain Christensen, Reid Christensen, and Bill Baeder.   Honorary pallbearers are John Gallmeyer, Bill Gallmeyer, Clarke Tefft, Aaron Hutcheson, and Andrew Hutcheson.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 from 10:oo A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Wyuka Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. Wyuka Funeral Home, Lincoln, Nebraska with Pastor George Cook officiating.

Burial will be in Wyuka Cemetery.

Following the burial a luncheon will be served in the Garden Room at Wyuka Funeral Home.

Memorials may be directed to Fellowship Community Church of God, 8601 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, NE 68505-3050.