Sutton resident Esther “Penny” Lohmeier, 93, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2025, at GracePoint Assisted Living in Lincoln. A rosary was prayed at 10 a.m., Monday, Aug. 4, 2025, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Sutton followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m. with Father Lee Jirovsky officiating. Interment followed at Sutton Calvary Cemetery near Sutton. Memorial contributions may be directed to the family to be designated later. Condolences may be left at www. suttonmemorial.com. Penny was born April 5, 1932, to Erick and Johanna (Aho) Pennala in Ontonagon, MI. She graduated from Ontonagon High School and attended nursing school, earning a licensed practical nursing (LPN) degree.

Penny and John (Jack) Lohmeier met while working in Colorado Springs, CO, and were united in marriage Jan. 11, 1958. They returned to Nebraska and raised three daughters, Susan, Julie, and Linda.

Penny continued to work as an LPN and later worked as an educational assistant at Sutton Elementary School for 27 years. Many remember her as Mr. Liska’s aide in the art room.

Penny will be remembered for her delicious cinnamon rolls, pies, and pasties (meat pies). Her family looked forward to her Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, which were second to none. Her family was central in her life. Visits from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were highlights. She had beautiful handwriting and enjoyed writing letters and cards to others. She was proud of her Finnish heritage and was interested in current events. Penny had been a member of St. Mary’s Parish in Sutton for the past 67 years.

She is survived by her children, Susan (Darrel) Neely of Omaha, Julie (Max) Bergen of Sutton, and Linda Pope of Lincoln; grandchildren, Erin (Benoit) Leger, of Omaha, Eric (Stephanie) Neely, of Elkhorn, Mitch (Carrie) Bergen of Lincoln, Jake (Marlo) Bergen of Lincoln, Claire (Nick) Kayton of Albion, Chad Pope of Pacifica, CA, and Lauren (Clark) Rathman of Cairo; thirteen great-grandchildren, Lottie, Zoé, Elle, Crew, Tate, Goldie, Graham, Reese, Henry, Sloane, Harlowe, Anna, and Archie.

She was preceded in death by her husband, John “Jack”; her parents; five brothers and one sister.