Mary Alice Achterberg, 81, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Friday, August 14, 2015, at Plum Creek Healthcare Community in Lexington.

She was born September 30, 1933, in Callaway, Nebraska, to Charles and Edith (Thanel) Schaeffer. Mary graduated from Callaway High School with the class of 1951. Following graduation she moved to Wyoming to receive training to become a Nurse’s Aide. She returned to Nebraska and met and married Benjamin Achterberg on November 14, 1953, in Callaway. Three children were blessed to this marriage; Susan, Larry and Jason.

The couple purchased a farm near Amherst, Nebraska. Mary helped Ben with the farming and cattle operation until his death on September 16, 2006. Mary continued to live on the farm until moving to Lexington in March of 2014. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Amherst.

Mary enjoyed crocheting, plastic weave, gardening, canning, and family get-togethers.

Survivors include her children; Sue (Leonard) May of Lexington, Nebraska, Larry (Shelly) Achterberg of Alma, Nebraska, and Jason Achterberg of Kearney, Nebraska; three grandsons, Tim May and partner Matt Sittel of Bellevue, Nebraska, Andy (Lauren) May of Omaha, Nebraska, and Joseph May of Fort Pierce, Florida; one step-granddaughter, Kendra Samson of Stamford, Nebraska; one great-granddaughter, Abbi May of Port St. Lucie, Florida; sister, Louise Hoesel of Callaway, Nebraska; one brother-in-law, Melvin Achterberg of Oconto, Nebraska; nieces, Cleone (Jim) Sturtevant of Evansville, Indiana; Diane and husband Dale Seelhoff of Syracuse, Nebraska, Karen and husband Brad Queen of Keller, Texas, and Elizabeth and husband Bruce Bahnsen of Boulder, Colorado; nephews, Dale (Cinda) Hladky of Cozad, Nebraska, Mike (Lori) Hoesel of Gothenburg, Nebraska; and Tom and wife Jodi Hoesel of Callaway, Nebraska.
Mary was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ben; and, one brother, Richard.

It was Mary‘s wishes for cremation. Graveside Memorial Services will be held Friday, August 21, 2015, at 10:30 a.m. at Christ Lutheran Cemetery at Oconto, Nebraska with Pastor Bill Heermann officiating. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements.