Josephine Helen (Costa) Findeis was born November 27, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri. One of two daughters of Charles and Mamie (Salia) Costa, Josephine was baptized in December 1925. She attended school in St. Louis and graduated from Southwest High School in 1943.
On September 28, 1946 Josephine was united in marriage to Rudolph Findeis in St. Louis. They made their first home in St. Louis, and were blessed with two sons, Dennis and David.
After her graduation from high school, Josephine worked at the Dorothy Perkins Cosmetic Company in St. Louis until 1951. Shortly after that time Josephine and Rudolph moved to the Pawnee City, Nebraska area to farm. From that time on she no longer worked outside the home, instead helping on the farm and taking care of her family and household.
Josephine was a member of First Baptist Church in Pawnee City, and was very active in the church. She loved music and singing, and enjoyed collecting recipes and baking in her spare time.
In 1989 Josephine and Rudolph moved from the farm into Johnson, Nebraska. Josephine remained there until January of 2004 when she became a resident of the Good Samaritan Society in Auburn, Nebraska. Jo made the most of her time there, taking part in the activities and endearing herself to the staff and other residents. It was there she passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at the age of 84 years, 11 months, and 20 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Mary Ann Costa.
Josephine is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law David and Mary Findeis of Johnson; Dennis and Debra Findeis of Marysville, KS; grandchildren Chris Hunzeker, Eric Findeis, Garret Findeis, and Nathan Findeis; great-grandchildren Devon, Bryant, and Logan Hunzeker, Javisi Devner, Ayden Snook, and Draven Findeis; sister-in-law Elizabeth Findeis of St. Louis, MO; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Thursday, November 18, 2010 at Hemmingsen Funeral Home in Auburn, officiated by Rev. Bruce Berggren. Special music was presented by the Good Intentions vocal group. Pallbearers were Garret Findeis, Nathan Findeis, Eric Findeis, Ken Fencl, John Fencl, Richard Moritz, and Steve Rademacher. Burial was in the Bohemian Cemetery at Table Rock, Nebraska.