Lola Jean Digerness

Lola Jean Digerness, born January 10, 1953, in Omaha, Nebraska, was the first of two daughters of Toralf “Ralph” and Miriam (Petersen) Digerness. She was baptized and confirmed at Pella Lutheran Church in Omaha and graduated from Benson High School in 1971.

Lola was married to Jeff Pederson in the Pella Lutheran Church but later divorced.

Starting while she was still in high school, Lola worked for 25 years in the dietary department at Clarkson Hospital in Omaha. She later worked in the same position with other organizations in town. Lola moved to Auburn, Nebraska in 2011, where she lived in the Valley View Apartments for many years.

In her early years Lola loved travelling, mostly with family, to camp and visit relatives around the country. After moving to Auburn, she became a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church near Johnson. Throughout her life she enjoyed working puzzles, including jigsaw, word search, and Sudoku.

Lola was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in her 40s or 50s, although it is likely she contracted the disease in her 30s. In 2018, due to health concerns, she temporarily relocated to Long's Creek Assisted Living in Auburn, before moving to Good Samaritan Society-Auburn. At both facilities, she engaged in conversations with staff and fellow residents and actively participated in the activities offered.

Lola was admitted to Bergan Mercy Medical Center in Omaha. While a patient there, she passed away on Sunday, March 23, 2025, at the young age of 72 years, 2 months, and 13 days. Her parents Ralph and Miriam, and niece Lacy Rippe, preceded her in death.

Lola is remembered with fondness by her sister and brother-in-law Beth and Loyal Rippe of Johnson; nephew Keith (Marissa) Fischer of Johnson; niece Kayla (Nate) Neemann of Syracuse; great nieces and nephews Chase and Peyton Fischer, Natalee and Brooks Neemann; and many friends.

A memorial service will be Friday, March 28, 11:00 a.m. at Martin Luther Lutheran Church near Johnson. Visitation will be at the church ½ hour prior to the service. Burial of Lola’s ashes will be later at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park in Omaha.

Memorials are suggested to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or Good Samaritan Society-Auburn.