Clarice Joy Goranson

Clarice Joy Goranson

Clarice Joy Goranson was born May 25, 1930 in Gordon, Nebraska to Otis R. and Gertie May (Burke) Rager and died April 9, 2024 at The Gordon Memorial Hospital at the age of 93.

Clarice grew up on a farm east of Gordon and attended country school. She graduated from Gordon High School in 1948 and continued her education at Nebraska Wesleyan University graduating with a Bachelors Degree in Home Economics Education in 1952. While attending college, she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority.

She taught in the Crawford and Neligh Public Schools for three years until she met Gordon Goranson at a county fair dance in August of 1956. They were married 4 short months later on December 17, 1956. To this union three sons were born – G. Lynn, Joe and Les. Clarice was a devoted wife and mother who loved her family, cherished her grandchildren and great granddaughters, and generously shared with others.

Clarice was an avid reader and loved trips to Rapid City to spend time with her dear friends, decorating for The Music and Dramatic Club’s Twilight Musical and spending winters in Arizona, where she formed lasting friendships.

She was a member of the United Methodist Church for over 80 years, serving on various committees and projects and was also a member of The Music and Dramatic Club and The American Legion Auxiliary.

Clarice is survived by her sons, G. Lynn Goranson, Joe W. (Jana) Goranson and Leslie L. Goranson, all of Gordon, grandchildren, Lauren Goranson of Omaha and Nicholas (Deanna) Goranson of Scottsbluff and great granddaughters, Rhen and Piper Goranson. She is also survived by sister-in-law Helen Rager, nieces and nephews, Todd Rager of Gordon, Ty (Dottie) Rager of Brentwood, Tennessee, Tamara Rager of Omaha and Leland Goranson of Gresham, Oregon. Also surviving are great nieces and nephews Breanna (Kahle) Eisenreich, Kelsey (Will) Smith, Nolan (Paige) Rager and Joseph Goranson. Clarice is preceded in death by her husband Gordon Goranson, parents Otis and Gertie May Rager and brother Clark Rager.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gordon Cemetery.

A memorial has been established for The United Methodist Church or the Gordon Volunteer Rescue Squad and donations may be sent to Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home at P.O. Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343. Arrangements are under the direction of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home.