Loretta L. Henkens Profile Photo
1936 Loretta 2021

Loretta L. Henkens

January 7, 1936 — July 13, 2021

Chadron

Loretta Lliteras Osborn Henkens was born in Alliance, NE on January 7, 1936 to John “Lit” Manuel Lliteras and Olevia “Leva” Margaret Delsing. She was number seven of eight children joining five brothers and two sisters.

Loretta attended elementary school in Hemingford, NE and St. Agnes Academy Boarding School in Alliance, NE. She graduated from Hemingford High School in 1954 and was active in cheerleading and also held various offices in her class. Loretta was elected Prom Queen her senior year.

Loretta married Donald Lee Osborn in 1955. Don enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp, and they moved to California. In 1956, they moved back to Chadron where Don played football and obtained a degree in education. While in Chadron, Donald and Theresa were born. A teaching/coaching job took Don and Loretta to Carson City, Nevada where Jeannette and Stephen were born. Don and Loretta divorced in 1962.

Loretta moved back to Chadron and raised her four children. She attended Chadron State College for 2 years pursuing a degree in education. She chose to leave school to take on cleaning and ironing jobs so she could care for her children at home. She opened her home to foster youth, gave food to those in need and took care of the elderly. Loretta continued her cleaning jobs, and while cleaning Henkens’ Equipment in 1975, she met Earl Henkens. They were married at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church on January 19, 1977. On December 17, 1979, Anna Marie was born. Loretta and Earl enjoyed Anna’s childhood and 4-H activities.

Loretta enjoyed years of tending to her gardens, lawn and maintaining her many rose bushes that beautified her home. She was a faithful member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

Loretta is proceeded in death by her husband, Earl, daughter Jeannette, her parents, and siblings, Harry, George, Robert, Mary, Jack and Carmen.

Loretta is survived by her children, Donald, Theresa (Don) Blausey, Stephen (Terri), Anna (Trevor) Schmidt, 14 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and younger brother, Earl.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, July 21st, 2021 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church for their feeding the hungry projects. Donations can be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, 1700 Hwy 20 P.O Box 970 Chadron, NE 69337.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Loretta L. Henkens, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

Past Services

Mass of Christian Burial

Wednesday, July 21, 2021

Starts at 10:00 am (Central time)

St. Patrick's Catholic Church

Chadron Ave, Chadron, NE 69337

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Burial

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