Lorna Nokes Brecheisen

Lorna Nokes Brecheisen, age 94, passed away on Thursday, October 22, 2020.

Lorna Nokes Brecheisen was born August 13, 1926 to Bertha and Orville Nokes in Welda, Kansas. She was the first of 6 children. Lorna grew up in farming communities around Welda, Kansas. She was graduated as salutatorian from Welda High School in 1944 and attended the University of Kansas.

Lorna married Keith Brecheisen in Welda on March 15, 1947. The two were married 67 years before Keith’s passing in 2014. While living in Lawrence, when Keith was finishing his degree at KU, daughters Jan and Karol were born. The family then moved to Garnett, Kansas where son, Terry, was born.

Lorna enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom while her children were growing up. She loved to sew, plant flowers, do needlework and handcrafts. She was always there to encourage her children in whatever endeavors they were involved.

In 1947, Lorna became a member of the American Legion Auxiliary. She served her local post in a variety of offices including local President. She was instrumental in the establishment of the Jr. Auxiliary at that Post.

She was an active member of P.E.O. and regularly participated in a bi-monthly study club called Nova Vista. She and Keith enjoyed playing bridge and played monthly with a Pot Luck group of six couples for years.

Lorna came to know Jesus while still a child and was a lifelong servant of her Lord. She was a long-time member of First United Methodist Church in Garnett, Kansas where she served in the Christian Education department as nursery worker, Vacation Bible School volunteer, and Junior Sunday School Superintendent. She was an active part of the Women’s Society for Christian Service.

After her children were teenagers, Lorna became secretary and bookkeeper for the Dalton-Brecheisen Manufacturing Company.

In 1982, Lorna joined husband, Keith, in Nevada in a mining venture called Baron Mining, located just south of Las Vegas. They soon joined Goodsprings Community Church where Lorna continued to serve. She added beauty to the sanctuary by creating lovely banners for various seasons.

After the Gold Strike Hotel and Casino was complete in Jean, NV, Lorna was hired as a hostess in the coffee shop there. She worked at the Gold Strike for 22 years, retiring just before her 83rd birthday. She enjoyed her work and was proud that she was able to continue there for so many years. She won a number of awards for her faithful and excellent service.

Lorna and Keith returned to Lenexa, Kansas to be near family in 2008. They were members of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. They enjoyed the community at the Rosewood Apartments where they lived and where Lorna was a loving caregiver to Keith in his last years. She lived her last 2 years at Garden Terrace of Overland Park memory care facility.

Lorna was a generous and self-sacrificing person. She was always willing to put others’ needs and concerns above her own. She seldom said a harsh word about anyone and found enjoyment in all the little things in life. When she passed away on October 22 she left behind, for a time, many who love her dearly.

She is survived by her sister, Janette Vaughn and brother, Larry Nokes, of Olathe; her daughter Jan Lyson of Olathe and her fiancé, Art McKenna; daughter, Karol Brecheisen and her husband, John Mauk of Olathe; and son, Terry Brecheisen and wife, Rita of Kansas City, Kansas; her granddaughters Courtney Goodloe and her husband Neil of Rapid City, South Dakota; and Stacey Lyson of Olathe; and great-grandchildren Simon and Reagan Goodloe of Rapid City.

Private services celebrating her life are planned. Memorial donations in her honor may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.