Eva E. Swedberg, age 86, of North Platte, went to Heaven on January 16, 2016 at Great Plains Health. Eva was born on November 7, 1930 in North Platte, the fifth child of Ray and Hazel (Pittman) Eberly.
When growing up, Eva was her father’s helper, milking cows, doing chores, and even breaking horses. Her mother Hazel was a volunteer at the Canteen in North Platte and often took little Eva with her. The soldiers would tell her mom about the little sisters they had at home, and loved to see Eva as she handed out apples to them. Eva graduated with the class of 1947 from North Platte High School, and then continued her education at the Kearney State Teachers College for the 2 year teachers program from 1947-1948. In high school, Eva had taken a class called Normal Training, which prepared her to teach in a country school. She eventually taught the brother and sister of who would become her future husband. At a box social, a tall dark handsome man just back from WWII named Ruben bid on her lunch box. That started a romance, and they were married on November 25, 1950 in North Platte at the Lutheran Church. Eva taught at North 99 for four months, O’Fallons and Rosedale for one year. Ruben and Eva had five children, including Tommie J., and twins, Laverne and Lynette, all of whom died young and are buried at the feet of their grandfather, Jonas Swedberg. Eva and Ruben built a Capp home north of North Platte on a piece of land that her parents had given them. Eva’s work career consisted of working at Dalby’s Laundry, the Pawnee Hotel, and the North Platte Opportunity Center.
Throughout her life Eva was a dedicated community volunteer. She volunteered taking tickets at many softball, volleyball, and basketball games. She most recently volunteered her time at Jefferson School where her granddaughter Stevie teaches. Eva was a 4-H leader, PTA president, and helped on the Election Board. She was an advocate for bringing Mid Plains Community College to North Platte and was a tireless volunteer during that process. She was a lifelong learner and loved education, helping with Living History Day and the Lincoln County Historical Museum. She loved her grandchildren and had many adventures with them. She was especially grateful to recently attend an out of town wedding for her grandson Brady and to be present for the announcement of her granddaughter Stevie’s first baby that is due in the early summer. Eva had a heart for people and through the years at the Buffalo Bill Manor where she tried to remember other people’s birthdays and events. At Christmas time, she would often give each resident a Christmas card and a piece of fruit. She had built many relationships with the residents there and will always be remembered by them. Eva was a member of Grace Community Bible Church and above all was her love of God who gave her the strength in her life.
She is survived by her sons, Ben (Rae Jeanne) Swedberg, and Steve (Karen) Swedberg, all of North Platte; 4 grandchildren, Brock Swedberg of North Platte, Brady (Rebecca) Swedberg of Hershey, Brittni (Steven) Fleer of Ord, NE, and Stevie (Judd) Reed of North Platte; 4 great grandchildren, Sophia Swedberg, Mallorie, Mackenzie, and Kendall Fleer, and a baby Reed due in early summer. She was preceded in death by her parents Ray and Hazel; her husband Ruben on June 24, 1985; children, Tommy J. and twins, LaVerne and Lynette; in laws, Jonas and Bertha Swedberg; great-granddaughter, Olivia Swedberg; sisters, Lois Pell, Jean Harris, and Esther Sack; and a brother, JR Eberly.
A memorial has been established to Grace Community Bible Church and online condolences can be made at www.adamsswanson.com.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 20, 2016 at the Grace Community Bible Church with the Pastor Mike Wing officiating. Burial will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Visitation will be Sunday from 1-6 and Monday from 9-9. Adams & Swanson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.