The North Platte community lost one of its matriarchs this week. Florence “Arlene” Sukraw went peacefully to be with her Lord and loved ones October 24, 2017, at the age of 93, while in Linden Court, North Platte, Nebraska. Arlene was born in North Platte December 30, 1923, to Arvid and Florence (Anderson) Branting. She married Quinten Kenneth Sukraw of Maxwell, Nebraska, June 27, 1943.
Known by many as either Arlene or Moma Doc, she was a teacher, principal, staff development director, school board member, student teacher supervisor, and adjunct professor, to name a few of her roles. She received many degrees over the years, the last of which was her doctorate, which she earned when she was 64. Among her many awards and honors were her being named by the National Association of Elementary School Principals as Nebraska’s Elementary School Principal of the year in a ceremony in Washington D.C. and being distinguished as a Nebraska One Room School Teacher by the University of Nebraska, Kearney.
Arlene was an exemplar of what teachers, administrators, and women should strive to emulate, both in their professional and personal lives. Educators, students, and their parents have experienced her compassion, vision, and use of humor to encourage, support, and change the many lives she has touched. She was an active leader in First Lutheran Church where she was baptized, confirmed and married. Her involvement included regular Sunday worship attendance, Luther League sponsor, Sunday School teacher, Bethel Bible class teacher, numerous committees and serving on the church council.
Arlene was a wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; daughters Sharon and Pamela; brothers and their wives Melden (Helen), Hollis (Frances), and Russell (Maxine); and nieces and nephews Scott and Carol Smith, Glennis Branting, Robert Branting, Robert Branting, Jr., and Van Kistler.
She is survived by children Kenneth Allen Sukraw (Miriam) and Judith Marlene Stoehr (Jeff); grandchildren Mark Sukraw (Angela); Heather Johnson (Lee); Tracy Warren (James); and, Trevor Stoehr (Melissa); and, great-grandchildren Katherine, Elijah, Hannah, and Anika Sukraw; Kaleb, Greyson, Emerson, Tatum, and Conley Johnson; Henry and Sullivan Warren; and, Trenton and Meadow Stoehr. She also leaves behind nieces and nephews Harold Branting (Susie); Sandra Kistler; James Branting; and, Russell Branting (Julie) and their families, as well as special friends Marge and George Spencer.
The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, October 28, 10:30 a.m., at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 305 West 5th St., North Platte, Nebraska. Visitation will be held Friday, October 27, at Carpenters Memorial Chapel, 1616 West B Street, between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Family will receive visitors between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Memorials are suggested for either the North Platte Public Schools Foundation or Midland University, Fremont, Nebraska. Online condolences may be shared at carpentermemorial.com. Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.