Catherine Annie (Brunckhorst) Wilson was born at her parents’ home twelve miles northwest of Van Tassell, Wyo., on Aug. 30, 1916, the oldest child of William F. and Fay (Porter) Brunckhorst. Catherine passed away Oct. 4, 2009, at Ponderosa Villa in Crawford, Neb.

Memorial services for Catherine Annie Wilson was held at 2 pm on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2009, at the Memorial United Methodist Church in Harrison, Neb., with private family inurnment. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials for the Harrison Memorial United Methodist Church, the Sioux County Library Foundation at Harrison, or the Sioux County Rescue Service at Harrison.

Catherine received her elementary education at Sunnyside School near her parents’ home. After attending two years of high school at Van Tassell, Wyo., she went on to graduate from Niobrara County High School in Lusk, Wyoming, in 1936. Catherine attended the University of Wyoming. She then taught rural schools in Goshen and Niobrara Counties in Wyoming for eight years.

On Aug. 1, 1942, Catherine and Harold A. Wilson were united in marriage at San Luis Obispo, Calif. After Harold’s service in World War II, they made their home on the family ranch northwest of Harrison, Neb., where they raised their five children.

Harold passed away in 1972. Catherine remained on the ranch until 1985 when she moved to Harrison. Through the years, Catherine was very involved with the Memorial United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. She wrote community news for the local newspapers--first, the Lusk Herald/Harrison Sun and later for the Crawford Clipper/Harrison Sun. She was also very active in the Harrison VFW Auxiliary and her pinochle club.

A life-long learner herself, Catherine encouraged her children and grandchildren to value education. She was always keenly interested in ways to improve the quality of education and learning. Other special interests and hobbies of Catherine’s included her family and their activities, being a 4-H leader, her garden and flowers, cooking and baking, embroidery, and reading.

Catherine was preceded in death by her husband, Harold; her parents, William and Fay; her infant brother, Alfred; her sisters, Mary Alice and brother-in-law Harry Sides, Wyoma Hales, and Burma Brunckhorst; and son-in-law, Tony Teten.

Survivors include her children Luella and Ron Jensen of Chadron, Neb.; Mary and Rick Christensen of Norfolk, Neb.; Kathy Teten of Cody, Wyo.; and Nancy and Fernando Jen of Fresno, Calif.; and William H. and Anne Wilson of Harrison, Neb.; grandchildren Adam and Ashley Teten, Abel, and Ava of Buffalo, Wyoming; Mike and Jolene (Teten) Manion of Omaha, Neb.; Lydia and Mark Jen of Fresno, Calif., Anna Jen of Tacoma, Wash.; and Luke, Nikolas, and Levi Wilson of Harrison, Neb.; and many nieces, nephews, and life-long friends.

Pier Funeral Home of Lusk, Wyo., is in charge of arrangements.





For the complete article see the 10-21-2009 issue.

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