Mary Sue Grabenstein

M ary Sue (Taylor) Grabenstein was born January 27, 1935, and peacefully passed away August 4, 2022, joining her beloved Norm in heaven. Mary Sue was 87 years old.

She was born to Orlando 'Pete' and Ivadene Taylor at Hastings, NE, where she grew up. After graduating from Hastings High School, Mary Sue earned her Associates Degree from Stephens Junior College in Columbia, MO, her Bachelor's Degree in Education from Hastings College in 1956 and eventually her Master's Degree from Kearney State College in 1980. Mary Sue started her teaching career in North Platte in January 1956 when she accepted a 2nd Grade teaching position.

In 1957 Mary Sue married Norman Grabenstein in Hastings. Since Norm was still in the service, they lived on base at Ft. Lewis, WA, and Mary Sue taught 2nd Grade. They returned to North Platte in 1958 following Norm's discharge and settled on the Grabenstein family farm. In 1964 Mary Sue resumed her teaching career when she became the kindergarten teacher at Osgood District #127 for 15 years then taught for North Platte Public Schools.  She was the kindergarten teacher at Lincoln and McDonald schools until retiring in May of 1998. But Mrs. Grabenstein didn't stop teaching, she was a substitute teacher for another 13 years and when she finally retired she had taught for a total of 57 years!

Mrs. Grabenstein was a beloved teacher, Sunday School Teacher, Bible School Teacher, and role model for new teachers. She was recognized over the years by North Platte Public Schools and NSEA for her excellence in the classroom and for the development and implementation of Science Backpacks in her teaching. Some of the highlights of her career were being the recipient of the Peter Kiewit Teacher Achievement Award in 1993 and having a former kindergarten student as her student teacher.

Mary Sue had a special love for children, with her four grandsons being her favorites, and enjoyed working with children and following their accomplishments through the years.

Mary Sue was a longtime member of First Evangelical Lutheran Church where she sang in the choir and served with Ruth Circle. She was a life member of P.T.A. and a member of P.E.O. Chapter EB, Phi Delta Kappa, and Extension Club. She was also Summer Bible School Superintendent, 4-H leader, and sang in the Cathedral Choir for 30 years.

Mary Sue was a great cook and baker. She was even one of the first "Cooks of the Week" featured in the North Platte Telegraph. Mary Sue loved baking cookies for her many friends, especially at Christmas time, and she loved having her family together.

She and Norm were both avid Husker fans. When they retired they enjoyed their coffee groups and traveling to several different states and European countries.

Along with Norm, Mary Sue was preceded in death by her father, Pete Taylor; mother and stepfather, Ivadene and Milo Storrs; brothers, Jack Taylor and Bob, Jim and Myron Storrs; and her sister, Dorothy Beideck.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy (Michael) Munson, their sons, Adam (Heather) Munson and Blake (Molly) Munson, and their grandchildren, Olivia, Ethan, Amailey and Isla Munson, all of Columbus; her son, John Grabenstein (friend, Jim Peterson) of Cozad and John's children, Justin (Jaysie) Grabenstein and Taylor Grabenstein of Greeley, CO; as well as other family and her many friends.

Celebration of Life will be 11 a.m. Monday, August 15, 2022, at First Evangelical Lutheran Church with Pastor Sipes officiating. Private family inurnment will be held in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. The memorial book may be signed online at odeanchapel.com, prior to services at the church, or at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the church or the North Platte Area Children's Museum.