Nedra E. Eiserman passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at her daughter’s home in Eldridge, Iowa, surrounded by her family. Nedra was born October 30, 1934, to Ed and Pauline (Hildebrand) Reist in rural Nemaha County, Kansas.

Nedra graduated from Bern High School and went on to attend Lincoln General School of Nursing graduating in 1954, the beginning of a lifelong career of caring for others. She met Ronald Eiserman on a blind date while out with friends, and the two were married on November 5, 1955, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebraska City. Together, they built a loving home and raised five children.

While working as a nurse and raising her family, Nedra always found time to serve her community. Nedra learned sewing at a young age and sewed most of her clothing including her wedding dress and clothing for her children and grandchildren. Her favorites were Disney shirts and bottoms for the grandkids. Nedra sewed beautiful costumes for Lourdes High School musicals and was quick to mend band uniforms as well. Nedra was deeply involved alongside Ron in the Elks Club, Knights of Columbus, and cheering on the Huskers.

Family vacations—often packed into the station wagon—were among her cherished memories. Nedra loved any reason to celebrate, especially if it included a good cocktail and a hot, home-cooked meal. She enjoyed cooking for the priests at St. Mary’s and treasured gathering her large family together for holidays, especially the Fourth of July firework show. Her home was always welcoming, with fresh cookies or apple dumplings ready for anyone who stopped by.

Professionally, Nedra spent most of her nursing career at St. Mary’s Hospital. She retired from St. Mary’s in 2010 but continued to volunteer there until 2020.

After moving to Iowa in 2021, Nedra worked hard even with dementia to sew baby blankets, though not perfect, she donated more than 3,000 baby receiving blankets and burp cloths to families, hospitals, community baby showers, and women’s centers. Each item carried a tag that read, “Hand sewn with love, Grandma Nedra.”

She is survived by four children: Mark (Renee) Eiserman of Decatur, Texas; Dianna (Greg)Yost of Nebraska City; Sandy (Dan) Radke of Eldridge, Iowa; Mike (Lori) Eiserman of Dewitt, Michigan; and daughter-in-law Sue Eiserman of Omaha. She’s also survived by ten grandchildren, ten great grandchildren, and a sister Janell Sommerhalder, of Steinauer, Nebraska.

She is proceeded in death by her husband Ronald, son Thomas, her parents Ed and Pauline Reist, brother Robert Reist and great grandson, Liam Clowers.

As you remember Nedra this week, please honor her with a toast - whether a Manhattan, vodka and tonic or a glass of Lambrusco - “To a life well lived and Go Big Red!”

Memorial gifts may be made to St. Mary’s Catholic Church for adult religious education, the Lourdes Central Catholic School, Angel Scholarship program, or CHI Health St. Mary’s Hospital Volunteer Program or hospital chapel.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Nebr. City.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Nebr. City at 1:00 p.m.

The family will greet friends on Sunday (2/1) at Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.  A Nurse Honor Guard Ceremony will be conducted by the Nebraska Nurse Honor Guard at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 6:45 p.m.

Condolences may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.

Gude Mortuary in Nebr. City is in charge of arrangements.