Sophia Louise Wilhelmine Bischoff Nordhausen was born Sept. 22, 1905, near Athol, Kan., the eighth of nine children born to John Bischoff, Sr., and Minnie (Kastens) Bischoff. She was baptized into Christ on Oct. 22, 1905, at Christ Lutheran Church, Athol, Kan.

When Sophie was 2 1/2 years old, the family moved to a farm south of Enders, Nebraska. On June 8, 1919, she renewed her baptismal vow in the rite of Christian confirmation at St. Paul's Lutheran Church near Wauneta. She remained a faithful member there until her death. Sophie completed an eighth grade education at District 7, Chase County, Nebraska.

On Sept. 22, 1927, Sophie became the wife of Carl Nordhausen. The couple was married at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. For the first few months of married life, the couple stayed on a farm owned by Carl's brother, Fred, while Fred returned to Germany to visit his (and Carl's) parents. Sophie and Carl cared for the Fred Nordhausen children and picked the family corn during his absence.

After this, Sophie and Carl moved to the "Pete Peterson" farm, five miles south of Wauneta. In September 1928, Vernon Everette Nordhausen was born. In 1936, Carl and Sophie purchased the "Main Rowley" farm, 3 1/2 miles south of Wauneta. Karen Kay Nordhausen was born in April 1939.

Sophie spent many years as an industrious farm wife and mother. She milked cows, raised chickens, and enjoyed gardening and sewing.

In 1953, Sophie and Carl moved into town in Wauneta. Carl was taken unexpectedly by death in July 1956. Sophie stayed at the Wauneta home the remainder of her days. There, she continued to care for her home and yard, and enjoyed visits from her grandchildren.

In July 1979 her son Vernon was called to his eternal rest. Sophie's daughter-in-law, Ramona, was taken to her Lord in March 1995.

Following surgery in July 1995, Sophie remained in her home for many months. From March 1996 until her peaceful death on April 25, 1996, She stayed at the Heritage Home of Wauneta. She was 90 years old.

Mourning her departure are: her daughter Karen and husband, Loyd Christner, of Wauneta; granddaughter Rene and husband, Joe Maris, of Stratton; grandson Curtis Christner and wife, Deana, of Halls Crossing, Utah; granddaughter Renelle and husband, Barry Mooney, of Hays, Kan.; granddaughter Sheila and husband, Dennis Pfeiffer, of Wauneta; and granddaughter Sharla and husband, Darrel Klima, of Wauneta.

Also mourning her death are her great grandchildren: Jayden, Randi and Jonee Maris; Veronica, Stefanie, Conner and Courtney Christner; Kerri and Eric Pfeiffer; and Matthew, Mark, and Brett Klima; and one sister, Ella Winkelmann, of Imperial.

Preceding her in death were her parents, husband, son and daughter-in-law; five brothers, Henry, Bill, Fred, John, and Carl; and two sisters, Minnie and Bertha.

Services were held Monday, April 29, 1996, at St. Paul's Lutheran Church with Rev. Carlton Hein officiating. Words of comfort and hope were based on Sophie's confirmation verse, Psalms 73: 25-26.

Serving as pallbearers were her nephews: Dale Bischoff, Don Winkelmann, Lavern Denker, Bob Hardy, Richard Greeley and Allan Nordhausen. Honorary casket bearers were her grandchildren.

Providing music were organist Deb Nordhausen and St. Paul's Choir. Choral selections included "How Great Thou Art and "Brother James' Air, the Lord's My Shepherd." The congregation sang the hymn "Jesus, Lead Thou On."

Internment was in St. Paul's Cemetery. Liewer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Living or dying, Lord,
I ask but to be Thine;
My life in Thee, Thy life in me;
Make Heaven forever mine.
Amen.

Contributor: Steven Hardy (46920089)