Arlene J. Geer

Arlene J. Geer, 81 of Lincoln passed away on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at a Lincoln hospital. She was born on June 19, 1943, to Arthur F. and Anna C. (Darrow) Achtemeier. As a little girl and throughout her life Arlene chose to be creative, busy doing for and with others. She was always in search of activities which were educational and also for enjoyment. One day as little girls, Arlene and Carolyn were bored and in search of adventure. Their creative minds found an exciting adventure! They set the chicken house on fire! Then they walked away and sat down to watch it burn. Needless to say, their mother was not impressed! Arlene, her siblings, and her mother all attended country school, #69 in Fairbury, a one room schoolhouse. Teddy, their dog was also welcome to come lay down in front of the wood burning stove. In 1952 the family moved to Beatrice, and they became members of the First Presbyterian Church. Every Sunday the family took up the entire pew. Her faith saw her through the ups and downs of life. Arlene graduated from Beatrice High School in 1961. During high school she enjoyed participating in band, playing the clarinet, leading the band as drum majorette, and was vice-president of the Zip Club for two years. In her third year she became president. As a senior she was crowned homecoming queen. Arlene told the story of how one teacher spoke to her regarding her flirtations with the boys. The teacher said, “if Arlene would leave the boys alone, she would do better in school and get better grades.” In 1962 Arlene went off to college for one year. In 1963 she moved to Lincoln and became a nanny for a family from Australia. She loved this job as she was able to organize creative and educational activities for the little one. Arlene met her husband, Don Geer, while living in Lincoln. Don and Arlene were married on September 3,1966. Together they always had at least one joint hobby, such as wild turkey hunting, camping, boating or ice skating in the winter. They thoroughly enjoyed traveling with friends on their Honda Goldwing. During their marriage Arlene began working at First Federal Savings and Loan of Lincoln and became Branch Manager. She was employed for the company from 1966 to the middle of the 1980’s. They also enjoyed traveling to 13 European countries with Arlene’s sister and brother. What an educational trip. In May of 1982, Arlene lost her husband Don of 15 years, due to an accident. She was devastated. In 1984 Arlene connected with Bernie, a friend from high school. It was a fun time for Arlene. He worked and traveled on the railroad. Arlene and Bernie invented the “Tiny Home.” They live in a decorated railcar, which they called home, along with her Siamese kitty Mitu. In the early 1990’s, Arlene reconnected with Jim, and they moved to Overland Park, Kansas. In March of 1993, she began working on the Little Jennie Ranch in Bondurant, WY. Arlene loved meeting people from all over the world while enjoying the outdoors. In 1994, they moved to Pinedale, WY where she worked for the IRS. In June of 1995, they moved to Laramie, WY. What a place to live. It was a college town of approximately 28,000 people. She started working at another ranch, “A Dude Ranch.” During the daytime she was outdoors and at night she assisted with the black-tie dinners. Arlene also had a love for sports, and they began selling tickets. What better way to save money and enjoy all the different sporting activities. They loved the job and meeting the people. While living in Laramie, WY, Arlene traveled to Alaska with her brother to go panning for gold. They didn’t strike it rich, but it was an experience of a lifetime. She and Jim also traveled extensively throughout Canada and Europe. In 2020 or so she left Laramie, which she loved, and moved back to Lincoln. Arlene was one of a kind. If you took the time to listen to her, you could always learn something new. She will be dearly missed. Love you sister, my Auntie, and forever friend. Arlene is survived by her sisters, Carolyn Sell of Beatrice, Kay (Rich) Palasz of Bella Vista, AR, and Lisa (Kenny) Clover of Lincoln; “bonus” brothers and sisters, Birdie (Randy) Corter of Beatrice, David (Mary) Rayburn of Beatrice, Leo (Yolanda) Rayburn of Grand Island, Kathy (Ron) Rayburn-Dilly of Kansas City, MO, Tim (Lois) Rayburn of Beatrice, Bob Rayburn of Beatrice, Jeanette Parker of Beatrice, and Gerald (Sandy) Rayburn of Lincoln; plus several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Geer; parents, Arthur and Anna Achtemeier; “bonus” mother, Evelyn (Rayburn) Achtemeier; brother, Bruce Achtemeier; sister, Anita (Achtemeier) Oglesby-Love; brothers-in-law, Larry Sell and Robert Geer. Private funeral services for family will be held at Fox Funeral Home of Beatrice with Chaplain Sharon Schuster officiating. Cremation will follow the service. Inurnment of the cremains will be at a later date. The body will lie in state on Monday, March 17, 2025, from noon until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. A memorial has been established to the family for future designation. www.foxfuneralhome.net Arrangements entrusted to Fox Funeral Home & Cremation Services of Beatrice.

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