Idonna's Obituary
Idonna Jean (Burkhart) Florell passed away peacefully at home on Friday, November 4th, surrounded by her family who loved and cherished her dearly. Idonna was born November 20, 1930 in Fairbury, NE, the only child of Almeda and Judd Burkhart. She was raised on Plainview Farm north of Fairbury and attended a one-room schoolhouse for her elementary education. She was confirmed in the Fairbury Methodist Church. She graduated as the Valedictorian of the Fairbury High School Class of 1948. She taught for one year in a rural school before enrolling at Doane College, where she studied for two years.
Idonna transferred to the University of Nebraska and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree With Distinction in 1953. She was initiated into Chi Omega sorority, which provided a lifetime of pleasure and involvement for her.
Following her college graduation, Idonna taught Business Education at David City High School. There she met Robert (Bob) Florell, and they were married on August 1, 1954 at the Fairbury Methodist Church, which was the beginning of 68 wonderful years together. They both taught there until 1958, when they moved to Lincoln. Although Idonna loved to teach, after they moved to Lincoln she chose to teach only on a part-time basis at UNL, as she wanted to be at home for her family. In 1970 they moved to 501 Lakewood Drive, and continued to live there for 52 years prior to moving to the Knolls in May 2021. They were blessed with 3 children, David, Brenda, and Scott. They have 9 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Idonna was happiest when she was surrounded by her family, and she taught them how important it is to cherish time with one another!
Idonna served as President of the Lincoln Chi Omega Alumnae, and then became Financial Advisor for the sorority, a position she enjoyed for 31 years. During this time she attended several National Conventions as a Financial Consultant, and was editor of the Financial Handbook for National. She served as Parliamentarian for the 1988 convention. In honor of her many years of service, she was named Chi Omega of the Century in 2000, and then in 2013 a room at the Chi Omega House was dedicated in her honor. She was most proud of the fact that her daughter, Brenda, and granddaughters Elizabeth, and Katie are also Chi Omegas!
Throughout her life she was a loyal and faithful member of the Methodist Church. The Florell Family has been very active in Christ United Methodist Church in Lincoln. She has served on many committees of the church, and recently on the Administrative Council. She is a charter member of the Bell Choir, and a member of United Methodist Women.
Community activities included ushering at the Lied Center, with husband, Bob, for 22 years, a 50 year member of Chapter FB, PEO, Educator’s Investment Club, University Faculty Wives, University Travel Club, 50-50 Club, and Lincoln Symphony. She was an avid Husker fan, and attended Football, Volleyball, and both Men and Women’s Basketball games. She also enjoyed being a member of several bridge clubs.
Idonna and Bob shared an interest in travel that took them to all 50 states, and every continent, except Antarctica. They especially enjoyed their trips to China, the African Safari, and river cruising.
Idonna is survived by her husband of 68 years, Robert, son David (Kerry) Florell of Lincoln, and their 3 boys, Ryan, Tyler, and Brandon, daughter Brenda (Craig) Nelson of Waterloo, NE, and their 3 children, Elizabeth (Trevor) Stewart, and their 2 children Skylar and Weston, of Bozeman, MT, Katie (Devin) McCarthy, and their daughter, Hadley, of Elkhorn, NE, and Travis (Sailor) Nelson, and their 2 children Zeke and Duke of Omaha, and son Scott (Amy) Florell of Salt Lake City, UT, and their 3 children, Abigail, Anna, and Scotty.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Christ United Methodist Church at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 20, 2022, on what would’ve been Idonna’s 92nd birthday. The service will be live streamed (facebook.com/christumclincfunerals). Memorials suggested to Christ United Methodist Church, 4530 A Street Lincoln, NE 6510 or The Stephen Center 2723 Q Street Omaha, NE 68107.
