Mary Veldron Harmon

Mary Veldron Harmon, age 97, formerly of McCook, NE passed away on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 in Kearney, NE.

Mary Veldron was born on May 1, 1925, the oldest child to parents Arthur and Mary (Lepper) Koetter Sr. and was raised on the family farm near McCook. She attended a one room rural school house through the 8th grade and graduated from McCook High School in 1943.

On January 7, 1948 she was united in marriage to Clayton (Beenie) Harmon at St. Patrick's Catholic Church in McCook. To this union three children were born, a daughter Jennifer, and twins Karen and Kurt. The early years revolved on raising their family, and several years as a Girl Scout leader for her daughters.

Veldron began her second career at J C Penney for 25 years, advancing to Department Retailer Manager and retiring in 1988. After retiring, she worked at the Diet Center and was a member of the Community Hospital Auxiliary for many years managing the gift shop there.

Veldron was a lifetime member of St. Patrick Church, active in Altar Society and the St. Theresa Circle. She devoted herself to family, church and volunteer work. She loved to travel and had the opportunity to travel throughout the United States, Italy, Panama, Central America and Northeastern Canada. She loved to garden and took great pride in flowers. She also loved interior decorating, baking and cooking. Veldron made the best Caramel Rolls and often shared her secret recipes. She moved to Kearney in 2015 for senior living and joined St. James Catholic Church.

Veldron is survived by her son, Kurt (Patty) Harmon of Torrington Wy and grandchildren John (Missy) Harmon, Benjamin Harmon, and Caitlin Harmon; son in law, Steve Verraneault of Kearney and grandchildren Andrea (Matt) Mack, Greg (Nicole) Verraneault and Matt Verraneault; son in law, Mark Cunningham and grandchild Eric (Jessica) Cunningham. Veldron has 7 great grandchildren, a brother, Jim (Barb) Koetter of Pocatello, ID and a sister-in-law, Sharon Koetter of McCook.

Veldron was preceded in death by her husband Clayton“Beenie”Harmon daughters, Jennifer Cunningham and Karen Verraneault; parents, Art and Mary Koetter Sr.; brothers, Bernard Koetter, Richard (Marilyn) Koetter Arthur (Patricia) Koetter; sister, Rose (Gene) Doyle and her in laws, John (Love) Harmon and Ken and Myrna Bollerup.

Memorials are suggested to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, PO Box 1040, McCook, NE 69001

Recitation of the Rosary will be held at 7pm on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at Carpenter Breland Funeral Home, McCook.

Memorial Mass will be held at 10am on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, McCook, with Father Dale Allder and Father Bernard Kimminau as Celebrants.

Burial will follow in Calvary Catholic Cemetery, McCook.