Wendi Goodenberger

Wendi Marie Goodenberger, age 64, of McCook, NE passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024 at CHI Health Good Samaritan in Kearney, NE following a courageous battle with cancer.

 Wendi was born July 18, 1960, in Imperial, NE to parents Gary Dean and Karen Janice (Skelton) Nordhausen. She was one of three children. Wendi attended school in Wauneta, NE, graduating in 1978. She then attended Doane College and Kearney State College, earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Business Finance.

 In 1993, Wendi married Bob Elder in McCook. The couple was blessed with two daughters, Madison and Kaitlyn.

 On October 2, 2007, Wendi married Randy Goodenberger, welcoming Dalton and Alexis to her family.

 Wendi was a member of the Memorial Methodist Church in McCook. She took an active role in Bible study, kid’s programs and volunteerism. She spent time volunteering at the Helping Hand Thrift Store and made numerous pies for the Methodist Youth Fair Booth each summer. Wendi was an avid sports fan as well, as she enjoyed cheering for the Nebraska Cornhuskers, the McCook Bison, the Wauneta-Palisade Broncos, the Doane Tigers and the Concordia Bulldogs. Her favorite physical activity was Zumba classes in McCook.

 Family was the utmost important to Wendi. She was known as Auntie Wen to her nieces and nephews, and their children, before becoming “Grama” herself. Facetiming her granddaughter, Sunday, was always a highlight for her on a daily basis.

 She loved to crochet, complete jigsaw puzzles and do the daily Wordle games on her phone. Wendi was also very fond of her pets including the dogs, cats and chickens on the farm. Other outdoor activities included gardening, taking care of her plants and fishing off of the pontoon boat with Randy and her family every summer.

 Wendi was preceded in death by her parents. Those left to celebrate her life include her husband, Randall Goodenberger of McCook, NE; children, Madison Elder of McCook, NE, Kaitlyn (Jacob) Redinger of Peculiar, MO, Dalton Goodenberger of Atwood, KS and Alexis Goodenberger of McCook, NE; siblings, Nathan (Wendi) Nordhausen of Wauneta, NE and Mindi (Greg) Bauer of Culbertson, NE; granddaughter, Sunday Redinger; and numerous nieces, nephews and other extended family members and dear friends.

Memorial Contributions:  The Helping Hand Thrift Store, an outreach of the Memorial Methodist Church, 105 East E Street, McCook, NE 69001.