Valerie A. Himes

Valerie Anne Himes, age 86, of Omaha, NE passed away peacefully in Wausau, WI on December 4, 2023 surrounded by family and friends. Valerie was born on November 3, 1937 to the late Jack and Alice (Potocnik) Fritz in Owen, WI.

After graduating from Owen-Withee High School, she married her high school sweetheart and love of her life, George Himes. She flourished in the role of proud and supportive Air Force wife and stay at home mother. While her children were in school, she became a paraprofessional in the elementary school helping to ensure all children were getting a good educational experience.

Having raised her family, Valerie attended Bishop Clarkson Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Omaha and became a registered nurse in 1981, primarily serving in the orthopedic field. She became the first Certified Orthopedic Nurse in Nebraska. Valerie was a strong advocate for orthopedic nurses and helped to bring a National Orthopedic Nurse Association (NAON) chapter to the Omaha area. She retired from nursing in 1999.

For 35 years, her family lived in the Field Club neighborhood where she served as president of the Field Club Neighborhood Association for many years and tirelessly worked to bring multiple beautification and improvement projects to the neighborhood. Gardening and flowers were among her many loves, but her greatest love was her family, her children, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren.

She was an active member of First Central Congregational Church and participated in Women’s Fellowship, thrift shop, and community garden. During her lifetime, Valerie’s compassionate care touched countless people’s lives, and she was adored by her family, friends and colleagues.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Alice Fritz; son, Mark Himes; and sister, Reva (Harry) Hanson.

Valerie is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, George; children, Timothy (Amy) Himes Sr. and Anne (Randy) Sides; 6 grandchildren, Tim (Sara) Himes Jr., Chris Himes, Justin Sides, Ashley (David) Locklear, Annie Himes, and Emma Himes; 4 great-grandchildren, Nolan Himes, Parker Himes, Lucas Locklear, and Jacob Locklear; as well as countless family and friends.

A visitation for Valerie will be held Friday, January 5, 2024 from 4:30 PM to 7:30 PM at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center St, Omaha, Nebraska 68106. A celebration of life service will occur Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 10:00 AM at First Central Congregational United Church of Christ (421 S 36th St, Omaha, Nebraska 68131) with lunch and fellowship to follow.

Burial service will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park at a later date.

Memorials will be directed by the family.