Barbara Jean Badje

Barbara Jean Badje, 85, of Central City, died Friday, October 25, 2013 at Litzenberg Memorial County Long Term Care in Central City. Funeral services will be Wednesday, October 30, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City with the Reverend Kevin McReynolds officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday, October 29, from 5 to 7 P.M. at Wagner Funeral Home in Central City. Burial will be at a later date. Barbara was born on October 30, 1927 to John G. and Esabelle A. (Johnson) Claus on a farm in Madison County, Nebraska. She grew up in Madison County and attended rural county schools and graduated from Newman Grove High School. She then taught in country school for two years. She was united in marriage to John E. Badje on June 8, 1947 in Green Garden Lutheran Church in Madison County. The couple lived on a farm in Madison County where Jack farmed and ranched and Barbara was a homemaker. Mr. Badje lost his right arm in a farming accident in 1958, so he went to auctioneers school and Barbara helped him with auctions and the real estate business. She eventually got her own real estate license and the couple also sold a full line of insurance policies. She also drove school bus for Humphrey Public Schools. She retired from driving and the couple moved to Central City in 1998. Barbara was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City, Ladies Guild, Ladies Auxiliary, and a member of the American Legion Club in Central City and Madison County. She was also a past member of the Clarks VFW. Barbara was a people person, enjoyed spending time with others, visiting and being on the go all the time. Survivors include her three sons and two daughters-in-law, John L. Badje of Aurora, CO; Glenn K. (Donna) Badje of River Falls, WI; and Ted L. (Benita) Badje of McKinney, TX; two daughters and sons-in-law, Arla Rae (Vern) Burkhardt of Central City, NE; and Lori Jean (Forest) Taylor of Anchorage, AK; six grandchildren, four foster grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, two great-great granddaughters; one brother and sister-in-law, John (Vernell) Claus of Custer, WA and one sister and brother-in-law, Darlene (Iver) Bygland of Albion, NE. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband John Badje. Memorials are suggested to the Clarks VFW or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Central City. Condolences can be sent to the family at www.wagnerfuneral.com.