Ethel Hallstrom, 92, Syracuse, passed into eternal life on July 16, 2016. She was born in Wellington, Colorado on October 30, 1923 to Rev. Frederick and Elise (Luecke) Hefner.

Ethel was baptized on November 16, 1923 in the Evangelical Lutheran Church by her father, Rev. F. Hefner. She moved to Syracuse July 3, 1933 at the age of 9. She was confirmed at the age of 13 on March 21, 1937 at Luther Memorial by her father. Ethel was active in all church activities as a young child. Later on, she served as a Sunday School teacher, was President of WELCA for six years and a member of Circle for many years. She sang in the choir and at many funerals and weddings.

Ethel graduated from Syracuse High School in 1941. She loved music and was the second chair violinist in the school orchestra and sang in the choir and small groups.

After high school, Ethel took teaching normal training and taught two years in country schools. She attended Midland College in Fremont and taught third grade for one year in Fremont. Then, she taught grades 6-8 departmentalization from 1945-1947 in Syracuse.

Ethel was united in marriage to Bob Hallstrom on December 10, 1946 at Luther Memorial, with her father officiating. She and Bob moved to Avoca and had three children. They moved to Syracuse in 1980.

Ethel was involved in the Women's Club, was VFW Auxiliary President for two years, and she also served as District 6 President.

Ethel's greatest joy was spending time with her family and friends and being a grandma.

She is survived by husband, Robert (Syracuse); daughter, Bette (Elkhorn); son, Robert (LuRae) (Syracuse); grandchildren, Erin, Morgan, Kendall, and Grant; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Tom and Dorothy Hallstrom; sister-in-law, Rosemary Hefner; brother-in-law, Norman Cloyed; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Barbara Lea; brothers, Frederick and Paul; sisters, Adeline Kehlenbeck and Frances Cloyed; parents-in-law, Elmer and Vera Hallstrom; brothers-in-law, Henry Kehlenbeck, Raymond Case, and Jack Hallstrom; and sisters-in-law, Corrine Case and Nancy Hallstrom.

Memorial service: 11 a.m. Monday, July 25, at Luther Memorial Church, Syracuse. Private burial prior to memorial service. Visitation with family from 6 to 7 p.m. and prayer service at 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 24, both at Luther Memorial Church. Memorials, in lieu of flowers, to family choice, Luther Memorial Church, or Good Samaritan Society.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441