Theda "Martha" (Kaffenberger) Meisinger was born Dec. 16, 1916, near Cedar Creek in rural Cass County, Nebraska, and passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 23, 2009, at the Louisville Care Center in Louisville. She was the daughter of John and Emma Steppat Kaffenberger. A lifelong resident of Cass County, Martha graduated from Plattsmouth High School in 1934. She then attended Peru State College where she received her teaching certificate. Martha taught country school for six years at the Becker, Taylor and Heil schools in rural Plattsmouth. In 1938, Martha was named Queen of the Kass Kounty King Korn Karnival, an honor she cherished her entire life. On June 19, 1940, Martha married Harold Meisinger and they moved to Weeping Water where they raised their family.

A busy farmer's wife, Martha was also active in Extension Club and as a lifelong member of St. Paul's United Church of Christ. Martha returned to the outside workforce in 1967 when she became employed by the U.S. Army and Air Force Exchange Services at Offutt Air Force Base until her retirement in 1987. Martha was the oldest surviving queen of the KKKKK.

Martha was preceded in death by her parents, John and Emma Kaffenberger; her brothers, Elmer and Verner Kaffenberger; and her husband Harold in 1970, following which she returned to live in Plattsmouth where she resided until 2005 when, due to failing health, she moved to the Louisville Care Center.

Martha is survived by sons, Jim of Weeping Water, Steve and wife Verna of Louisville; and daughter, Marcia and husband John Holdridge of Plattsmouth. She has five grandchildren along with their spouses: Kim and Andrew Harris of Omaha, Terry and Kelly Meisinger of Elmwood, Steve Meisinger of Lincoln, Mark and Beth Holdridge of Blair, Chris and Maria Hendricks of Overland Park, Kan.; and nine great-grandchildren. Also surviving her are sister-in-law, Betty Meisinger of rural Plattsmouth; numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Thursday, Feb. 26, at Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home in Plattsmouth from 2-9 p.m. with family being present from 6-9 p.m. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at St. Paul's United Church of Christ in Plattsmouth with the Rev. Eugene Loftis presiding. Organist will be Flora Belle Wehrbein with vocal selections by the Rev. Eugene Loftis and Brian and Tina Harvey.

Memorials may be sent to St. Paul's United Church of Christ, Plattsmouth.

Martha's love of family and God is a legacy that she leaves with all who knew her.

Interment: Oak Hill Cemetery, Plattsmouth

- Fusselman-Wymore Funeral Home, Plattsmouth (402) 296-4445