Lovera Sophia Reber was born December 3, 1924 in Gregory County, SD, the third child of Axel and Martha (Anderson) Peterson, Swedish immigrants. She passed away at Lake Andes Health Care Center at the age of 91 years, 7 months and 17 days.

She attended country schools and graduated in 1943 from Keya Paha County High School in Springview, NE. Lovera started her teaching career at age 18. In August 1977, she earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Willow Bowl, Wayne State College in Wayne, NE. A highlight of college was a 30-day institute, which included a trip to Sweden. She retired after 32 years but always held fond memories of her students.

Lovera was a lifetime member of the Naper VFW Auxiliary Post #8256 and the Herrick American Legion Auxiliary Post #220. She was a 4-H leader and member of the United Church of Christ and the Ladies' UCC Fellowship of Naper, NE.

On March 17, 1946 she was married to Milo E. Reber in Gregory, SD and to this union three sons and three daughters were born. Family was foremost in her life. She had many fond memories of raising her family on their farm, five miles west of Naper. There was always coffee available for any family, friends, and neighbors that would stop by for a visit. She was very patriotic having had her father, brothers, husband, and a son involved in wars. Along with being a full-blooded Swede, she was an avid Husker fan. Lovera was a true Christian and read daily devotions and the Bible in its entirety. In her later years, she was confined to a wheelchair, however she kept a positive attitude and was thankful her son Dale was able to care for her so she could remain at home.

Survivors include her sister Margaret Hitchcock of Gregory, SD; sister-in-law Reta (Darrell) McCollam of Shelbyville, IL; her children: Nilo Gene of Chamberlain, SD; Dale Dean of Burke, SD; Mary Jane (Dennis) Schoenefeld of Butte, NE; Donn Alan (Kathy) of Gregory, SD; and Myra Linn Reis of Burke, SD. Also surviving her are grandchildren: Morris (Amy) Reber, Monica (Luke) Epperson, Corina (Dan) Raasch, Troy Schoenefeld, Amanda (Justin) Goodwin, Heather Reber, Nick (Britany) Reber, Wyatt (Jess) Reis, Marcy (Tom) Kickhafer, as well as great-grandchildren: Morgan and Zachary Reber, Skylar Elle, Bryson and Augustus Epperson, Ty Schoenefeld, Mitchell and Kyle Raasch, Lilly and Griffin Goodwin, Otto, Mayme and Odin Reber, and Brock Kickhafer. Also very special to Lovera were her colleagues, friends, family, students, and caregivers.

Lovera was preceded in death by her husband Milo, infant daughter René Vali, one grandson and one granddaughter, five brothers, and her parents.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 28, 2016 at 10:00 AM at the United Church of Christ in Naper, NE.  Burial will be in the Spotted Tail Cemetery in Jamison, NE.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday at Clausen Funeral Home in Burke.  There will be a prayer service on Wednesday at 7:00 PM at the funeral home.