Sherye Dee Aitken, 68, of South Sioux City, NE passed away on Friday, Sept. 11, 2015 at her residence, while surrounded by her family. Sherye was born in Orchard, NE on April 19, 1947, to the late Clayton and Wanda (Spangler) Nelson.
She grew up on a ranch in Knox County, NE, and attended O’Neill Public High School for her freshman year. Sherye and her family moved to South Sioux City when she was a sophomore and she graduated from South Sioux City High School in 1965. Sherye earned her Bachelor’s Degree from UNL in 1971. She married Dr. Joe Aitken on August 7, 1971. The couple lived in Omaha, where she taught Spanish at Omaha Westside High School from 1971 to 1973. Joe and Sherye moved to South Sioux City, in April, 1973. Sherye devoted herself to her husband, Joe, and raising the couple’s three sons.
Sherye was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and Altar Society; the PEO, Chapter D.E.; and served as a state officer on the Dental Auxiliary Board.
She loved spending time with her family and grandchildren and her mother, with whom she was very close. She also enjoyed ceramics, music, canning and gardening, and was a wonderful cook.
Sherye is survived by her husband, Dr. Joe Aitken of South Sioux City; her sons, Dr. Matt (Tammy) Aitken of South Sioux City; Dr. Ben (Nichole) Aitken of Wausa, NE; and Dan Aitken and his fiancé, Kate Hartnett, of Gretna; five grandchildren, Jake, Abbi, and Charlie Aitken, children of Dr. Matt and Tammy Aitken; and Sam and Molly Aitken, children of Dr. Ben and Nichole Aitken. Survivors also include her brother, Bruce (Deb) Nelson of Jackson, NE; and nephew and nieces, Michael, Sarah, and Bridget Nelson. Sherye is also survived by her special caregiver, Michelle Schroeder, and many family members and friends.
Sherye was preceded in death by her parents, Clayton and Wanda Nelson.
Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE. Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 p.m., with a rosary and scriptural wake service at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City.
In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Hospice of Siouxland.