Martha Jean Detlefsen

Graveside Service for Martha J. Detlefsen age 78 of Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 2, 2026 at Laurel Hill Cemetery, Neligh, Nebraska with Pastor Bruce Phillips, officiating. Visitation will be 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thursday, October 1, 2026 at Beyer Snider Memorial Funeral Home in Neligh, Nebraska. Martha passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2026 at Norfolk Veterans Home. Condolences may be directed to family at www.beyersnidermemorialfh.com

The family has requested no flowers.

In lieu of flowers family has requested memorials to Rainbow Riders Therapeutic Horseback riding Center In Memory of Martha Jean (Howard) Detlefsen. https://givebutter.com/0WHDNO

    Martha Jean (Howard) Detlefsen was born on October 1, 1947 in Lafayette, Alabama to parents Catherine (Bonner) Howard and Allen Howard. She had two older siblings Allen Jr. and Bobby. She graduated with honors from Valley High School in Shawmut, Alabama in 1966. She met Dale Detlefsen, a US Army Soldier on the Chattahoochee River in Alabama. They married in Langdale, Alabama on February 7, 1965. Her first job was in the Cotton Mill. They moved to Dale’s home state of Nebraska in 1971. They had three children, Daniel, Donald (Donny), and DeAnna. Martha worked at the Stanton County Nebraska Courthouse for 38 years; the last 12 years as the Stanton County Clerk, an elected position. She was a talented seamstress, she even sewed her own wedding dress. an avid quilter and she raised and sold angelfish. Martha loved animals, was an accomplished horse back rider, and enjoyed listening to Elvis and CCR. The outdoors was her playground. She was always a hard worker who had to stay busy. She lit up the room with her bright eyes and glowing smile, even in the end.

   She is survived by her husband, Dale of Norfolk, NE; her three children Daniel (Debbie) Detlefsen of Germantown, IL, Donald Detlefsen of Stanton, NE, and DeAnna Detlefsen; her 6 grandchildren, her 10 great grandchildren; brother Bobby (Judy) Howard of High Point, NC.

   Preceded in death by her parents and brother Allen Jr.

The family expresses overwhelming gratitude to the care givers, family and friends and to any and all who knew and loved this wonderful lady. She will be deeply missed.