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Dorothy E. Symonsbergen, 86, of Nebraska City, Neb., passed away on Saturday morning, Sept. 5, 2026, at Good Samaritan Care Center in Auburn, Neb.
She was born on July 20, 1940, in Brookings, S.D., the daughter of Harold Henry and Frances Doris (Bremer) Friedrich. She attended school and later graduated from Alta High School with the Class of 1958. She furthered her education at Commercial Extension College in Omaha, Neb., earning a degree in bookkeeping.
On June 18, 1961, Dorothy was united in marriage to Richard Stephen Symonsbergen at Alta and to this union three children were born: Richard, Lori and Robert.
Dorothy and her husband Richard moved to Nebraska City in 1973. They later relocated to Omaha in 2014 to be near family and returned in 2018. In 1977, they opened Nebraska City Upholstery and Design that they owned and operated until their retirement. Dorothy was very active in her community was a long-time member of Christ Lutheran Church in Nebraska City, serving the church in various capacities. She served on the Nebraska City Improvement Council, the Region V Advisory Board, was a member of Toastmasters, Jaycee Janes and the Chamber of Commerce amongst numerous other clubs and boards.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Richard of Nebraska City; son Richard “Rick” Symonsbergen (Lori) of Bellevue, Neb.; daughter Lori Newburn (Lyle “Rowdy”) of Nebraska City; grandchildren: Dan Newburn (Casey) of Elkhorn, Neb.; LtCdr Leslie Newburn of Djibouti, Africa; Melanie Branigan (Patrick) of Bellevue, Neb.; and Amanda Eggiman (fiance’ Aaron) of Las Vegas, Nev.; great-grandchildren: Maverick and Brooklyn Newburn and Kayla Eggiman; brother David Friedrich of Storm Lake; sister-in-law Char Friedrich of Sioux Falls, S.D.; nieces, nephews, other family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her son Robert “Rob” Symonsbergen on Feb. 23, 1992; brothers, Duane Friedrich (2016) and James Friedrich (2001); sisters-in-law: Patricia Friedrich, Elizabeth Friedrich and Barbara Christensen; brothers-in-law, John Symonsbergen and William Christensen; as well as her parents.
Memorials in her memory may be directed to Christ Lutheran Church Building Fund in Nebraska City or the Nebraska City Community Foundation.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, at Marshall's Funeral Chapel in Nebraska City with Rev. Paul Warneke officiating. Burial will follow at Wyuka Cemetery in Nebr. City. The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 9, at Marshall's Funeral Chapel.
Gude Mortuary in Nebraska City is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be left at www.gudefuneralhomes.com.
