Funeral Services for Evelyn “Pauline” Brecken age 101 of Mullen, NE will be Monday, November 6, 2023, at 1:00 pm MT at The Assembly of God Church in Mullen, NE. Burial will be in the Cedarview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to Mullen Assembly of God Church or Cedarview Cemetery. A visitation will take place on Sunday, November 5th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at the Mullen Funeral Home in Mullen. The Govier Brothers Mortuary of Mullen is in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers.com.
On October 31, 2023, Evelyn Pauline Brecken “Granny” at the age of 101-1/2 went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Pauline was born on July 7, 1922, to William Clarence “Prunes” and Lena Leota (Kearns) Pearman in Seneca, Nebraska.
She was married to Bob Evans on December 30, 1939, unto this union three children were born: William Joseph (Jody), Leota Ann, and Betty Pauline.
While raising her children Pauline worked on several ranches, cleaned houses, and was a cook at Bud’s Café.
On July 27, 1952, she married Roy Bradley and moved to a ranch north of Mullen where they lived until they bought the Sandhills Motel and moved into Mullen, NE. After Roy’s death she continued to own and operate the motel.
She was a 4-H Leader, Extension Club President, belonged to Commercial Club, and was on the Town Board. She was a member of The Assembly of God Church in Mullen, NE.
Pauline was married to Wayne Brecken on March 7, 1971. He was in construction and later retired to help her operate the Sandhills Motel. Wayne always told her he was probably the first man to become a husband, father, and grandfather all in one day.
She was Queen of the Hooker County Fair. Also, she was the first woman to be voted “Fan of the Year”. Trying not to miss any more games than she absolutely had to. She had a special relationship with all of the kids and enjoyed each and every one of them.
It was at this time that she became known as “Granny” to the entire town, and some people still don’t know her real name. She loved to visit with anyone and didn’t know a stranger. Her heart was bigger than herself and she would help anyone if she could. Baking, sewing, and making jelly were favorite things of hers. She was known for her sewing of quilts, potholders, etc. At age 93, she made a quilt and raffled it off and gave the proceeds to a wounded warrior.
She helped at the Rustic Café, where Rhonda made her Sou Chef. Visiting with people from all over the country was a favorite thing of hers. At age 94 she was still ready to go tanking or ride a motorcycle. Her motto was: "If the wheels are turning, I’m going", and she did.
The thing that “Granny” enjoyed most was the gathering of her family. Of course, she was the life of the party. She loved life and lived it to the fullest. Loved to beat you in a game of cards and hot seat. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be greatly missed.
Survivors are her children Jody (Bea) Evans, Leota (Pat) Donohoe, and Betty (Willard) Boyer. Grandchildren: Will (Kelly) Donohoe, John (Teresa) Donohoe, Gary Evans, Dean (Christi) Boyer, and Starla (Tony) Spurlin. Great grandchildren: Eric (Shauna), Mellissa, Kate (Clint), Emily (Kelsey), Savannah, Tanner (Bailee), and Chance Donohoe, Trey (Courtney), Teran (Mackenzie), Tyan (Jaysa), and Teya Boyer, Jarod (Lexie) and Hunter (Morgan) Spurlin. Great great grandchildren: Hayley and Jenna Donohoe, Carter Donohoe, Collin Donohoe, William Spurlin, Winnie Contrares, Carter and Cole Boyer and Henry Svoboda, and numerous other family members and friends.
Preceding her in death were parents, husbands, Roy Bradley and Wayne Brecken, two stepsons Darwin and Orville Bradley, siblings Eunice Wolfenden, Joan Garner, Woodrow “Bink” Pearman, Alex “Eck” Pearman, Kathleen “Kat” Boyer, Elmer “Neak” Pearman and a beloved grandson Paul Evans.