Nelda Sauerhage Backer

Mrs. Nelda Sauerhage Backer, 94, of Jefferson City, passed away Thursday, September 13, 2012, at Heisinger Bluffs. Mrs. Backer was born on December 26, 1917 in Lohman, the daughter of Gustav Frank and Angeline Marie Raithel Sauerhage. On January 4, 1918, she was baptized by the late Rev. Huhn at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, Lohman. She was confirmed into the Lutheran faith on April 17, 1932, by the late Rev. J.C. Schiller, St. Paul's Lutherans Church, Lohman. She was married on September 7, 1946, at Trinity Lutheran Church, Jefferson City, with the late Alfred C. Schmalz officiating, to Benjamin H. Backer, who died on November 3, 1998. Mrs. Backer attended grade school at Lohman, and was a 1938 graduate of the Jefferson City High School. She was a member of the Trinity Lutheran Church, a member of the Trinity Evening Guild and a member of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees. Following graduation from high school, Mrs. Backers was employed by the Cole County Agricultural Adjustment Administration until 1941 and was employed as a secretary to the state direction of State Farm Insurance Companies from 1941 to 1960. She was employed by the Missouri House of Representatives from 1962 to 1971. Other survivors include two nieces: Mrs. Linda Simpson of Redfield, South Dakota and Miss Pamela Solheim of Mesa, Arizona; two great-nieces: Mrs. Sarah VanZee and Miss Erin Simpson, both of Redfield, South Dakota. She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and two sisters: Irene M. Kaufmann and Alma E. Solheim. Friends will be received from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Monday, September 17, 2012, at the Trinity Lutheran Church, where funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Samuel Powell officiating. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Trinity Lutheran Building Fund or charity of the donor's choice. Arrangements are under the direction of HOUSER-MILLARD Funeral Directors, 2613 W. Main St., (573) 636-3838. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com