
Marilyn Hoegemeyer moved back to Nebraska from Minnesota a few years ago and has been giving to Goodfellows ever since.
Nebraska native Marilyn Hoegemeyer took note of Goodfellows a few years ago when she moved home.
She grew up on a farm near Hooper, Nebraska, went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and then moved to Minnesota, where she lived for the next 50 years.
Now she’s in Omaha, and since she came back, she has been a loyal supporter of The World-Herald’s charity.
“I liked the idea that it gathered money and gave it to the people with needs, based on their times and the times we were in,” she said.
Goodfellows, now administered by the United Way of the Midlands, provides one-time emergency housing and utility aid for families in crisis, among other endeavors.
Hoegemeyer’s dedication on her first gift to the charity honored a family fitting that description.
Andrius and Auguste Trautrimas came to live with Hoegemeyer’s family in 1951. The couple and their children had to leave their farm in Lithuania when the Russians invaded, and they ended up in a displaced persons camp.
“Farmers and others took in these families at least for a time so they could get on their feet,” Hoegemeyer said. “Another farm family near us had a family from Estonia.”
Hoegemeyer remembers the Trautrimases as “a wonderful family.” The kids, she said, went on to do wonderful things after getting that initial boost in their new country.
Son Martin Trautrimas earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and eventually became a professor of languages and humanities at Midland University in Fremont. Daughter Marta was a dietitian, and another daughter, Ruta, was a beautician.
All proved how a little help can change lives.
This year, Hoegemeyer gave in memory of those who have died of COVID-19, though no one she knows has succumbed to the disease.
“It just touches my heart,” she said. “I have watched all the news, and it’s so difficult for families, with so many not being able to be with loved ones when they die.”
News has been an important part of Hoegemeyer’s life, and she said that’s another reason she was attracted to Goodfellows. She studied journalism at NU and was editor of its student newspaper, the Daily Nebraskan, in 1965.
She also had a brief unpaid internship at The World-Herald while she was in college.
Hoegemeyer spent her entire career at the Minneapolis Tribune, which eventually became the Star-Tribune.
Now she’s retired in her home state. So far, she said, she’s dodged the coronavirus.
“I’m trying to stay safe and healthy,” she said.
Goodfellows Donations, Dec. 13
$3,000
Anonymous
$2,500
In memory of Cecil and Laila Walker – Tom and Laura Walker
$1,500
Anonymous; anonymous
$1,000
In memory of Margaret Beitenman – J and Mary Derr; John Maczynski Family
$500
In memory of our daughter Deanna—Donald and Dena Fey; anonymous
$300
Danish Brotherhood Lodge #1
$250
In memory of our parents – Dennis and Pat Austin; In memory of Bill & Clara Owens and Don & Wilma Midlander – William Owens; In honor of our grandchildren: Jack, Sam and Kate Morrison – Doug and Connie Pera; anonymous
$214.18
From Mary Wright in memory of my mom, Rose
$200
In memory of Bob and Harriet Nutty, Herschel and Mildred Hartsell – Susan Nutty; In memory of Mike Ralph by Terry Ralph; In loving memory of Mike Bruening. Your warm smile and generous spirit are missed daily. – Mary Turner; anonymous; anonymous
$150
On behalf of my parents – Jean Larsen
$130
In memory of our parents – Joni Learch
$125
In Memory and Honor of our 25 Grands & Greatgrands. Jim’n Jo – Sydney Morton
$122
In loving memory of John Eledge, Joann Reynek, James Babcock Jr. and Carly Henkel from Kirk and Cele Eledge
$113
In memory of Betty and Robert “Scoop” McArdle – Kevin McArdle
$101
In memory of Ernie and Loretta Blum – Wayne Blum; In memory of Bev and Ken, Bob and Mary, Tim and Tom, with love and aloha from Brian and Colleen; In memory of Bill Welsh and his 101 oysters. Much love from all of us. – Joan Welsh
$100
On behalf of Larry and Pamela Carlson; In memory of Otto and Rosemary Rubin – Paul Rubin; In memory of Chapter FL Members, P.E.O. – Cynthia Hadsell; In memory of our brothers-in-law, Geoff Loper, Mike Drummy and Mike Vinkavich – Jerri Koenig; In memory of Janet Fleissner—Teri Quinn (Correction from Dec. 8, 2020); In memory of Shirley Hanel – Traci Hanel; On behalf of our families – Lynn Bluml; In honor of my 90-year-old parents – Jane Schulte; anonymous; anonymous; anonymous; anonymous
$90
In memory of Delores M. Stokes – Denise Manners
$75
On behalf of Linda Gorman – Cheryl Gorman
$74
In memory of our friends Kay Nurse and Cindy Sawatzki – Wayne Fitzhugh
$50
Anonymous; anonymous; anonymous; anonymous; anonymous; anonymous
$46
On behalf of Tom and Macy Huber – Tom Huber
$35.40
In loving memory of Ray Jacobson. Love, Sharon Jacobson (58 yrs marriage), Jim and Debbie Ciurej, Bruce and Donna MacGregor, 7 grandkids, 1 great-granddaughter, Mia and Marley
$26
In honor of Corrin and Ezekiel – Becky Balestri
$20
In Memory of Anthony Prismantas by Vera Crnkovich – Elvyra Crnkovich
$15
Anonymous
Daily Total: $16,738.58
Campaign Total: $115,137.65
Photos: The Goodfellows fund through the years
Photos: The Goodfellows fund through the years
1926

In 1926, in conjunction with the Goodfellows Christmas drive, this Christmas Lodge and Reindeer Park was set up on the courthouse lawn. As verified by the size of the crowds shown here, the arrangement was wildly popular.
1936

Eugene is shown here in 1936 with his only toy, an air gun (without a barrel) that he found near a dump.
1938

“Dear Goodfellows” — a letter from hundreds upon hundreds of underprivileged children of Omaha. “Christmas is an important and precious thing to children,” said the Goodfellows administrator. “To be passed by when other children are happy leaves a hurt that may never quite heal. It would be better for hundreds of persons to give up their conventional exchange of gifts if it would save one or two children from this hurt. Please join the Goodfellows!”
1938

The father of this family was killed in a car crash and the children don't feel well, as they're undernourished. Photo from December 1938.
1939

A letter to Goodfellows from Bobby, age 8, in 1939. Monday afternoon a World-Herald reporter and photographer visited Bobby's home. Bobby's mother said some oatmeal and apples were the only food in the house.
1939

In pert red sweaters, black shirts and white blouses, these eight girls from “Geathers,” the University of Omaha Pep Club, went to the Goodfellows Mile o’ Dimes board at 16th and Farnam Streets on Dec. 6, 1939, and deposited $5 for the organization. Celia Lipsman, front, is the club’s president.
1939

Is the large board ready for Omaha's donations? It must be filled many times if the city's poor children are to be happy on Christmas. Photo from 1939.
1941

All the city commissioners voted "aya" for The World-Herald Goodfellows in 1941 and backed up their vote with a contribution of $5 each. City Clerk Joe Dineen added a dollar to make the total $36, and the funds were delivered to the Mile o' Dimes. Left to right, front row: Commissioners Jepsen and Dineen and Mayor Butler; back row, left to right: Commissioners Kresl, Trustin, Korisko, Towl and Knudsen.
1941

Kathelle Wallace, clerk in the army finance office in the Woodmen of the World Building, holds the handful of dimes collected in that office for the Goodfellows Mile o'Dimes board at 16th and Farnam Streets on Dec. 18, 1941. The handful amounted to $10.70.
1941

The Union Pacific Junior Drum and Bugle Corps marched for the Mile o' Dimes in 1941.
1942

Three little soldiers on Dec. 14, 1942.
1948

The hard way ... a penny a day. One man never fails to send a Goodfellow donation. He always sends the same amount — $3.65. That's 1 cent for each day in the year. The letter that accompanied a 1947 contribution might have been written by a hurried businessman. It reads: "Enclosed please find donation for the Goodfellows." His address? The State Penitentiary in Lincoln.
1948

Gary, 2, pictured in December 1948. A frying pan and car without wheels are his toys.
1948

Girl Scouts aid by sponging and cleaning soft toys on Dec. 8, 1948. From left to right are Barbara Frederiksen, Shirley Hallback and Patty Hoffman. They are from Troop 147 at North High School.
1951

Bernice and Richard in December 1951. A tired mother answers the door and brightens visibly when she finds the caller is not a bill collector. Five children between the ages of 2 and 9 are clustered about her. The husband has been ill, the bills have piled up, and the outlook for Christmas is bleak.
1953

The little boy in the picture is a member of a family that needs help. His mother has been home from the hospital just six days after having been there for an operation. His father is a former bricklayer. He no longer can do that work because of the loss of an arm. Photo from December 1953.
1953

The two-room tar paper house in the littered backyard of another home looked desolate in the chill of the evening. Inside a little girl was playing with a battered rubber doll. Her name is Jacqueline and she is 3. She has two brothers. There is not much to amuse the three children. Jacqueline's father is in the service and is not due to return to the U.S. until March 1954.
1957

Many a youngster brushed aside a tear on Oct. 15, 1957, and then contributed a favorite toy to the annual Goodfellows toy drive. Piles of toys mounted steadily at Omaha schools. At Windsor School, these fourth graders participated, from left: John Reynolds, Russell Masloski, Loretta Jones, Lanis Latta, Ginger Kay Schreck and Denny Harshburger.
1960

The Coolers, from left, George Miles, William Starks, Henry Redd and Jimmy Starks, won first in The World-Herald Goodfellows Show Wagon District Contest in Kountze Park on July 28, 1960.
1962

The Gulizia brothers at the Goodfellows Show Wagon Contest at Pulaski Park in June 1962.
1962

From left, Michael, Kathy and Sharon McLaughlin, Barbara Willets and Mary Beth McLaughlin singing "Jingle Bells" on Dec. 19, 1962. The five youngsters made the rounds in their neighborhood singing Christmas carols with "Jingle Bells" as their opening and closing number. They made $23.25 for Goodfellows.
1963

From left, postal employee Robert Hearn and Cub Scouts Jack Buckingham, Dick Bernstein, Tony Costanza and Steve Dabbs in December 1963. Their Scout troop went through the neighborhood to pick up empty bottles and cash them in. They ended up with $4.82 to give to Goodfellows. The charity has raised more than $17 million since 1945, when it started modern record-keeping.
1963

Santa Claus gives presents to 25 children from families recommended by Goodfellows on Dec. 22, 1963, at St. Frances Cabrini Social Hall. Santa also handed out refreshments, and a magician entertained the kids at the Christmas party.
1965

"The Beatles" Pantomime group at the World-Herald Goodfellows Show Wagon at Ralston City Park in June 1965.
1968

Little Debbie occupies much of her time in playing with her pet white mouse, Frosty, in December 1968.
1969

Nicky is a clown of sorts. The toddler can make his older brothers and sisters laugh just by strutting around the room with a toy pig. “He’s such a happy baby,” his mother said. “He’s laughing and smiling all the time.” Photo from December 1969.
1974

Optician McCain fits Alan for a brighter Christmas in December 1974.
1975

Latasha Johnson pictured on Dec. 25, 1975.
1975

Tracy, 4, is just at the age when Christmas starts to mean a lot. "I haven't got any money for anything, and that's the truth." There's no reason to doubt that comment from Tracy's mother, who is a widow. Photo from December 1975.
1976

Lou Sortino and sons Mike and Louis Jr. pick Christmas trees on Dec. 9, 1976. Each year about 20 to 30 Christmas trees ended up being wasted at Sortino's West L Fruit Market. So this year, owner Lou, along with Louis Jr. and Mike came up with a better idea. "The boys happened to see a story in the newspaper about a family who will be receiving help from the Goodfellows," said Sortino. "The woman said she might not have money to buy a tree for her family, and that got us thinking." The Sortinos picked out enough Christmas trees for that family and all the ones who are featured in The World-Herald's Goodfellows stories through Christmas. Bekins Moving and Storage Co., 1601 Leavenworth St., has volunteered to deliver the trees in time for Christmas.
1976

Daddy’s health is a concern to Jimmy. “The way things are, we might not be together for too many holidays and we want them good while we’re together.” That’s the way Jimmy’s mother feels about Christmas. But this holiday may not be so good for her son, 4, and daughter, Colleen, 20 months.
1976

Robert and Kimberly are looking for help in this photo from Nov. 29, 1976. Robert's mother is having a hard enough time making ends meet without having to worry about what she will serve her family on Christmas Day.
1978

From left, Karen Furey, Mary Kay Kaczmarek, Kelly McGill, Margie Honz and Cathy Schenkelberg on Dec. 17, 1978. Margie Honz and Nancy Furey of Roncalli High School started putting classmates in chains this week to help free needy families from hunger. It’s a community service project,” said Sister Jean Morrow, who oversees the chain-building. “Goodfellows seemed the right cause.”
1978

From left, Mrs. Moore and Mrs. Thomas. The truckers were glowing almost as rosily as their Christmas tree Friday night at Omaha Country Club, collecting the last of their yearly gift to hand over to Goodfellows today. The tree was peppered with lights, mostly red, each bulb fixed in place by a donating member of the Nebraska Motor Carriers Association.
1982

It's a sparse Christmas at Brian's house. His mother, Susan's, parents live in Des Moines and other relatives also live there. Her folks probably will send her something for her two children.
1982

Christmas is bright for Nicky, 5, and Joey, 6 months, on Dec. 24, 1982. Gifts from Manley Church can be seen in the foreground.
1982

Dustin doesn't understand bills. Photo from November 1982.
1988

School district staffer Susan Meyers and student assistant David Biggs, 11, sort donated coats on Dec. 21, 1988. The clothing program has received more than 2,300 requests this year. For more than 15 years, the Omaha school district and the World-Herald Good Fellows have combined efforts to help needy children dress warmly.
1989

Brandy, left, and Tony on Nov. 27, 1989.
1989

Beulah is still making music in this photo from December 1989.
1989

Millard North Middle School student council members count Goodfellows donations in 1989. From left, standing: Jason Bisbee, David Allen, Kathy Kearns and Jenny Underwood; seated: Jami Rossitto, Lynn Welch and John Miller.
1991

Westside Middle School collected $2,015.50 for Goodfellows. Student Council President Jeremy Tworek presents the gift to Terry Ausenbaugh of The World-Herald on Dec. 23, 1991.
1991

Thia donation from the "Boys on the Road" came in 10 envelopes in December 1991. Goodfellows officials said they don't know how the donation got into the World-Herald building.
1991

Tessie pictured in December 1991. "I just don't feel sorry for myself."
1992

Dennis Burr, age 4, in December 1992.
1994

Jessica Toney in November 1994.
1994

A fifth and sixth grade class at Karen Western Elementary School collected 13,000 pennies for Goodfellows in December 1994. From left to right are Jeff Viola, April Basile and Heather Juntunen.
1995

The Zinn family. This picture ran in The World-Herald on Nov. 21, 1995.
1996

Anna Tapley, a 75-year-old grandmother, raising granddaughter Shardy. This picture ran in The World-Herald on Dec. 4, 1996.