Colleen Althoff, age 67, of Spencer and formerly of Oxnard, California, passed away on Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at Avera St. Anthony's Hospital in O'Neill.  Following her wishes, her ashes will be taken back to California.  Memorials may be directed to the Holt County Veterans Service or your local V.A..  Arrangements are entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in Spencer.

Colleen Marie Althoff was born on May 25, 1959 in Southington, Connecticut to Donald and Shirley (Libby) Atwood.  She went to school at Southington High School when she dropped out to join the U.S. Airforce.  She later earned her GED.  Colleen enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on January 18, 1978 and she was stationed at Randolph Airforce Base working as a Reprography Specialist.  While in the Airforce she received the Air Force Good Conduct Medal and completed the Non-Commissioned Officers Orientation.  She was Honorably Discharged on October 29, 1981.

Colleen met and married Dale Althoff in 1978 in San Antonio, Texas.  They welcomed a daughter, Treasurelyn Elizabeth in November of 1980 in San Antonio and a couple years later welcomed a son, Ryan Matthew in February of 1983 in Oxnard, California.  The couple later divorced in 2001.  Colleen started her career with the U.S. Navy Civil Services, working in Human Resources, after Ryan was born.  She retired after 35 years.  After retirement she moved to Palmdale for several years, then moved to Lakeland, Florida before moving to Spencer, Nebraska, in May of 2022.

She was a proud member of the Santa Clara Catholic Church in Oxnard, California, where she taught CCD for over 15 years.  Colleen always loved helping her children in their sports and was always the first to volunteer for bake sales, making cookies and muffins.

Colleen enjoyed baking and gardening.  She enjoyed taking care of her pets, she's loved animals since she was very young especially turtles.  Colleen was an avid reader, reading many of Danielle Steel books, enjoyed watching the Price is Right on tv, and going to the casino from time to time.  She had a heart of gold and loved her children.

Colleen is survived by her children, Treasurelyn (John Weatherwax) Lopez of Stillwater, PA, Ryan (Heather) Althoff of Camarillo, CA; five grandchildren, Draven, Mayori, Omar, Emmett, and Paisley; siblings, Kathy (Stephen) Fraas, of CT, Donna Atwood of CT, Tim Atwood of FL; several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; brother, Donald Atwood; niece, Kyla and many pets.

The tide recedes, but leaves behind
Bright seashells on the sand.
The sun goes down, but gentle warmth
Still lingers on the land.

The music stops, and yet it echoes on
In sweet refrain.
For every joy that passes,
Something beautiful remains.