Moser hangs up her Sr. Center apron

RANDOLPH — The Randolph Senior Center was like a second home for Alfreda Moser.

She began working at the Randolph Senior Center during the year when Kathie Ann graduated from high school, 1984.

“I liked the cooking and meeting all the people,’’ she said. “I liked working with the people at the Senior Center. They are like friends and family.’’

“My favorite meal that I always remember is the first one, Swiss steak. I had to serve 85 people,’’ she said. “I was the main cook. I did all meal planning. I worked with the Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging on nutrition. I liked it so well. I loved all the people I worked with.’’

Moser is the daughter of the late Joe and Lucy Aschoff of Randolph.

Her marriage to high school sweetheart Floyd Moser arose from her schooling at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic School. The two were married in 1956 in Randolph at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church. The two farmed near Randolph.

Their children include Michael, Mary Ann, Joan, Kevin, Diane, Carol Ann, Kathie Ann, Marcie Ann and Cheryl.

Since retiring, Moser said her list of what to do upon retirement has shrank due to the virus.

“I plan to just spend time at home with family and friends,’’ she said.

Renae Nordhues began to take on Alfreda’s duties on May 11.

“It is kind of a bad time to start due to the virus,’’ Moser said. “It takes time I didn’t start knowing it all. Everybody does things differently. I hope people will give Renae time.’’

Moser showed Nordhues around on her first day.

“Every day I worked with different volunteers,’’ Nordhues said. “It has been a dream come true.’’

Before starting at the Senior Center, Nordhues spent two years studying at Wayne State College. She was working toward the goal of becoming a music therapist. She was planning to get her undergraduate degree there and continue on for graduate work in music therapy.

Nordhues has one son, Cody. Her parents are Marvin and Kim Nordhues of Randolph.

Her day-to-day work involves making lunches every day. Every other Friday she makes brunches.

“I sanitize the kitchen. I make desserts the day before and instruct volunteers,’’ she said. ‘’Volunteers help cut vegetables and fruits. I organize take out meals. We make one meal now, brunch on Monday through Friday. We serve 20 to 35 people. The State comes to check the facility.’’

She said her favorite meal is chicken.

“I am looking forward to dining in,’’ she said. “Due to the virus, no inside dining is allowed.”

“I am using Alfreda’s recipes. Everyone is used to her cooking. I am reorganizing recipes and I do like to do something different sometimes to recipes just to do something different. I took cooking classes in high school. I made pies for fundraisers. I enjoy the Food Network and my favorite chef Bobby Flay.’’

Nordhues said of returning to her hometown, “I love the community. Everyone is smiling and happy. This is a great small community. Most of the volunteers are older women. This work gives them a purpose. I have one volunteer working with me every day. There are two or three different volunteers working throughout the week.’’