WISNER, Neb. — Veretta Koehler , a resident of Wisner, recently celebrated her 105th birthday, marking a century of life that has witnessed remarkable transformations. Born on Oct. 5, 1920, Koehler shared vivid memories of her life with the town.

"I never thought about living as long as I have," Koehler said, reflecting on her long and healthy life. Growing up in the 1920s, she fondly recalls riding in her father's first car, a Ford Model T, at the age of four. "It didn't have any windows, but it had a windshield, and you had to crank it to start it,"

Kailer's childhood on a farm instilled in her the values of self-sufficiency. The family raised cows, chickens, and pigs, and grew their own vegetables and fruits. While they didn't have modern refrigerators, they utilized a unique method of preserving their food. "We built a cave deep in the ground with steps and shelves to keep canned food and milk from spoiling," she explained.

One of the most significant changes Koehler experienced was the introduction of electricity. "We had no electricity for a long time," she said. "When I started high school in the '30s, they had electricity in town, but none in the country." She also recalled her early teaching career, where she earned $50 a year. "We had a well for the school, and the kids would pump the water into a pail. Each child had their own glass to drink from the bucket."

Koehler taught school for five years until she married in 1943 and had two sons. She currently lives independently, with support from her nurse, family, and friends. Koehler attributes her longevity, in part, to her two-story house. "I didn't have a bedroom downstairs," she said. "My doctor tells me, 'Just keep climbing the stairs.' So I do."

Up until a decade ago, Koehler remained active, not only climbing stairs but also driving. "I started driving at 14, and my driver's license had to be renewed when I was 95," she said. Despite  law enforcement and rules allowed her to continue driving with certain restrictions, Koehler made the decision to give up her license. "I didn't want to drive and hit somebody or have them hit me," she explained. "So I just gave up my driving."