The Iola Brolliar Scholarship was first awarded to a Wilber Clatonia Public School graduate in May of 2013. Mrs. Brolliar passed away in 2012 and her four children, daughter Connie Allen and sons Bill Brolliar, Bob Brolliar, and Jon Brolliar decided to establish a scholarship in her honor and memory.

Iola Butt Brolliar of Western married Willis Brolliar in 1948. They lived in Wilber and welcomed four children to this union. Willis worked at the Ford Garage in Wilber as a mechanic and secretary/bookkeeper. Iola Brolliar worked at the Agriculture government office, known as the AAA, then ASCS, and lastly the FSA office in Wilber. Mr. Brolliar passed away in 1962 at the age of 36, leaving his wife to raise Connie-13, Bill-11, Bob-10, and Jon-4 years of age on her own. A neighbor lady, Mrs. Vlcek, helped out with child care when Iola needed assistance. Iola continued to work at the farm service agency office for over 35 years while her children grew up, graduated from Wilber Clatonia High School, and went on to college, the army, work, and the air force.

The four Brolliar children have deep respect for their single mom and her dedicated spirit to raising fine children. In her honor and memory, the Brolliar children established a scholarship at Wilber Clatonia Public Schools Foundation. This scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior who will be attending a two-year vocational or trade school located in the state of Nebraska. Out-of-state schools will be considered if the in-state requirement is not met. The recipient shall demonstrate a financial need. Grade point average and class rank will be given minimal consideration. The Iola Brolliar $500.00 scholarship has been awarded at Wilber Clatonia Public School for the past eight years.

The Brolliar children are very proud of their mom and wanted to honor her memory in a lasting and productive manner. They decided to "pay ahead" the tuition for a graduating senior to be able to move forward in the business world, just as their mom did as she raised her children.

Iola Brollliar, 89, of Wilber, passed away on Sunday, Aug 26, 2012, in Wilber.

She was born on a farm north of Western on April 17, 1923, to August and Elle (Frey) Butt. She attended School District 37, Spunky Hollow, and graduated from Western High School in 1940. Iola was baptized, confirmed, and a member of St John’s Evangelical Reformed Church in Western. She helped her family on the farm.

In 1942 she started working for AAA office in Wilber, later the ASCS office. She had worked there for 35 years and served as Treasurer of the Sunnyside Cemetery Association for over 25 years.

She was united in marriage to Willis Brolliar in 1948.

She was a member of the Wilber United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women and a member of the Wilber Women’s Bowling Association. She enjoyed traveling and bowling and spending time with her family.