Plattsmouth woman's death in Falls City being investigated

FALLS CITY - An autopsy is being performed on a former Plattsmouth resident who was found dead in her Falls City apartment Saturday. Results have not been released.

April Bishop, 21, was about to take over the Falls City public school's band program. Her parents became suspicious when she didn't appear at the Rose Theater in Omaha for a Friday performance in "The Wizard of Oz." She was a member of the orchestra.

Bishop was a 2004 graduate of Plattsmouth High School and did so with high honors. Following graduation, she enrolled in the music program at University of Nebraska-Omaha where she was a member of the Marching Mavericks. She was also a section leader and instrument manager for the music department. In addition, she found time to be involved in other ensembles including University Band, Concert Choir, Power play and served as the principal chair in the Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Heartland Philharmonic and Concert Orchestra.

She had graduated with honors from University at Omaha last May.  Bishop was a student teacher at Millard West High School and Black Elk and Reeder Elementary schools.

Millard School officials describe April as very dedicated and said she stayed past her student teaching experience to help students prepare for state competition and a spring band concert.

 Counseling is being offered to former students.

In a recent story by Journal Intern Georgia Laughner, Bishop said she had always wanted to be a teacher. Her dream was to return and teach at Plattsmouth High School.

A candlelight vigil will be conducted June 23, at the Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at UNO at 9:30 p.m. Visitation will be Tuesday, June 24, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Roby Funeral Home in Plattsmouth. Her funeral will be Wednesday, June 25, at First Presbyterian Church at 10:30 a.m. UNO will conduct a memorial service Thursday, June 26, at Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall at 7 p.m. on campus.

April is the daughter of Joyce and Richard Bishop of Plattsmouth. She has three surviving sisters, Karen Bishop of Plattsmouth; Denise Keierleber of Lincoln; and Valerie DeSalle of Glendale Heights, Ill.