February 6, 1951 ~ October 24, 2025
Jean Ann was born on February 6, 1951 in Beatrice, Nebraska, her parents were Delmar and Irene Champ. She was the second of six girls. She attended rural country school and then Blair High School. After high school she studied nursing, received her license and was employed as a nurse at the University of Nebraska Hospital caring for sick and injured children.
She met George while he was in professional school. They were married in Blair on May 21, 1978. She, Rob and George moved to Pawnee City in 1981. She raised Rob, Maggie and Clare to be compassionate, all three became therapists. Her house was often filled with the children’s friends. Jean was active in organizations that supported the school, including the Fine Arts Boosters, and in the summer, she organized track meets to raise money for the school’s track program. She was elected to and served on the Pawnee School Board of Education.
She was a parishioner of St. Anthony of Padua, a member of the altar society, taught CCD religious education, and also volunteered at many church dinners as well as taking reservations for the Convent House bed and breakfast.
Being married to a rural family physician meant she often had to do more than her share while he was at the hospital or clinic. After George retired they moved to Lincoln to be closer to her beloved children and grandchildren. When Clare would foster children, Jean quickly became Grandma Jean to them, hugging and giving them gifts as if they were her own grandchild.
Health problems slowed her down but rarely prevented her from being at their events.
In September 2025 she had a series of severe health crises, leading to her death on October 24, 2025 surrounded by her family. She received the Sacraments and Apostolic Blessing on the eve of her death.
She is survived by her husband of 47 years, George, children: Robert (Rebecca Kosch) Margaret and Clare (Lon “Pete” Okolotowicz), grandchildren Caroline and Scarlett Fulkerson, Rex and Knox Voigtlander, Dash Okolotowicz and Jakobie Fry. Surviving her are sisters Susan Gerdes, Connie Barnes, Penny Champ, Amy Champ and Teresa Champ and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Parents Delmar and Irene preceded her in death.
Jean advocated for and supported organizations that fed hungry children. She would have appreciated any donations in her honor to this cause.
Memorial Mass at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 8, 2025 at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, Steinauer, Nebraska, Father William Holoubeck will be officiating. Register book available for signing on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Wherry Mortuary, 919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska. Private family inurnment at St. Anthony’s Catholic Cemetery. Memorials to the Pawnee City Back Pack Program, Food Bank or Pawnee City Library. Online condolence may be left at www.wherrymortuary.com Services entrusted to Wherry Mortuary,919 G Street, Pawnee City, Nebraska Eternal rest grant to her, O Lord; and may perpetual light shine upon her.