Jean Harker Tussing, 80, of Lincoln, NE passed away July 3, 2016. Jean was born December 20, 1935 in Denison, Iowa to George W. and Ella M. Harker. Jean graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in piano from the University of Iowa in 1958 and after raising her family, a Masters Degree in Special Education from the University of Nebraska in 1981. An accomplished concert pianist, a loving mother and grandmother, dedicated educator, avid gardener and lover and protector of all animals, she lived a meaningful, thoughtful and joyous life. Her greatest joy was sharing her love of literature and music with her granddaughter Ellen. Jean was happiest digging in her garden with her dog by her side, working one-on-one with her pupils, laughing/arguing with her three brothers and surrounding herself with her daughters, her granddaughter and her many, many loving friends. Although she lived in Lincoln, NE most of her adult life, Jean remained true and loyal to the Black and Gold of the University of Iowa.
Jean is survived by daughters Kerin L. Peterson, Leslie J. Tussing and partner Sharon Reuter, son Jay Tussing and granddaughter Ellen L. Peterson, all of Lincoln. Brothers, G. Wesley Harker and wife Bonnie of Santee, CA, John V. Harker of Lake Oswego, OR, Lee A. Harker and wife Jill of Omaha, NE and canine buddy Tonka.
Preceded in death by parents, sister-in-law Judy Harker, niece Nicole L. Weber and many beloved canine companions.
Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at Wyuka Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Chet Ager Nature Center.
Leslie ~ You are often in my thoughts, but especially during this time. Sincerely condolences. Your mother was an exceptional woman and raised an amazing daughter whom I’ve had the pleasure to know for decades. Share her memories as you continue your journey. Hope you are doing well. Blessings.
Jean, may you now find peace, you will be missed by all your DHS54 Classmates and friends in Denison ! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY.
Kerin, Thanks for letting me know of your loss, the hurt will past in time and you will always remember your Mother as she was ! Take Care BH
Jean Tussing Family
I am very sorry to learn of Jean’s passing. My sincere condolences to her family.
David K. Peterson
To the Jean Harker Tussing family members and friends, I send my sincere condolences. To all of us who knew her, she was a very special person. My association was as a classmate in the Class of ’54. She was a bright and talented person who earned the respect of her fellow classmates and and used her abilities to achieve recognition for outstanding achievements. Among those awards was the title of Most Representative Senior Girl, an indication of how her classmates felt about her. In my memory she will remain an attractive, responsible, enjoyable friend whose personality and humor contributed greatly to my enjoyment of 4 years in high school. And there is no doubt in my mind that she used all her attributes for the benefit of others in her later years when teaching.
She truly was outstanding, as a representative of her family and of her faith. May God bless her in lasting peace.