Jean “Jeani” Wheat passed away peacefully September 24, 2023. A Celebration of Life will be held Friday, October 20, 2023 at 11:00 am at Friedens Ev. Lutheran Church, 540 D Street, Lincoln, Nebraska. Inurnment will be at Wyuka Cemetery, Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jean May Wheat was born on August 26, 1949 along with her twin sister, Jeanette Kay to William and Norma Huelle in Norfolk, Nebraska.
Jean was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church, Pierce Nebraska. She attended Zion Lutheran Parochial School and graduated from Pierce High School.
Following graduation, Jean went to college in River Falls, Wisconsin and later moved to Lincoln,
Nebraska where she resumed taking a number of classes.
After working at a bank, she pursued her love of sewing which provided her with a lifetime career – her own sewing business: Jeani’s Sewing Service. Jean had many clients, some of whom became lifelong friends. Jean would say, “I might never retire because I really love my work and the people.”
When Jean wasn’t sewing, she enjoyed designing, gardening, baking, and giving homemade gifts to everyone. Jean enjoyed making others happy and loved cooking and entertaining friends at her home. Her artistic ability & creativity shone brightly in everything she did.
Jean taught herself to play the harmonica and would often play for family, friends and her church. Her harmonica and Bible were always with her. Jean loved the Lord and was comforted knowing she would see Jesus.
Jean married Daniel Wheat and later divorced.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents William and Norma (Kolterman) Huelle, baby brothers Ralph and Gilbert; brother-in-law Burl Massman; infant niece Kari Lee Massman; sister-in-law Ani Bathen Huelle. Surviving are brother Lee (Cynthia) Huelle from Florida, sister Doris Massman from Minnesota, brother Del Huelle from Guatemala, sister Jeanette Christofferson from Florida; many nieces, nephews and friends.
Memorials may be directed to the family for further designation.
I loved all the dinners and outings with Jeani. She was a dear friend. Praying for all of her family and friends. May God bring comfort and peace to all those who loved her. She will be missed dearly.
Jean was my friend of many years and she was the best of us. She truly epitomized goodness. I will miss her.
My dear friend Jean’s life was a gift and blessing to everyone who knew her. I will miss her laugh, her giving spirit and our friendship forever! Artistic, talented, and filled with the light and love of her deep Christian faith, I know Jean is at peace and with the Lord who loves us all.
My sincere condolences to Jeani’s family and friends. I enjoyed getting to know her late in her life. I loved her friendly smile, her colorful clothes, and her harmonica songs. I am sorry for your loss.
I was so very sorry to hear about Jean’s passing. I will miss her stories about her cats. I will also miss her calling me on by birthday and playing “Happy Birthday” on her harmonica.
Thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Jeani was my best friend and will forever hold a place in my heart that no one else could. We stood together ready to face whatever life threw our way….laughter or tears we held each other close. Not a day goes by without precious memories of a courageous woman who never wanted to give up on life. I look forward to our reunion.
I met Jeanie about 18 years ago, while looking in the yellow pages for someone that could hem my jeans. That was a start of a beautiful friendship. Jeanie would hem my jeans and I would help her with her computer. Several times she invited me, my mother, and my wife to have dinner at her house, we also had a few outings to El Toro, one of her favorite restaurants and Grateful Bread. She was always very nice to me and will miss her calls and her sweet and kind nature. I am sorry I just learned the news. My heartfelt condolences to Jeanie’s family and friends.