Wilma Jean Strnad, 92

Wilma Jean Broders Strnad was born on January 11, 1932, and has joined her husband George of 68 years and her daughter Susan “Susie” Strnad into eternal rest. The Strnad family is survived by daughter Mary Ann Caniglia (Michael) and a lifetime of memories with grandchildren, Cheryl Buda (Tony), Daniel Leutzinger, and Amber Anderson (Scott). The crown jewels of the Strnad legacy are Jean’s great grandchildren: Vincent, who is graduating from UNO in 2025; Andy, graduating high school in 2025; Nathan, attending Creighton Prep; Kristopher, attending the Ford Motor Program for Mechanics; Jacob, attending UNO on a full scholarship; and Mary Ann Grace, who just started kindergarten. Jean is also survived by countless other family and friends, including George’s sister Dolly (Gerald) Divoky, and their sons David, Michael, John, and Steven; and friends Glen, Hilda, Charlotte, and Cindy who were always there for her whenever she needed them.

For the past year, Jean considered the staff of the second floor and memory support unit of her assisted living community, friends. They did an excellent job of supporting her with life transitions as well as providing for her daily needs. We would also like to thank the AseraCare Hospice team, specifically Kathy, her nurse, for the outstanding care and commitment to providing a peaceful transition.

Jean revealed a side of herself few people ever experienced by opening up to the staff and residents. She considered her closest friends to be Pat, Betty, and Barbara, who she considered her best friend. Jean and Barbara frequently enjoyed singing together while sharing meals, coffee, and desserts, rarely missing the opportunity to express mutual “I love you’s” after seeing each other. Just a few short months ago, Amber and Scott were able to record Jean singing her favorite song, “Always”, where they surprised her by using that recording for their first dance at their wedding. Jean was so touched because that song was considered to be part of the family legacy…”We will love you always, not for just an hour, not for just a day, not for just a year, but always”. Jean always thought of George and Susan when she sang that song, and we will include her in the list of people we will think about whenever we hear that song.

The Strnad family is so grateful for the life paths George, Jean, and Susan left us to follow. Jean was always considered to be such a kind person, and we loved her very much. This sentiment was true for everyone she encountered including the people she worked with at JCPenney, her friends, and her family. We will miss Jean dearly.

We will have a private family ceremony to give Wilma Jean Strnad back to Heaven. We would also like to invite all the people who touched her life including her friends, the staff and residents at Heritage Ridge to join us in sharing her daily coffee and dessert on Sunday, September 22nd, from 1:00 – 3:00pm on the second floor of Heritage Ridge Assisted Living Facility, 1502 Fort Crook Road South, Bellevue, NE 68005. In lieu of flowers, Jean asked to instead make a donation to the Make a Wish Foundation as she was always concerned “are you happy”.