Jim “Jim Mac” Irwin
James Allen Irwin, aka “Jim Mac,” passed away Tuesday, October 3, 2017, in Lincoln, NE. He was 57.
Jim was born in Lincoln on April 14, 1960, to Neil and Beverly (Kasl) Irwin. As an “Air Force brat,” Jim moved a number of times until Junior High when he ultimately landed back in Lincoln, upon his dad being permanently stationed at Offutt Air Force Base.
Jim worked many years for Jacob North Printing Company, before returning to school later in life to receive his degree as a Respiratory Therapy Technician.
Jim, a lover of the Grateful Dead, had been to over 100 Dead shows in his life (he lost count). Jim, a humble man with a soft heart, was always ready to help friends and strangers however he could. Jim was a handy guy who could fix almost anything and worked very hard. Most of all, Jim adored his children and was always known to be a very good listener. Those who met him always commented on his kindness and gentle ways. Jim will be greatly missed.
Jim is survived by his mother, Beverly Irwin; daughters: Amber (Randy) Bax, Andrea (Blake Travis) Irwin, Jamie (Mathias Campbell) Irwin, and their mother, Theresa Riggs; son Jacob Irwin, and Jacob’s mother, Betsy Bergman; grandchildren: Jasmyn, Isaac, Ryleigh, Kayana, Natalie, and Bryson; lifelong best friend Dave Connett, along with other countless friends who all deeply loved and respected Jim. Jim was preceded in death by his father, Neil, and his brother, Tom.
Cremation. No visitation. A Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, October 8, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m., Oak Lake Park, 180 Charleston Street, Lincoln Nebraska. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the children, 4211 Spruce Street, Lincoln, NE 68516.
Johnette Lilian Pickett
Johnette Lilian Kennedy Pickett passed away in her home in Lincoln, Nebraska on Saturday, September 16, 2017, surrounded by all four daughters, at the age of 77.
Born on April 4, 1940, to parents Don and Eleanor Kennedy, Johnny was number six of seven children. She grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, attended West High School, and then the University of Wisconsin. Johnny pledged Alpha Gamma Delta Sorority and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English & History in 1962.
Upon graduation, Johnny took a job in Chicago working for the Social Security Administration, where she was soon transferred to an SSA office in San Francisco.
Johnny loved San Francisco, where she met and fell in love with her husband, James (Jim) Pickett. The couple married and moved to Augsburg, Germany, where Jim was stationed in the U.S. Army.
Later, Johnny & Jim moved to his hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska where they raised their four daughters. She spent her early work life in childhood education and her later years in caring for patients at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital. During her time in Lincoln, she developed many dear friends.
Johnny had a love for history, books, and politics and was a devoted lifelong learner. She enjoyed taking Olli classes upon retirement at the University of Nebraska, playing with grandchildren, watching great movies, and constantly reading.
Johnny is survived by sister Karen D’Orazio of Madison, Wisconsin, and by her daughters, Julie Petr of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Meg Damme, Betsy Jensen, and Kate Pickett of Lincoln, Nebraska, along with 9 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Johnny was preceded in death by ex-husband Jim Pickett, her parents, and five siblings, Thomas Kennedy, Josephine Toltzien, Phyllis Hays, Rita Levis, and Grover Kennedy.
Cremation. No visitation. A celebration of life will take place at Wilderness Ridge, 1800 Wilderness Woods Place, Lincoln, Nebraska from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017. Johnny’s ashes will be put to rest next to her parent’s grave site in Madison, Wisconsin, in July 2018.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Tabitha Foundation for the hospice care program in memory of Johnette Pickett.
Diane Marie Biever Solee
Diane Solee, 75, of Lincoln, NE passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2017, in Maryville, Il. She was born May 22, 1942, to John and Marie Biever in Tacoma, Washington. She grew up in Grand Forks, North Dakota and graduated from Central High School in 1960. She attended the University of North Dakota, joined the Tri-Delta sorority, later transferring to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She graduated in 1963 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
After graduating, she married Raymond Robert Solee and moved to Chicago, Il. where she began her teaching career. After several job-related moves, she and her family settled in Lincoln, NE where they have resided for the past 41 years.
Besides teaching Diane worked as a tax preparer for H & R Block, was a trainer and account representative for Mobile Oil, and the financial director for Houses of Hope in Lincoln, NE for over 30 years.
Diane was active in a variety of volunteer work. Through Lincoln Women’s Club, she taught CPR, helped children with learning disabilities, assisted with the GED program at Southeast Community College, and visited patients at the VA Hospital. The mayor of Lincoln presented her with the Woman Volunteer of the Year Award in 1994.
She was a National Financial Advisor for the Tri-Delta Sorority for over 30 years. Diane has been active in her church in many capacities including handbell choir, JR/SR Counselor and chaperone, Sunday school teacher, Covenant Women’s group, and Hospitality committee. In addition to her volunteer work, Diane found the time to enjoy bridge, participate in book clubs, and two Bible study groups. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Diane is survived by her husband Ray of 54 years, one son Christopher Solee (Jenn), one daughter Jennifer Rosenbaum (Troy), one sister Karen Reyna (Sam), and two granddaughters Rebecca and Amanda Solee, one grandson Jonah Rosenbaum, and nieces and nephews.
Cremation. No visitation. A celebration of Diane’s life will be at 11:00 am Saturday, September 30, 2017, at First Evangelical Covenant Church, 6024 L Street, Lincoln NE with Evan Westburg officiating. A memorial gathering with family greeting friends will be held 6-8 pm Friday, September 29, 2017, at First Evangelical Covenant Church. For anyone unable to attend the service and who would like to join us can view the celebration online at http://firstcovenantlincoln.org.
Memorials to First Evangelical Covenant Church will be used to support Covenant Cedars Camp in Hordville, NE.
Anna Gimelshteyn
Born on June 6, 2017 in Russia.
Passed away on September 19, 2017.
Age 84
Cremation. No visitation. No service.
Ed Smetter
Ed Smetter, 63, of Lincoln, NE died September 16, 2017, at Bryan Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with cancer. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1972 and then married his wife, Cathie, building a life together for over 45 years.
In 1973, Ed began a 45-year career at Black Hills Energy. He took pride in his work and was respected by many.
Ed is survived by his wife Cathie, daughter Cheri and son-n-law Brett Anderson; sons, Doug Smetter, Kenny and daughter-n-law Alicia Smetter; grandchildren Josh & Nathan Anderson, Chasity, Caitlyn, Chloe & Chance Smetter; sisters Mary Donahoe & Terri Jackson; brother Steve Smetter; special friends Cody Wieseler & Jason Steffen; many nieces, nephews and other family & friends who were all very special to him.
A memorial service was at 1:00 pm on Friday, September 22, 2017, at St Luke United Methodist Church, 1621 Superior St., Lincoln, Ne. There will be no visitation.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family are suggested for future designation.
Condolences to www.aspenaftercare.com.
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