Jean Kirkus was born on February 25, 1932 in Kimball, Nebraska to Lee and Dorthy (Dean) Bradt. Jean attended school in Kimball, graduating from Kimball High School with the class of 1950. She went on to attend and graduate from Westmar College in Le Mars, Iowa.
Jean was united in marriage to Eldo N. Kirkus on June 27, 1954 in Bushnell, Nebraska. They settled in their first home at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary in Naperville, Illinois. From 1957-1960 the couple called Omaha, Nebraska their home. They also called Milford, Nebraska home from 1960-1962 and lived Culbertson, Nebraska from 1962-1977. Jean has called McCook, Nebraska home since 1977, making many lifelong friendships and connections.
Jean was a member of the McCook Methodist Church. She loved to travel, hoping to travel to all fifty states, she visited forty-nine. Jean attended many Bible studies. She enjoyed following politics and playing her piano and the church organ. She was a talented cook and enjoyed discovering new recipes to share with her family.
Jean passed away Friday evening, September 20, 2024 at the Highland Park Retirement Community in McCook. She was 92 years of age.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Lois Lea Bradt; her husband, Eldo N Kirkus; and then by her parents, Lee and Dot, Bradt.
She is survived by her daughters, Terrie Kirkus Unger and Kathy Kirkus both of McCook; grandchildren, Stacey (Rich) Campbell of Evans, Colorado, Stefanie (Kevin) Walter of Dacono, Colorado, and Shawna Unger of McCook; great-grandchildren: Bailey (Luis) Figueroa of Northglenn, Colorado, Jayden (Kyana) Unger of Fort Collins, Colorado, Rylan (Amanda) Unger of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Cierra (Cameroh Reynolds) Freeburg of Greeley, Colorado, Nate Unger of McCook, Ashlynn Walter, Brisa Mancillas, and Korbyn Walter of Dacono, Colorado, and Payton Freeburg of Evans, Colorado; great-great-grandchildren, Sebastian Figueroa of Northglenn, Myles Unger and Novara Unger of Fort Collins.
Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook. Jean's family will be present to greet friends from 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM on Friday morning, September 27, 2024 at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel in McCook with Rev. Alisa Parde officiating. Burial in the Culbertson Cemtery will follow services.
Memorials in Jean's name are suggested to Samaritan's Purse. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook.