Erma Colleen (Rodehorst) Just, 78, of Funk, passed away Monday, May 11, 2020 at the Country House Assisted Living in Kearney.
Colleen was born January 3, 1942 to Emil W. and Mayme H. (Metz) Rodehorst. Colleen grew up on a farm near Pleasanton. She graduated from Pleasanton High School in 1959. Following high school Colleen attended Kearney State Teachers College and worked at Paul’s Broiler in downtown Kearney.
While in college she noticed a very nice 1960 Chevy convertible and flagged the car down. It was owned by James A. Just and they were married September 16, 1961 at St. James Catholic Church. The couple farmed near Funk on the Just family land, owned by the Just family at this time for over 100 years. Jim and Colleen have one son, Joshua J. Just.
Colleen was active in the Kearney Elks Does Chapter and served as president in the late 70’s. She served as a Cub scout leader in Funk in the late 80’s. She and husband Jim were recognized by the state for land conservation practices.
Colleen absolutely loved working along side Jim on the farm. She wasn’t afraid to drive machinery or go to work in the fields. She helped build miles of fence, drove the auger wagon, disc fields, and drove the grain trucks to the elevator each fall. She loved being outside mowing, and always had a huge lawn and immaculate garden. She loved helping with cattle, and was protective of anything that ventured onto her lawn from cats, birds, rabbits, and wildlife.
She was an amazing mother, and grandmother. Spending time with family meant trips to Harlan County Lake to fish and camp, weekly movie nights with Josh, and camping at Lake McConaughy with family and friends. Colleen loved her large family, hosting Christmas Eve for over 25 years for the Rodehorsts. Always with lots of great food, conversation, interesting gift exchanges and laughs. Colleen had a huge collection of angels, loved the color purple and enjoyed entertaining. Everyone that entered her home was welcomed warmly. Colleen was one of the nicest and most humorous people, her giggle and laugh was infectious. She never had a negative thing to say about anyone. She made friends wherever she went and did not know a stranger.
Her family greatly appreciates the amazing love and care she received the past three years at Country House Residential Living.
Colleen is survived by son Joshua and wife Kristy (Lavington) Just and granddaughter Jemma of Funk. Brother Keith and Jan Rodehorst, Kearney. Sister-in-law Norma Rodehorst, Kearney. Sister-in-law Helen Rodehorst of Bennett Colorado, Brother-in-Law, Bob and Judy Just of Funk. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband James Just, and brothers Melvin and Sid Rodehorst.
Due to the current COVID-19 restrictions, private family services will be held at the Kearney Cemetery. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association. Cards for the family may be mailed to Horner Lieske McBride & Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services, 2421 Ave. A, Kearney, NE 68847.