Jessica G. Eidem, 41 of Kearney passed away Friday, June 26, 2020 at CHI Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. Memorial services will be held at a later date.
Jessica was born July 11, 1978 in Ogallala, Nebraska to Martin and Bonnie (Knight) Mueller. She was raised in Ogallala and attended St. Luke’s Catholic Elementary School and later Ogallala High School, graduating with the class of 1996. Jessica was the class valedictorian, a standout member of the girls’ golf team, a thespian, and a member of the band. She enjoyed waitressing, played piano at Ogallala’s famed Front Street Crystal Palace Review, and was a photographer’s assistant. After graduation, she attended the University of Nebraska-Kearney (UNK) where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education. She delivered flowers for Kearney Floral when not in class. On June 10, 2000, Jessica was united in marriage to Nathan Eidem at St. Luke’s Catholic Church in Ogallala. She began her career at Horizon Middle School in Kearney, teaching 7th grade science until 2003. During this time, she earned her master’s degree from UNK. The couple moved to Washington, D.C. and Carbondale, Illinois to continue their education, and Albany, Oregon where Jessica taught in Mt. Angel and was the girls High School Golf Coach. In 2008, they moved back to Kearney where she worked at Sunrise Middle School, before returning to her previous 7th grade science position at Horizon Middle School. Jessica loved to learn and enjoyed the challenge of sharing that knowledge with her students. She was a natural teacher.
Their beautiful daughter, Julia, was born on July 20, 2009. Her birth was harrowing for the new mother, as she battled pre-eclampsia. The two enjoyed their girls’ weekends together. A handsome son, Isaac, came into their world on February 4, 2012. His birth followed a storm that dumped 10” of snow on Kearney, adding some extra excitement to the event. The two loved to read together. The family traveled extensively throughout the U.S. on many long road trips. She loved her children very much and put them at the top of her priority list every day of their lives. She was an accomplished teacher, but her passion was her family. Her biggest wish was for society to put child-rearing at the top of its priority list.
Jessica had an unwavering faith and was an active member of Kearney First Lutheran Church. She taught confirmation classes, helped with VBS, mission outreach and played the keyboard in the praise band. She loved to golf, play piano, go on walks, travel, attend concerts and spend time with her family.
Jessica loved to laugh and was one of the kindest people wherever she went. Her beautiful smile could light up a room. She was well loved by her family, friends, co-workers, and students. Although Jess met a tragic end while walking with Nate, it is somewhat poetic that it happened at the same school she loved so well.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Nathan Eidem of Kearney; children, Julia and Isaac Eidem of Kearney; parents, Martin and Bonnie Mueller of Ogallala; brother, Jacob Mueller and wife, Laci of Ogallala; sister, Joanell Staab and husband, Jarred of Kearney; grandmother, Trudy Knight of Keystone, Nebraska; as well as several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.
Jessica was preceded in death by her grandfather, Fred Knight; and grandparents, Charles and Ardis Mueller.
Memorials are suggested to the Kearney Public Schools Foundation, First Lutheran Church, or the American Red Cross. Condolences may be shared online at www.osrfh.com. Services are entrusted to O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral and Cremation Services.