Janet "Jan" Luehrs

Janet "Jan" Luehrs, 73; beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend; was received into her Father's arms May 17th at Kona Community Hospital, Kona, HI.

Janet Elaine Dean was born to Robert and Marjorie (Giesecke) Dean February 20, 1950, in Manhattan KS. She attended Atchison County Community High School, Effingham KS, graduating from High School in 1968.

Jan then attended the University of Nebraska – Lincoln where she was involved with Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Education in 1972. It was there she met Bruce Luehrs of Sidney, NE.

On September 9, 1972, Jan was united in marriage to Bruce Luehrs in Concordia KS. They made their home in Olympia WA for a few years where Jan worked for the Bank of Olympia. In 1975, they returned to Nebraska, living in Sidney where their three children were born: Jeffery, Julie, and Barbara.

While in Sidney, Jan worked at Sidney Federal Savings and Loan, then a full time mom and later was a co-partner and teacher of Noah's Ark Preschool. Celebrating the many holidays with family definitely solidified the family bond that she relished.

They settled in Ogallala NE in 1989. There Jan tapped on her love of art in the framing business. She was also a member of the Ogallala Regional Arts Council and the United Methodist Church in Ogallala. Together they enjoyed family and friend gatherings especially at their Lake McConaughy home. Finally, retirement in 2014 took them to Hawaii and the purchase of a small coffee farm near Kona HI. There they basked in the mild climate and lush countryside.

Jan's talents and love of art was evident no matter where she resided. Watercolor was considered her favorite medium. She was active in the Art Guild in Sidney, NE, and was involved in area workshops and shows in all locations. While in Hawaii, she was a member of the Kona Orchid Society, the Kona Coffee Farmers Association, and the Society of Kona's Education and Art (SKEA) plus being a member of the Christ Church Episcopal of Kealakekua, HI. Working with her flowers, particularly orchids; snorkeling in the ocean and gathering with friends and family, especially the grandchildren, brought her much joy.

Cremation has taken place. An intimate service and celebration of life is planned for July 15, 2023 in Hawaii. An open house gathering will be held in Sidney, NE in the fall.

Memorials can be designated to the Christ Church Episcopal; The Aloha Theater or American Heart Association; all through the Jan Luehrs memorial c/o Bruce Luehrs, P.O. Box 803 Captain Cook, HI 96704.

Jan is survived by her husband Bruce of 51 years; son: Jeff Luehrs and finance' Stacy West of Omaha, NE; daughters: Julie Luehrs of Arvada, CO; and Barbara and husband Johannes Seidel of Kona, HI. Grandchildren include: Elizabeth and Ava Luehrs of Omaha, NE; and Max and Luca of Kona, HI. Brother: Larry Dean and Denise McGraw of Forsyth, AR; brother-in-law: Roger and wife Susie Luehrs of Scottsbluff NE; and sister-in-law: Susan Narjes of Sidney. NE.

Jan was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Marjorie Dean, parents-in-law Elberne and Florence Luehrs and brother-in-law Gary Narjes.