Jodene Lynette Houser

Jodene Lynette Houser, age 66, of Sidney, NE passed away peacefully at her home in Sidney on Tuesday, December 21, 2021. She was surrounded with love and comfort by family at the time of her passing.

A Celebration of Life was held at the Evangelical Church in Sidney, NE at 10:30 A.M. on December 27, 2021. Services were recorded and will be available on our website for viewing. There will be no public visitation. Per Jo’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, donations can be given to a gazebo building fund for Sidney residents to enjoy. Please send donations to Lori Borchert, PO Box 79, Sidney, NE 69162.

You may view Jo’s Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com.

Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Jo’s care and funeral arrangements.

She is preceded in death by her parents John and Lee Bahr, in-laws Paul and Joyce Houser, sister Cynthia Bahr Balsom and great nephew, Paul Ernest.

She is survived by her loving husband Greg; her children Lisa and husband John Soto, Jaime and husband Jason Rogers, Michael and wife Megan Palmer, Amy Houser and Haellie Houser and her beloved dog Mia. Grandchildren; Owen, Ethan, Alex and Alaina Soto; Westin and Elliana Rogers; Kanon and Kreyton Palmer; Kyler, Kai and Keaton Speer. Sisters, Donna Bahr and Lori and husband Mike Borchert and brother John Bahr. Friends, Mike and Sherri Hausmann, Jack and Deb Taylor and Tom and Bev Sonntag.

Jo was born on July 6, 1955, the third daughter of John and Leona Bahr. She was born and raised in Sidney, NE and had a strong love for her community. She dedicated the majority of her professional life working for the City of Sidney, where she worked as the Human Resources Director. She retired after 30 years in January of 2021.

Jo married Greg Houser on June 8, 1991, from this union combined two families into one. Jo enjoyed hosting family get togethers, where she insisted on making sure everything was just perfect and lots of entertainment. She also insisted on family pictures much to the chagrine of some. She relished spending time at their lake house playing cards with friends and spending quality time with family. In her spare time, she enjoyed her many craft projects, especially the ones that included her grandchildren.

Jo touched many lives and was a friend to many. She never met a stranger she wouldn’t help. She especially enjoyed volunteering her time. She volunteered throughout her life giving her time to hospice, mother of preschoolers (MOPS,) Awana’s, and serving her church in various ways.

Family was of the upmost importance to Jo, which included her close friends, she persisted that we all get together whenever possible and demanded games and fun be held, she always had something lined up for entertainment. Her grand-children were the apple of her eyes and she spent countless hours being part of their lives, attending their various events. The twinkle of her eye was her “6th child” Mia who the family welcomed 5 years ago. She loved Mia and spent her day catering to her every need and telling the world about her.

But above all, her faith in Christ was the most important part of her life! She accepted Christ in her 20’s and she desired to be a living testimony to his goodness and glory throughout her life up until He called her home!

This is my command – be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. Joshua 1:9.