Jenny S. Willman

Jennifer "Jenny" Sue Willman, 43, formerly of Grand Island, went to her heavenly home on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at the Lund Home in Gilbert, AZ, after a brave six year battle with cancer. She passed away in her mother’s loving arms just as she came into the world. Jenny never complained and lived up to her belief to "walk by faith, not by sight". Services were held in Gilbert, AZ. Jenny’s wishes were to be cremated. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, June 17, 2015 at St. Leo’s Catholic Church. Father Donald Buhrman will be the Celebrant. Gathering of family and friends will be from 5-7 p.m. Tuesday with a Christian Wake service and time of sharing at 7 p.m. at All Faiths Funeral Home. Jenny was born May 22, 1972 to Margery (Marge) Tyma Rauert and the late Dave Rauert in Ft. Collins, Colorado. She also lived in Texas and eventually moved to Grand Island, NE when Jenny was 5 years old. Jenny attended public schools and graduated from GISH, all in Grand Island in 1990 with high honors. She attended UNL in Lincoln, Nebraska and graduated in 1995 with high academic honors. She received her teaching certificate and undergraduate degree in Early Child Development. She taught in LaVista/Papillon, NE; Denver, Co.; Lake Havasu, AZ; Mesa/Gilbert Schools; and Navarette Elementary in Chandler, AZ when her health forced her to quit in 2014. She loved teaching and especially loved the children. She also enjoyed traveling and spent time in Washington DC, Hawaii, Hong Kong, the Carolinas, California, and Costa Rica. Jenny married Kurtis Willman of Grand Island, Nebraska on June 28, 2002 in Cozumel, Mexico. They have two children, Noah, age 8, and Jordan, age 5 1/2. They were the light of her life. Jenny loved spending time with them and was able to see her children excel in sports and academics. Even though she lost her battle to cancer, she is an inspiration and has set a very good example for her children and everyone to be brave and strong and to always be thankful for what you have. Jenny was always a private person, not wanting any attention drawn to her, and a lady of great fashion. She will be missed by everyone. Survivors are her husband, Kurt, and her two children, Noah and Jordan of Gilbert, AZ; her mother, Marge Ockinga and step-father, Gordon, who was like her real father, of Grand Island, NE; her half-sister, Rachael and Husband, Allen Buck, niece Vivian Buck of Albion, NE; half-brother, Ben Rauert of Kearney, NE; step-mother Ruth Rauert Gibbs of Grand Island, NE; step-sister, Terri Allen and husband, Brett Allen of Bellingham, WA; and step-brother, Jeff Ockinga of Louisiana. Jenny was very fond of her Uncle Bob and Godmother, Aunt Donna Miller of Charlotte, NC and cousins, Rob, Russ, and Valerie whom she spoke highly of during her final days. Also surviving her is her mother-in-law, Rita Willman of Grand Island, NE along with many aunts, uncles, great aunts and great uncles, cousins, and many friends. Her legacy will live on through her children she so lovingly taught. Preceding her in death were her father, Dave Rauert; half-brother, Opie, grandparents, Ralph and Bertha Klimek Tyma (whom Jenny also spoke of highly during her final days); and Max and Irene Schnase Rauert. Also preceding her in death was her sister-in-law, Kristin Willman, and father-in-law, Ronald Willman. The family suggests that memorials be made to Navarette Elementary School memorial, Jenny Willman, 6490 S. Sungsroves Blvd., Chandler, AZ 85249; or to college funds for the children, Noah and Jordan, payable to “TD Ameritrade” in Grand Island; or to the “College Savings Plan of Iowa.”

Jenny S. Willman

May 22, 1972 - June 4, 2015

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Jenny S. Willman

May 22, 1972 - June 4, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support