Jean Kathleen Sehnert

Jean Kathleen Leisy Sehnert, age 93, passed away at Hillcrest Nursing Home in McCook, Nebraska on December 2, 2022. Jean was born on January 17, 1929 in Wisner, NE to August J and Irene (Arbuckle) Leisy. She grew up on the family farm south of Wisner. She graduated 8th grade from District 56 Country Schools, High school from Wisner High and College from the University of NE, Lincoln where she received a degree in Music Education. The University of NE was where Jean met her future husband, Walt Sehnert. The two were married on June 10, 1951 south of Wisner in the Salem Mennonite Church built by Jeans great grandfather in 1885. From the wedding, the newlyweds headed to Fort Sill, Oklahoma where Walt was stationed before leaving for Korea. During the time that Walt was overseas, Jean taught vocal music in Osmond, NE and Plainview, NE. Upon Walts return from Korea, the couple settled in Plainview, NE for four years where Walt joined his father in the Sehnert Bakery. In 1957, Walt, Jean and their two daughters relocated to McCook and opened the Sehnert Bakery on Norris Avenue. Jean proudly called McCook home for 65 years. She used her love and talent for the piano to give piano lessons to scores of young people in the McCook area. A highlight for Jean was to accompany the many Broadway musicals presented by McCook High School and McCook Community College. Later she accompanied shows put on by the Southwest Nebraska Community Theatre Association. A special thrill was when she accompanied the Music Man while her grandson, Gabe, played the role of Winthrop. Jean and Walt were also known for organizing local talent such as the Heritage Singers to perform at area nursing homes, club meetings and even for functions at the historic Fox Theatre. Jean was part of a two piano quartet which included Carl Philo, Don Harpst and Sheryl Havens. This foursome performed at many events over the years. Jean also tried her hand at composing. She composed the music for a Chris Buethe poem called Nebraska. This song was performed at the Governors Ball in Lincoln in 2003. Jean was a member of Peace Lutheran Church in McCook where she was the organist for 30 years and accompanied the choir. Music played a very important role in Jeans life! Travel was a priority for Jean and Walt. They made several trips to Europe where they visited the first Sehnert Bakery in Erfurt, Germany. They toured in their motorhome throughout North America. Later they cruised to a number of locations including the Panama Canal, Alaska with their kids and grandkids, Hawaii and the Caribbean. A favorite annual destination was to Fort Robinson in Nebraska to enjoy musicals at the Post Playhouse. Jean is preceded in death by her husband, Walt; parents, August & Irene Leisy; son-in-law, James Stuart, Jr.; grandchildren, Jacob & Elizabeth Messinger; and grandson-in-law, Thomas Van Klaveren. Jean is survived by her sisters-in-law, Judy Sullivan of Aurora, NE & Loyce Leisy of Wisner, NE; daughter, Susan Stuart of Lincoln; daughter, Marie (Duane) Franzen of Greeley, CO; son, Matt (Shelly) Sehnert of McCook; grandchildren: Rob Stuart, Carrie (Eric Peterson) Stuart, Megan Stuart, Sarah (Nick) Smith, Gretchen (Taylor) Dixon, Becca Sehnert, Gabe Sehnert; great-grandchildren: Oren Peterson, Andy and Ellie Smith, Ty Walter Dixon; bonus grandchildren: Michelle, Brian, Trip, Suzy, Lee, and their families; as well as extended family and friends from far and near. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 8, 2022 from 10AM-7PM at Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook. The family will greet friends from 5PM-7PM. Peace Lutheran Church of McCook was a second home to Jean. Her family will be available to greet friends at the church prior to the service, beginning at 12:30PM, Friday, December 9, 2022. Funeral services will follow beginning at 2PM, Friday afternoon, December 9, 2022 with Pastor Lonnie Felcher officiating. Interment will follow services in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook. Services will be livestreamed through the Peace Lutheran Church webpage for those unable to attend. Memorials in Jean's name are suggested to the Hillcrest Nursing Home Foundation of McCook, Community HealthCare and Hospice of McCook, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. Online condolences may be left at herrmannfh.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel of McCook. Visitation Herrmann-Jones Funeral Chapel Thursday, December 8, 2022 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM 607 Norris Avenue McCook, Nebraska 69001

Family will greet friends from 5-7PM.

Visitation Peace Lutheran Church Friday, December 9, 2022 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 411 East 6th Street McCook, Nebraska 69001 Funeral Service Peace Lutheran Church Friday, December 9, 2022 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM 411 East 6th Street McCook, Nebraska 69001

Interment will follow services in Memorial Park Cemetery of McCook.