Emmagene Tjaden
Emmagene “Jean” Tjaden, 89, former Brule, Neb. resident, passed away June 6, 2023, at Great Plains Health in North Platte, Neb.
Jean was born September 29, 1933, at Atwood, Kan., to Floyd and Paulina Mosher. The family moved around Kansas throughout her childhood, though she grew up primarily in Herndon, Kan.
On October 14, 1951, Jean married Robert “Bob” Tjaden. They welcomed six children: Barb, Randy, Ronnah, Pam, Jeanie, and Kevin. The family initially resided in Grainton, Neb. before establishing a home on the farm at Madrid, Neb. Later, they moved to Brule, where they lived for over six decades.
Jean did many things over the years, but among the most rewarding was her work as a nurse aide at the hospital in Ogallala, where she helped in labor and delivery. Her own experience as a mother was invaluable to her as she helped new and expectant mothers over the years.
Jean wasn’t a socialite, but she enjoyed her time with her church family and LWMS friends. She was a woman of faith, both caring and nurturing.
Jean loved spending time in her garden and working on her flowers. She enjoyed ceramics and sewing. Jean also loved to fish whenever she got the chance, a hobby she loved to share with family, friends, or whoever was willing to go along with her! She enjoyed the occasional shopping trip or gambling stop, but two days was usually her limit before it was time to come home.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband, Bob, in 1997; her siblings, Wesley, Dorothy, and Gladys.
Survivors include her children, Barb (Tim) Jimenez of Ogallala, Neb., Randy Tjaden of Madrid, Ronnah (Chris) Hernandez of Fort Morgan, Colo., Pam Tjaden of Windsor, Colo., Jeanie Tiltscher, Kevin (Judi) Tjaden of Brule; 17 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren with two more on the way; her sister Vi Tjaden of North Platte; along with many other relatives and friends.
A memorial has been established in Jean’s memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live.
Services will be held on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at 10 a.m. at the Prairie Hills Funeral Home Chapel in Ogallala, with Pastor Jon Dickmander officiating. Interment will be in the Madrid cemetery. Bullock Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.