She was so amazing and believed in me. She knew where I had to grow and she gave so much. I miss her deeply and will continue to practice nursing with her as my inspiration.

My condolences to Jody's family. I was a classmate of hers at Robbins Elementary School.  I don't think our paths ever crossed after leaving sixth grade, but I do remember Jody as a spirited student.  After reading others' comments, it appears that she had a wonderful family and contributed greatly to the field of health care.  I hope you all find comfort in your memories of her.

Dear Chuck....
I did not know you; I knew Jodi through some common friends.
She was so good to all.  I know that you will miss her.  Chuck, I believe that when we dye we go to God.  God is every where .... so...
Jodi will also be around .... to continue to love you, the grand kids...
in your good times and in your difficult times of grief and live and
living.   Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sr. Marie Micheletto, RSM

To Jody's family: Jody was the most beautiful soul who made a difference for the world with her caring, compassion, and bright smile. She took delight in helping/mentoring others--I felt that as she supported our program and our research in Faith Community Nursing.   I'm so grateful to have known her. You are all in my prayers.

Jody has always made me feel welcomed and part of the family whenever I was in her and Chucks home. Had a vibrant smile and good conversations. My heart goes out to the family during this difficult time. Our hearts are saddened by your loss, and our thoughts are with you. May she rest in peace.

I am so sorry to hear of Jody’s passing. She was a friend and mentor for many years. Jody was truly an advocate for nursing in every aspect. I worked with Jody as a CNA and then as a nurse. She acted as my mentor throughout my MSN education. She taught me so much and helped me to see the importance of becoming involved in nursing governance.  After we finished the mentorship we continued to  meet monthly to catch up on our lives.  She always had the best advise and I enjoyed my time with her so much. Jody was always encouraging younger nurses to become involved in committees, research, and continuing education. She was truly a special person to the nursing community and to me. I don’t think I’d be where I am today without her.  Her smile was infectious and her personality was so much fun.  Rest easy Jody and thank you for everything.

So sorry to hear of Jody's passing. She was such a kind hearted soul. She was always focused on on excellence. She had such a positive outlook and calm demeanor. She was a lifelong learner who brought so much to the professional practice of nursing. She will be sorely missed. Please know how much we will all be thinking of her and her family right now.

My sympathies and prayers 🙏 ❤️ for Jody's family. I worked with Jody when I was in Education. She was a ball of energy with a smile on her face! 
It was so good to see you at the conference Jody!!!  Until we meet again... 🙏❤️

I am going to miss Jodi so much. She was a mentor and inspiration for me thought my career in nursing education.  She was also just a very kind, caring person. 

I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. 

Laurie Weiner

Noone exemplified more, Jody’s quote “every nurse is a leader,” than she did.  She loved nursing and was a champion for always putting the patient and family first.   She was truly a role model throughout her career for maintaining and advancing clinical practice, research, and professional standards. I know of few individuals that are more highly regarded or more respected for hard work and integrity than Jody and she will be missed.  
My condolences to her family that she loved so much and who always provided her joy and such kind and loving care.

Jody had such an impact on the ethics education work at CHI and I treasure her compassionate and dedicated commitment both professionally and personally. She will be missed tremendously, and leaves a strong legacy behind. Our hearts and prayers are with her family and friends.
Leslie Kuhnel
 CHI Health Ethics Services

I worked next to Jody from 2017-2019 and she always kept me laughing. Her immense knowledge from years of nursing and research made her a constant resource I relied on.  She had such a joy to her spirit and always reminded me that work was just work; The real thing that mattered was your home life. It was a great reminder to me with small kids at home. I'm lucky to have gotten to chance to meet her. She will be missed by many. ❤️

Jody with her Research Champion Award Phoenix Feb 2025

Jody was not just a nurse by profession, she was a nurse at heart. Her love of nursing radiated through her interactions with others and in the projects in which she was involved. She loved what she did and it showed. She was sought out for her expertise on nursing policy, research and don’t even get her started on the nursing scope of practice! Throughout her distinguished career, Jody was recognized time and time again for her contributions to the nursing profession. Among the many honors she received were the NNA Positive Image of Nursing Award, NONL Nursing Mentor Award, NNA’s Extraordinary Achievement in Nursing and most recently, much to her surprise the CommonSpirit Health Research Champion Award at the CommonSpirit Health Research Summit in Phoenix Feb 2025. Such a fitting recognition for someone who devoted herself tirelessly to the advancement of nursing knowledge and practice. 

Jody’s passion for research was impactful. She led and participated in numerous research projects and contributed significantly to the body of nursing literature through her publications. Her work was driven by a deep belief in evidence based care and a commitment to improving outcomes for patients and nurses alike. 

But for Jody, it was never about the accolades. Giving back to nursing and being involved in professional organizations was important to Jody. She was an active and respected member of many nursing professional organizations including American Nurses Association, Nebraska Nurses Association and a member of the Mutual Interest Group (MIG) , American Organization for Nursing Leadership, and Nebraska Organization for Nursing Leadership to name a few. 

As a mentor, Jody touched the lives of countless nurses. She guided and encouraged them with her wisdom and unwavering support. Jody leaves behind a legacy of excellence, compassion and tireless service. Her memory continues to inspire all of us to serve with heart and lead with integrity. 

We will miss you my friend!

Finding a supportive mentor in your field is really crucial for your growth. I’ve been fortunate enough to have several, but none like Jody. 

Jody was the strong and steady type. I always admired how she did things the right way, with integrity and grit. She was a wealth of knowledge, and I’m honored that she saw something in me. 

Jody went out of her way to lift me up and push me to places I didn’t know I belonged. She encouraged me, guided me and laughed with me. Every now and then, I got to teach her a thing or two- mostly on technology use- haha! 

I will forever be grateful for Jody’s impact on my life and career. She will be deeply missed. Sending love and prayers to her family during this difficult time.

You will truly be missed Jody!


My condolences to the Kempnich Family & Friends,

Alex Sharpe 
CHI Health Mission Integration & Ethics & Theology

Family of Jody,
Thank you so much for sharing Jody with the Center for Clinical Practice team.  She definitely has been such an important member to our team, to bedside nurses, to the nursing research community, and to me.  Her long career speaks volumes to her compassion, passion, and movement of the nursing profession.  I am so sorry for your loss, I cannot imagine the void you are all feeling with your loss of an amazing woman.  I know there is a void felt for CHI Health and CommonSpirit.  My prayers are with you all during this difficult time.  May you be comforted by wonderful memories and knowing the amazing footprint that Jody has left for many many years to come!
Hiliary O'Neill
Center for Clinical Practice, Good Samaritan Hospital
Kearney Nebraska

I’ve worked closely with Jody for a long time.  I always loved her giggle and honesty.  She has helped us in so many ways with developing structures and process to guide EBP and nursing research, not only in our region but nationally.  She has been a mentor to all of us on nursing excellence.  She will be missed!

I am so sorry to hear about Jody.  I worked with Jody.  She was such a kind person.  She will be greatly missed by many.

Although technically Jodi was my student in graduate school, the reverse was true. I learned so much from her during class discussions. She exemplified the ideals of a true scholar and professional. She was a role model to so many nurses and students. What an honor to have known her.

One of many nursing events that we were able to attend. I enjoyed the chance to drive  Jody to and from these meetings and activities. Oh the conversations we had on the way! If only congress had heard our solutions healthcare would be ideal for all!  
I have learned so much by seeing situations through Jody’s lens. Her grasp of nursing excellence cultures and how to create them was among the best in the nation and more importantly her ability to gently guide others to understand the framework multiplied her influence.  We will all miss her but her legacy will live on in all of us who had the chance to know her!

Jody was recognized with the Research Champion Award at the CommonSpirit Health Research Summit in Phoenix in Feb 2025.  And so well deserved.  I just saw this today 

In years past Jody helped many hospitals achieve magnet and pathway designation  and led nursing research .   I worked with Jody years ago and always remember her humility and hard work.  She was a gift to us all.  Truly a nurse's nurse.

OBITUARIO

Jodeena "Jody" Kempnich

5 octubre, 1959 – 18 mayo, 2025

Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home & Westlawn-Hillcrest Memorial Park

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