Wilma Jean (Bender) Kehler went to peaceful eternal rest on February 18, 2025, at the age of 94, in Bryan Memorial Hospital, following a brief illness. Wilma was born on January 27, 1931 to Carl and Helen (Brose) Bender in Seward, Nebraska.
Jean was baptized and confirmed Lutheran. She graduated from Seward High School. Jean was a devoted and loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and loving companion. She loved and cherished her family dearly. Jean married her husband of 59 years, Richard Lee Kehler, on December 16, 1951. They lovingly raised five children together: Debbie, Ron, Connie, Dan and Sandy. Jean was a very accomplished business woman, retiring from The State Department of Motor Vehicles as Administrator of Titles and Registrations with 25 years of service. Jean was highly respected by all. Jean loved God and life, but above all, cherished her family first.
She had many hobbies including gardening, cooking, music, dancing, reading, fishing and camping. She had a true passion for life and all its beauty. Jean loved Jesus and all of her family; children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and dear friends. Jean sincerely appreciated ALL the special care she received from caregivers during her 19 months at Country House Assisted Living. She enjoyed all the staff and friends she made there.
Jean is survived by her loving children Ron Kehler, Connie Ramirez, Sandy Ferguson; brother, Ken (Sandy) Bender; sister, Violet Huning; grandchildren, Rebecca (Harley) Middleton, Christopher Baker, Elizabeth (Dan) Molsen, Alex (Jessie) Kehler, Jessica (Cody) Hermsmeyer, Felicia (Dan) DeBoer, Bryan (Ashley) Kehler, Josh (Ally) Kehler, Stephanie (Pat) Boyle; 15 great-grandchildren; loving companion of fourteen years, Larry Thorne; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Jean is preceded in in death by her parents, Carl & Helen Bender; husband, Richard Kehler; and children, Debbie Baker and Daniel Kehler.
A visitation for Wilma will be held Tuesday, February 25, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home, 6800 S. 14th St., Lincoln, NE 68512. A celebration of life will be 2:00 pm Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home.
