Janet Glee Wellman

Janet Glee (Weber) Wellman, age 69, gained her angel wings on October 30, 2021, after a heroic battle with ovarian cancer. For those of us who were blessed to be touched by her understand that her existence and the imprint she left on our hearts exceeds the quantity of time she was here on earth. To know her, was to love her. She will be greatly missed by the many hearts she touched.

Jan was the eldest of four children born to Stan and Miriam Weber of Friend, Nebraska on February 3, 1952. After graduating second in the Friend High School class of 1970, she attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. On December 26, 1971, she was married to her sweetheart of almost 50 years, Rod Wellman of Cordova, Nebraska.

Jan had a deep passion for education. She worked for the Educational Service Unit at Deshler Public Schools until she and Rod returned to Friend. In 1976 she played her most important role of “Mom,” taking care of her son, Scot born in 1976, second son, Rustin, born in 1978 and Stacia born in 1980. Soon after the birth of her children, Jan resumed her career in education working at Kahoa Elementary, Lincoln Northeast High School and finished her career at the Lincoln Public Schools District Office.

If you knew Jan, you understood her deep love of family. Growing up she was surrounded by loving grandparents, cousins, and lifelong friends. Jan was a connector, always prioritizing family events, hosting holidays, and visiting distant family members on every vacation. Nothing was more important to her than her grandkids, who were her “sunshine.” She worked tirelessly to create long-lasting memories with each of her 6 grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of memories they will never forget.

She was a talented creative at heart. Her passions were playing the piano, where she started in kindergarten, honing her musical talent. She played in the Friend church and accompanied the Friend High School band and choir. She continued to teach piano lessons to her kids, grandkids, and friends into her retirement years. She was extremely talented in arts and crafts. Always coming up with new ideas; she enjoyed using her Cricut machine to create intricate greeting cards for every birthday, anniversary, and holiday, jewelry, and t-shirts for the grandkids. Her talent and creativity were unmatched.

Jan retired in 2009 after being diagnosed with a primary immunodeficiency. In 2017, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer where she went into remission for three and a half years. In May of 2021, the cancer returned. After a courageous battle, she passed peacefully at the home of her daughter in Mission Viejo, California surrounded by her immediate family.

Janet is survived by her husband Rod of Lincoln, NE; son Scot Wellman of Lincoln, NE; son Rustin Wellman of Waverly, NE; daughter Stacia Garner of Mission Viejo, CA; daughter-in-law Lori Wellman of Lincoln, NE; daughter-in-law Dixi Wellman of Waverly, NE; son-in-law Conrad Garner of Mission Viejo, CA. Her beloved grandchildren; granddaughter Skye Wellman of Irving, TX; grandson Orrin Wellman of Lincoln, NE; grandson Luke Garner of Mission Viejo, CA, grandson Kolter Wellman of Waverly, NE; grandson Colin Garner of Mission Viejo, CA; grandson Jake Garner of Mission Viejo, CA.

She was preceded in death by her mother Miriam Weber (Frankforter) and father Stan Weber of Friend, NE.

A funeral service is scheduled for 10am Friday, November 5 at St. Mark’s Methodist church. If you wish to donate to her memorial, please consider donating to the:

Primary Immunodeficiency Foundation at https://fundraise.primaryimmune.org/honor/janetwellman

or

Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance at https://ocrahope.org/get-involved/ways-to-give/.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.fairhavenmemorialservices.com for the Wellman family.