Janet Rae Walden

Born on May 26, 1935 in Concordia, Kansas. Jan pursued a lifelong passion for education and service. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in History with an emphasis in Political Science, Psychology and Education from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. She later continued her studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Jan dedicated her professional life to teaching within the Omaha Public Schools. Her career spanned several decades and included impactful tenures at Horace Mann Middle School, Beverage Middle School, and Morton Middle School. Through her work as an educator, she touched countless lives and inspired generations of students with her commitment to learning and personal growth. She taught debate and enjoyed helping students hone their skills in making good arguments in their debates.

A devoted member of First Baptist Church of Omaha, Jan served faithfully for many years. She taught both the children’s Junior Class for fifth and sixth graders for over 20 years and in later years she taught in a rotation of teachers in the Homebuilders Adult Class. Her leadership extended beyond the classroom into ministry through her involvement in church leadership. She also had leadership roles with the American Baptist Women in both her local church and association. Jan also supported other congregations where her youngest son served as pastor – Judson Baptist in LaVista, NE and Miracle Hills in Omaha, NE – offering encouragement to the women of those communities. Additionally she enjoyed many years volunteering in the regional office of the American Baptist Churches of Nebraska.

Jan’s interests reflected a deep love for literature and cultural heritage. She was an enthusiastic participant in book clubs and yearly enjoyed volunteer reading during Dr. Seuss days – a joy that brought joy to many elementary children. Here creative writing pursuits allowed her to express herself thoughtfully and meaningfully. She participated in The Great Writers program and some of her stories and poetry were published. Jan also participated in Christian Business Women of Omaha, even serving as chair. She was also active in various cultural associations with her husband, Fred that celebrated and honored German, Irish and Scottish roots. She also supported her husband in the Sons of the American Revolution.

Jan and Fred loved to travel whether that meant driving across the country, on a Canadian train for leisure or visiting family and friends or flying to Ireland, Scotland and Wales on business trips. They even got to meet Princess Anne and enjoy a special tea for importers.

She passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus, surrounded by her family.

Jan is survived by her beloved husband, Frederick A. Walden; her son Kevin A. Walden and his wife Melody; daughters-in-law Cindy Walden, Ruth Walden, Gloria (Tom) McDaniel; grandchildren: Frederick J. Walden, Melinda Walden, Nicole (Mike) O’Brien, Jennifer Walden, Erin (Gavin) Fiscus, Melissa Walden, Brian (Ashley) Walden and Heather Colton; 18 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Also by her brother, Byron (Karen) Thompson; niece Denise (Ken) Petersen and nephew Doug (Lori) Thompson; many great nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by two sons: Frederick C. Walden and Timothy L. Walden; her parents Penn Thompson and Leonice (Fisher) Thompson.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 3, 2025 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Westlawn Hill Crest Memorial Chapel located at 5701 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68106.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Friday, April 4, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Omaha, 421 Park Avenue, Omaha, NE 68131.

Jan’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched – as a teacher, mentor, volunteer, friend – and most importantly as a loving presence within her family and faith community. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew her.