Janice K. Hanner

Janice Kay Wright Hanner was born on August 15, 1947, to Dale and Ilia Wright in Elm Creek, Nebraska and passed peacefully on October 24, 2026 in Lincoln, Nebraska, at the age of 79, surrounded by her loving family. She was born at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney and grew up on the family farm north of Elm Creek. She graduated from Elm Creek Public School in 1965.

In August 1965, Jan moved to Lincoln to pursue her nursing education at Lincoln General School of Nursing, graduating in 1968 as a registered nurse. She devoted 46 years to nursing, beginning her career at Lincoln General Hospital and continuing through its merger with Bryan Hospital. Her work included floor nursing, the Ask a Nurse phone program, and computer systems and training. She retired in 2014, having built a career marked by dedication, loyalty, and lasting friendships.

Jan had many interests and talents. She enjoyed reading, music, playing the piano, dancing, and puzzles. She was also active in church education and music programs. As a member of Rural Youth, Jan formed lifelong friendships and enjoyed dancing and participating in many activities.

Through dancing, she met Carl John (CJ) Hanner. They were married on October 9, 1982, at Southview Christian Church in Lincoln.

On December 19, 1986, Jan and CJ welcomed twin sons, Jared John and Jeremy John Hanner. Jan also gained a stepdaughter, Kimberly from their marriage. Jan continued her nursing career, and together they built a busy and loving family life.

Janice treasured her role as a grandmother and cherished the special time she spent with her three grandchildren: Sophia and Bryton, children of Jared and Krissy, and Kiersten, daughter of Kimberly and Andrew. Her family was a source of great love and joy throughout her life, and the memories they shared will continue to be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

Jan loved traveling and exploring new places. She especially cherished the annual Wright family trips to Fort Robinson State Park near Crawford, Nebraska, where the family stayed in the historic brick houses. In February 2016, Jan and CJ spent an entire month traveling in Australia and New Zealand.

She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Jared Hanner and daughter-in-law Krissy, and Jeremy Hanner; her stepdaughter, Kimberly Winter, and son-in-law Andrew Winter; her brother, Gary Wright, and sister-in-law Sandra Wright; and her sister, Sue Keim, and brother-in-law Gary Keim.

Janice was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl John (CJ) Hanner; her parents, Dale and Ilia Wright; and her parents-in-law, Carl and Irene Hanner, and brother-in-law Russ Bayne.

A service celebrating Janice’s life will be held on Monday, November 2, at 10:30 a.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church 7130 Kentwell Lane in Lincoln. Interment will follow the service.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home 6800 South 14th Street.

Memorial contributions may be made in Janice’s honor to the Dementia Society of America or the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.