Janice Ann Spech

Janice Ann Spech, age 93, entered her heavenly home on August 9, 2026. Janice, born in Omaha, Nebraska , on April 3, 1933 resided on a farm, west of Ashland, Nebraska, with parents Ernest and Daisy Nelson (Winget), and two older sisters Lucille and LaVina. She attended the Lutheran Church in Ashland.

Janice graduated from Ashland High School in 1950 where she excelled at clarinet in the band and also met her future life partner, Willard Spech. Janice then attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln where she received a teaching certificate in Education. She taught 3 years in a rural school near Memphis, Nebraska.

On December 23, 1951, Janice was united in marriage to Willard Spech of Ashland, with whom she would spend the next 72 years before his passing. After Willard’s college graduation and a stint in the USAF, his new job at Guarantee Mutual brought the couple to Omaha and allowed Janice the opportunity to be a stay-at-home

mother, which she enjoyed. She continued to work with children in the public schools on a volunteer basis, and was a leader in both Boy and Girl Scouts. She made special bonds with children as a Sunday school teacher at the Lutheran Church of the Master where she had been a member since 1962.

Janice continued to serve her community in her later years as a volunteer assisting weekly at nursing homes and at church. She was extremely creative, a good friend and loving mother, known for making the best pies and cinnamon rolls.

Janice is survived by children: Jackie Spech Hahn (Dustan),Florida; Stan Spech (Mary-Ann), Florida; Karen Spech Obermeier, Omaha; Jim Spech (Lisa),Omaha; 8 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.

Janice was preceded in death by her husband Willard Spech, parents Ernest and Daisy Nelson, sisters, Ruby Nelson, Lucille Nelson (Martin), LaVina Nelson (Kanuit / Bachman) and brother Eugene, and a daughter Dianne Kay Spech who passed away at three, all of which she will now join in heaven.

There will be a private graveside ceremony in Ashland, Nebraska.

The family will direct donations to Brookestone Meadows Pastoral Care in Elkhorn.