Reba Gail Kevern

Bellevue, NE – Reba Gail (Petersen) Kevern, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 23rd, 2025 at Hillcrest Shadow Lake Long Term Care Facility in Papillion, NE, at the age of 73.

Reba was born on May 20, 1952 in Waterloo, Iowa to Ralph and Esther (Frady) Petersen. She graduated from Reinbeck High School with the class of 1970.

Reba’s early marriage to Gene F. Carlon blessed them with two children, Angela and Shawn. Following the passing of her second husband Mike Donahue in 1998 Reba found love again and married her devoted husband John R Kevern.

Throughout her career Reba dedicated her professional skills to various organizations. She held positions with the City of Marshalltown and AEA6 in Marshalltown, IA and Johnson Controls in Sioux Falls, SD. She also enjoyed her time in retail working at Bell Book and Candle, News Journal 4th St. Revue in Sioux City, IA and Elan Contemporary Home Furnishings in Omaha, NE. Later in her career she contributed to the educational community at Creighton University and retired from Metro Community College in Omaha, NE.

Reba lived life to the fullest embracing her many passions. She had a keen eye for antiques which she loved finding and rehoming and she enjoyed reading Tarot Cards professionally. Her adventurous spirit led her to travel and she expressed her creativity through interior decorating for clients. She was happiest with a good book in her hands. Above all Reba adored her family and friends and she held a special place in her heart for her beloved pets.

Reba is survived by her loving husband John Kevern; her children, Angela Barnes and Shawn Carlon; her grandchildren, Jordan (Marissa) Barnes, Camden Barnes, Brendan Barnes, Devin (Haley) Carlon, and Kennedy (James) Mason and several cherished great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ralph and Esther Petersen and her second husband, Mike Donahue.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, located at 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68106, on December 6, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm.

A Visitation will follow at the same venue, Westlawn-Hillcrest Funeral Home, 5701 Center Street, Omaha, Nebraska, 68106, on December 6, 2025, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.