Born in rural Colfax County, Nebraska on September 12, 1934 to Lloyd and Effie (Foust) Hoops, she was the eldest of twelve children. She modeled a life of grit and determination in the face of economic and health obstacles. Lorna Jean, aka Lorna, Jeanie, Jean, Grandma Jeanie, and Great-Grandma Jeanie made a conscious decision to choose love, kindness, family, and faith. She spent over eight decades fighting for the disenfranchised, the underdog, and the outcast.
Lorna Jean and William Wehrmann met at Scribner, Nebraska High School when she was attending the roller skating party for incoming freshman. She tutored Bill in math (he, feigning numbers ignorance), and paved the way as the only female in typically all-male classes in math and science, while excelling, as well, in every other thing she set her mind to.
Unable to use her Regents Scholarship at University of Nebraska-Lincoln because she could not afford living expenses, she later attended college at Wayne State College in Wayne, Nebraska. Lorna Jean was a successful country school teacher in Dodge County, and was often much tinier than her students. She married Bill Wehrmann in 1955, and continued her teaching. She returned to college as an adult to earn a degree in Special Education. Her teaching gifts were used in Ames, Fremont Public Schools, and for decades as a Sunday School teacher, Confirmation teacher of students with special needs, County Extension, 4-H, county fairs, state fairs, and leading college groups on summer camping excursions. A special gift was welcoming foster children and high school students that needed loving homes. She and Bill did this for over thirty years. Jeanie fought and beat breast cancer twice. A massive heart attack unexpectedly ended her life.
Lorna Jean is survived by husband, Bill Wehrmann and children: Debbie (Jim DeFrain), Vicki (Art Sorensen), Cindy (Ted Menzel), Scott (Sarah) Wehrmann, and Chris Wehrmann, and special family friend Kari Mullen. Survivors also include fourteen grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, and one expected in April. All eleven siblings survive Lorna Jean. She was preceded in death by her parents, Effie and Lloyd Hoops; in-laws Reverend Otto (Sodie) and Alice Wehrmann.
Celebration of Lorna's life and legacy of love will be held 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 3, 2018 in Fremont, Nebraska at The Presbyterian Church of Fremont (Linden & Nye). Visitors are requested to dress in brightly-colored clothing, and share in laughter and stories around her legendary chocolate chip cookies, ice cream, and balloons. No flowers, please. Memorials are directed to Lutheran Marriage Encounter, Orphan Grain Train, Trinity Lutheran Church (Blair), or at the discretion of the donor.
Messages for the family can be left at www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(11)
Sondra Baxter
PALM HARBOR, FL Tuesday, March 6, 2018 I am truely sorry Bill and family, God has taken such an amazing woman ! She touched so many lives, especially mine., her lessons taught, her unconditional love and never ending faith will never be forgotten.Janice and Leland Stege
Lincoln, NE Monday, March 5, 2018 So saddened to hear of "Grandma" Jean's death. Her grandsons Billy and Robby along with our son Aaron were in awe of her chocolate chip cookies. Really IN AWE.She will be remembered as caring, warm, loving, and kind.May God's love embrace and comfort all especially our dear friends Debbie, Jim, Billy, and Robby Defrain.
John Steyer
Omaha, NE Saturday, March 3, 2018 I'm sorry you are going through this loss. Saying prayers for your family that you feel His Peace and Comfort. Sincerely, JohnColette Montgomery
Liberty, MO Friday, March 2, 2018 I am so sorry for your loss. May God comfort you.Lorna was such a bright light to all who knew her. Her gentle, kind and loving spirit live on in all of the lives she touched.
Cheryl Montgomery
Fremont, NE Friday, March 2, 2018 I am so very sorry to hear of your loss...Heartbroken. as the world has lost such a bright light and warm heart. I will always remember Lorna's sweet smile, gentle voice and incredible spirit. My thoughts and prayers are with you Bill, Debbie, Vicki, Cindy. Scott and Chris and with your families. May you find comfort in your faith, your memories and the legacy of a life well lived.Vernon and Karen Harrington
Le Mars, IA Friday, March 2, 2018 Our sincere sympathy in the loss of your dear Lorna. Our paths crossed at Marriage Encounter weekends, of which you and Lorna were presenters. Thank you for your example of a God filled marriage and you will never know how many couples you made a positive impact on. Gratefully,Dana and Lois Palmer
Hooper, NE Friday, March 2, 2018 We are so sorry to hear Lorna died. WE remember her for all the good shedid for us and everyone else. She will be missed by everyone. But she is
in a better place now
Dana and Lois Palmer
Gary/Sharon Carlson
Fremont, NE Friday, March 2, 2018 Our deepest sympathies to all of you at this time. We both remember Lorna as a greatly devoted woman to her family, church, and education. May your memories remain with all of you of this very special lady.Mary and John Leahy
Bellevue, NE Friday, March 2, 2018 Hi Cindy and Ted, Sorry about the loss of your Mom. She looks just like you. We read the article and we know that she must have been a really great, great woman like you. Regrettably, we won't be able to make it for the funeral as our grand-daughter's baptism is at the same time in Omaha. V/R Mary and John LeahyWanda Samson
Fremont, NE Thursday, March 1, 2018 Lorna, my friend, you are such a dear, sweet lady. In your own calm way you have touched the lives of family, students, and countless others you have met along the way. I'll miss you...but know I'll see you again some day. Rest in peace.Jane Foust Jackson
Blair, NE Thursday, March 1, 2018 Our sympathies. From Eleanor (Willard) Foust family