Eleanor Jean Kops, 95

Eleanor Jean Mabie Kops, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, greatgreat grandmother, and friend, created joy wherever she went. Known to most as Jean, she made friends with everyone she encountered and connected with people in a way that made your heart smile. But underneath her joyous exterior was an extremely strong, determined woman who braved struggles with dignity and never backed down from a challenge. Jean passed away as the sun rose on November 17, 2024, surrounded by family members and an infinite amount of love.

Eleanor Jean Mabie was born to James and Hazel (Hotchkiss) Mabie January 25, 1928 in Orchard, NE. She joined older brother Ted and later welcomed her younger brother Jim to the family. The Mabie family moved around to several communities in Jean’s younger years, eventually settling in Bassett, NE where her father ran the local creamery. She attended elementary school in Bassett and then went on to Rock County High School where she met the love of her life, Lyle Kops.

Jean and Lyle both went on to attend the University of Nebraska - Lincoln where Jean studied secretarial skills, known as Commercial Arts, for two years. She then returned to Bassett and was united in marriage to Lyle Cornelius Kops on October 17, 1948. Jean and Lyle raised their family on their ranch south of Bassett, welcoming five daughters - Patty, Barb, Cathy, Carol and Cheryl. They lived happily there for 57 years.

Jean was a dedicated wife and mother, cherishing time with family above all else. She spent her daughters’ younger years guiding them through their many activities, including 4-H where she passed on her excellent skills of sewing and cooking (to some more than others). Jean was passionate about music and served as an amazing piano instructor to each of her girls, instilling a love of music in each of them as well. She continued to play beautiful music even into her nineties. The family loved playing games, especially card games, something Lyle and Jean always enjoyed doing with friends as well. Lyle and Jean treasured spending time with family and friends, often traveling to visit when they had the opportunity.

She was actively involved in Eastern Star for over 75 years, believing in the lessons she learned there, and cherishing the lasting relationships she made through the organization. She recently received the Order of Eastern Star Imhoff Award for the member with the longest period of membership in good standing in Nebraska.

Following Lyle’s passing, Jean moved to Lincoln, NE to fulfill a lifelong goal of completing her degree. She graduated from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln in 2015 with a Bachelor of Arts in an Individualized Program of Studies. Jean absolutely adored learning at UNL and immersed herself in the environment. Her lifelong love of learning and eternal curiosity continued even after she graduated. She lived on her own in her home in Lincoln through her final years, soaking up every minute of life, recognizable by her purple shock of hair. She spent time with friends and family, traveling, trying new hobbies, playing games, and of course, shopping.

Jean was preceded in death by her husband Lyle; parents, James and Hazel Mabie; brothers, Ted and Jim Mabie; sisters-in-laws, Fran Mabie, Charlotte Mabie and Doris Nutgrass; brother-in-law, Tom Nutgrass; and grandson, Jason Lauer.

Jean’s light lives on through her family and many friends who loved her. Daughters, Patty (Rick) Collura of Ashland, NE; Barb (Bill) Merritt of Omaha, NE; Cathy (Ron) Rasmussen of Elgin, IL; Carol (Mike) Nygren of Newhall, CA; Cheryl (Jay) Wagoner of Dragoon, AZ; 11 grandchildren (plus 10 grand spouses she considered her own), 22 great-grandchildren, one great-great grandchild, four step-grandchildren (plus 4 step-grand spouses), and eight step-great-grandchildren.

She was an inspiration to many, a friend to all. Services are planned for the weekend of January 25, 2025 in Lincoln, NE. Details will be shared at a future date.

An additional open house celebration of Jean will be held at Hidden Paradise in Long Pine, NE on Memorial Weekend 2025. Details will be shared at a future date.

Chester “Chet” Dale Mizner, 85

Chester “Chet” Dale Mizner passed away on November 14, 2024, at the age of 85. Chet was born on July 18, 1939, to George and Irene (Poore) Mizner of Ainsworth, NE. He spent his life close to the land, growing up helping his parents working as a farmer and rancher while attending school and graduating from Ainsworth High School in 1957.

During the Vietnam War on October 3, 1962, the draft called Chet to serve in the U.S. Army. Chet was stationed in Panama as an MP (Military Policeman). After his tour of duty, Chet returned home on September 18, 1964, to be with his parents. One evening after work while Chet was riding around with a friend, two lovely girls cruised by in a car. The girl driving was insistent on speaking to Chet’s friend, so she and her girlfriend got into the young man’s car. By the end of the evening, Chet discovered the “girlfriend” would be his “forever girlfriend”. On October 15, 1965, Chet married Cheryl Blank, and together they raised two sons, Brandon and Chad.

Chet was a man who believed in hard work, whose life was built around the rhythm of the seasons. Summers meant making hay, a job he took pride in, and winters brought the work of tending to livestock. He took pleasure in the simple things and found his happiness outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, and he knew every stretch of land and water around his home.

During his life, Chet was privileged to serve Brown County and his fellow veterans and community as County Veterans Service Officer in 1984 for over 20 years. Chet joined his father-in-law, Homer C. Blank, as a licensed real estate salesman and broker in their Ainsworth office. Chet was elected to serve on the board of KBR Rural Public Power District on January 7, 1993, and appreciated the years he could help the people and his District.

Chet was a man of few words but deep roots, whose life represented family, hard work, and the steady presence of the land. He was a dependable friend, a loyal husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather to Brandon’s two daughters, Lindsey and Lauren, Chet’s only grandchildren and a source of quiet pride. Those who knew him wi1l remember his steady hands, his easy smile, and the honest, straightforward way he moved through life.

Chet was preceded in death by his parents, George and Irene Mizner, and a sister, Bonnie Mizner, who died as an infant.

He is survived by his loving wife of fifty-nine years, Cheryl; sons, Brandon and his wife, Kerry, of the Kansas City area, and Chad of Omaha, NE; granddaughters, Lindsey Mizner, and Lauren Mizner and her husband, Brandon Hong; along with many cousins and other family members.

Funeral Services were held Saturday, November 23, 2024 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth, officiated by Pastor L. W. Christensen. Music was provided by Georgia Williams accompanying congregational hymns “Just As I Am”, “I Know My Redeemer Lives” and “Christ The Lord Is Risen Today”. Casketbearers were Dusty Dillon, Dustin Stewart, Schyler Schenk, Kurtis Mizner, Kyle Mizner, Grant Woods and Thane Woods. Interment followed in the Ainsworth Cemetery with military honors provided by Ainsworth American Legion Post #79.

Memorials were suggested to the Ainsworth American Legion Post #79 in Chet’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome. com