Jeanine Anne (Lauer) Klosner 62

Jeanine Anne (Lauer) Klosner, affectionately known as Jeanie, passed away peacefully on June 7, 2024, in Kearney, NE, at the age of 62, surrounded by her loved ones. Jeanie was born on July 30, 1961, at the Ainsworth Hospital in Ainsworth, NE. She was the cherished daughter of Harold Milton and Ethel Ardath (Winn) Lauer. She spent her early years on a ranch southwest of Ainsworth before the family moved to another farm outside of Ainsworth in 1967. Jeanie attended District #21 for all of her grade school years and was actively involved in 4-H. She had a deep love for horses and shared a special bond with her mare, Becky.

After completing her schooling, Jeanie moved to Arkansas, where she welcomed her first child, Kira Rae Lauer, in 1981. She returned to Ainsworth later that year. In November 1987, Jeanie married her first husband, Loni Lee Burbach of Wynot, NE, and they were blessed with a daughter, Casey Jo Burbach. The family relocated to Norfolk, NE in 1989.

Jeanie met her second husband, John Leonard Klosner, from Columbus, NE in 1992, and they married later that year. John brought a son, Derek John Klosner, from a previous marriage. In 1993, the family moved to Glendale, AZ and later to Peoria, AZ in 1996. Following the children’s move to Nebraska, Jeanie and John returned to Norfolk in 2005. Tragically, John passed away unexpectedly in 2009.

In 2019, Jeanie moved back to Ainsworth, where she remained until her passing. Jeanie had a lifelong passion for animals, particularly horses and elephants, and she adored her dog, Bear. She was known for her silly and clumsy nature, bringing joy and laughter to those around her.

Jeanie was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John; and her sister, Ardath Jane Wilhite.

Jeanie is survived by her daughters, Casey Jo (Josh) Masen of Gilbert, AZ and Kira Lauer of Omaha, NE; her beloved grandchildren: Kamille Anne Orr (20), Zane Patrick John Whitney (16), Nevyn Drake Ciacco (10), Grayson Rhys Ciacco (8), Willow Diane Masen (4) and Ellis Maurice Masen (1). She also leaves behind her two older brothers, Jim (Deb) Lauer of Ainsworth and Dan (Shelley) Lauer of Douglas, WY; her long-time boyfriend, Steve Thies of Norfolk, as well as, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews and other family members.

Jeanie’s life was filled with love, laughter, and a deep affection for her family and animals. She will be dearly missed by all who knew her.

A celebration of her life was held in Ainsworth on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ainsworth Free Church to honor her memory and the joy she brought into the world. Inurnment was in the Ainsworth Cemetery. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth assisted with arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome. com.