Neil W. Jochen

Neil W. Jochen, age 86, of Kearney, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025, at the Central Nebraska Veterans' Home after a 22-year battle with Parkinson’s Disease. Memorial services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, March 31, 2025, at the Central Nebraska Veteran’s Home, 4510 East 56th Street, Kearney, NE with Chaplain Michael Koenig officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given to the Central Nebraska Veteran’s Home, Kearney YMCA or Kearney Parkinson’s Group. Horner Lieske McBride and Kuhl Funeral and Cremation Services charge of the arrangements. Neil was born July 30, 1938, in Saginaw, MI. to Bertram and Lucinda (Schnider) Jochen. He graduated from Arthur Hill High School in Saginaw in June of 1956. He joined the Army in 1959 and was honorably discharged in 1961. He served another four years in the reserves. On February 1, 1964, he married Beth Snyder in Saginaw. To this union three children were born. He then graduated from Fort Lewis College in Durango, CO. in August of 1966. Neil and his family have lived and worked in 11 cities within 5 states – Michigan, Colorado, Ohio, New York, and finally Kearney, Nebraska for the last 35 years. Neil worked for various YMCAs as Youth Director, Physical Director and Executive Director and completed his working life as an advertising salesman. Neil was an All-American breaststroke and freestyle swimmer in his college years and an avid runner, competing in many marathons including Boston and New York City. In his later years he competed in swimming events in the Cornhusker State Games, and the Nebraska and National Senior Olympics. He also competed in smaller Nebraska triathlons. Neil is survived by his wife of 61 years, Beth of Kearney; children Nancy (Tim) Cooper of Hershey, NE., Tom (Jody) Jochen of Kansas City, KS., and Sally (Ken) Mertens of Lincoln, NE.; his siblings David Jochen, Bruce (Sandra) Jochen, and Mary Bauer; grandchildren Megan (Trevor) Courter, Jarid (Lakyn) Cooper, Haley (Tanner) Baker, Zackary Cooper, Chanda Cooper, Chloe Jochen, Carson Jochen, Parker Mertens, Abigail Mertens and Grace Mertens; great grandchildren Brekkyn, Ivy, and Aspen Baker, Emma and Chael Courter, Kynzer and Kye Cooper; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.

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Neil W. Jochen

July 30, 1938 - March 7, 2025