Jan Elizabeth Land

Jan Elizabeth Land, 89, of Kearney, passed away July 23, 2026 at her home. A celebration of life will be shared at a future date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the ALS Association. Jan Elizabeth Land was born July 7, 1937 in Albany, GA. She was raised by her mother Annabel and stepfather Richard Wills. After graduating from nursing school at Georgia Baptist Hospital, she joined the Air Force and used her nursing skills to serve her country. She met her husband George at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, and they married on September 24, 1960. The military at the time did not permit women to be married and serve, so she received an honorable discharge with the rank of First Lieutenant. Through the military, the family had the privilege of living in different places around the world, instilling in Jan the love of travel, international foods, and an appreciation for various cultures. Jan and George were blessed with two children, George II and Janna, both of whom she cherished. She put her nursing career on hold so she could be home to raise them. During that time, she also pursued advanced nursing credentials by becoming one of the early nurse practitioner pioneers. Upon George's retirement, Jan and the family moved to Broken Bow, NE where they owned and operated Land Air Service at the Broken Bow Airport. She was certified by the National Weather Service to take hourly weather observations at the airport, ensuring pilots stayed safe during arrivals and departures from the airport. Her hobbies included traveling, cooking, and enjoying her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She is survived by her children George II of Kearney, and Janna Bos (John) of Locust Grove, GA; grandchildren Kayla Beutler (Chris) of Kansas City, MO, Hailey and Heather Bos of Locust Grove, GA, Nicquel McVey of Omaha; great grandchildren Brianna Kunkel and Liliana Lillard, Payton, Taylor, and Madison Beutler, all of Kansas City, MO. Jan was preceded in death by her parents Annabel and Richard Wills, and husband George Land.

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Jan Elizabeth Land

July 7, 1937 - July 23, 2026