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Jeanette Marie Burkhalter was born February 21, 1959, in Stratton, Nebraska, to Kermit Downing and Mary (Vachuta) Downing-Schwerdt. As a young girl, Jeanette grew up and attended school in Bird City, Kansas, where she graduated from Cheylin High School in 1977. Jeanette went on to further her education at Colby Community College. She received her Associates Degree in 1979 as an LPN and began her life-long career in nursing. On November 3, 1979, Jeanette married Kevin Dale Burkhalter in Stratton, Nebraska, and the couple settled on the family farm in Kansas, just south of Benkelman, Nebraska. Jeanette was employed as an LPN for 17 years at the Dundy County Hospital. She also worked in the Dundy County Medical Clinic for 2 years, and later Jeanette was employed as a nurse at the Sarah Ann Hester Memorial Home in Benkelman for 18 years. Jeanette was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benkelman, Nebraska, where she was also a member of the Altar Society and the Choir. Jeanette enjoyed cooking, baking, reading, cross stitching, gardening, camping and helping on the farm. She especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. Jeanette passed away Friday, January 8, 2021, at the Kearney Regional Medical Center in Kearney, Nebraska. She was 61 years of age. Jeanette was preceded in death by her parents; step-father Donald Schwerdt; sister Cheryl Wilkens; brother Greg Downing; and daughter Alicia Burkhalter-Rippe. Survivors Include: Husband: Kevin of Bird City, KS. Daughter: Jenna Dare and husband Jonathan of Byers, CO. Son: Beau Burkhalter of McDonald, KS. Son-in-law: Tim Rippe of Ludell, KS. Grandchildren: Jordan, Colin, Abigail and Skylar Dare; Coy, Colt and Isabella Burkhalter; and Wyatt Rippe. Brother: Doug Downing and wife Margaret of McCook, NE. Mass of the Christian Burial will be held Friday morning, January 15, 2021, 10:30 a.m. (MT) at St. Joseph Catholic Church of Benkelman, NE, with Father Matt Eickhoff as celebrant. Interment will follow at the Benkelman Cemetery, Benkelman, Nebraska. A Rosary will be recited Thursday evening, January 14, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. (MT) at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Benkelman, Nebraska. Memorials have been suggested to the St. Joseph Catholic Church Altar Society and Choir of Benkelman, Nebraska.

Tributes

Jeanette M Burkhalter

February 21, 1959 - January 8, 2021