Jane spent most of her childhood in Blair and Omaha. Jane loved swimming, roller skating, riding bikes, and spending time with family. Her family moved to Lincoln, NE where Jane met Dan, her future husband, while she was attending Lincoln Southeast High School. Jane and Dan began their journey through life together and were united in marriage on August 12, 1995, in Lincoln. Jane earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and dedicated over 30 years to patient care, most recently with Nebraska Orthopedic Center.
Jane’s proudest accomplishments came with the birth of her daughters. Lucy Jane and Annie Elizabeth were her heart and soul. She never missed a soccer game, school event, or an opportunity to make sure her girls felt her love, kindness, encouragement, and compassion. Jane had a deep love for animals and was a devoted dog mom to Auggie, Bear, Penny, and Ted. Jane cherished spending as much time as possible with her family, her dogs, and the “J.U.G’s”. She had an infectious smile, she loved to read, loved life, and loved her family deeply.
Jane is survived by her husband Dan, daughters Lucy and Annie Mulder, all of Lincoln, NE; father James “Jim” Van Cleave of Blair, NE; brother John (Rachelle) Van Cleave of Eagle, NE; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Margaret “Peg” Utemark, and grandparents, Dr. John C. and Thais Finegan, and Raymond and Agnes Van Cleave.
A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Boulevard in Lincoln, NE.
Memorials to the family for designation at a later date.