Obituary

Janice Dorret Kauf

June 16, 1933 - February 6, 2025

Janice Dorret Kauf passed away February 6, 2025, at the age of 91 in Lincoln, Nebraska. Her parents were Joseph and Lenore Jaco. She was born June 16, 1933, at Mary Lanning Hospital in Hastings, Nebraska.

Her future husband, David Karl Kauf, was born 10 hours earlier at the same hospital; Jan and Dave were married for 62 years, and he preceded her in death in 2015. She is survived by four sons, Tom, Steve, Ted and Paul: their wives Carole, Donna, JoAnn and Denise; 8 grandchildren, Kate, Karly, Samantha, Abby, Emma, Nick, Brian, and Kelley; 6 great grandchildren; and Dave’s brother Dick Egen. She was preceded in death by two of her grandchildren, Kris and Regan and her sisters, Dee Uerling and Sally Novaria.

Jan graduated from Hastings High School in 1951 and attended the University of Nebraska in Lincoln where she was a member of Alpha Phi Sorority.

Jan and Dave traveled and lived in many places throughout their lives and had many wonderful friends, but their love was their family and they both found their way back to what was always their true home in Nebraska. They built their final retirement home in Lincoln, continuing to follow the Huskers and other sports, gardening, reading, and building beautiful homes so family and friends could always return for dinners and time at the grill.
Jan was an avid reader and loved her plants and gardens. Her favorite spots were always in a warm and comfortable place where she could see the outdoors, the many birds, flowers, and other wildlife. There was surely a wonderful reunion between Jan and Dave, two chairs next to each other again, a book nearby, a game on the TV, with some bright and beautiful gardens in view.

At her request there will be no funeral or visitation. After her cremation she will be joined with Dave once again and her family will hold a private get together this Summer to remember her wonderful life and celebrate the love they shared with all of us.

In lieu of flowers, please send a memorial donation to a charity important to you and your family in Jan’s name and memory.

Share a Memory or Condolence

February 12, 2025

Paul, Peace to you and your family. The loss of a parent can be difficult, but I’m sure you all learned many great things from your Mom and Dad, and have many found memories. Mourn their passing and celebrate their lives, the gleam in all those grandchildren’s eyes.

– Larry Holcombe, Hurley, Wis.
February 8, 2025

I met Jan a few years ago when she moved in next door to me. I so enjoyed her love for life, family and all things growing. My last memory of Jan was her excitement over a “blue orchid” her family gave her for mother’s day, it prompted me to find something similar to give to my mom! She had a really optimistic and upbeat personality. I already miss seeing her next door, and I know the birds and flowers will miss her. My deepest condolences to Ted, JoAnn & the rest of the family. Rest easy, Jan.

– Pam Manske

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