Jeanene A Wehrbein

Jeanene A. Wehrbein, 76, of Plattsmouth, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at her home in rural Plattsmouth.  She was born March 29, 1940, in Fremont, Neb., to Alvah and Marie (Koester) Markussen.    Jeanene’s family moved from Fremont to Lincoln when she was in eighth grade.  She attended Lincoln Northeast High School, graduating in 1958.  She then attended the College of Home Economics at the University of Nebraska--Lincoln.  Jeanene met her future husband Roger Wehrbein during the State  4-H club week. They were married Oct. 7, 1961, in Lincoln, Neb.   Jeanene was deeply involved in her community as seen in her accomplishments.  She served as a member/elder with First Presbyterian Church. Jeanene was the Chicken Pie Hostess for many years. She was also a 4-H leader, managing editor of and columnist for the Plattsmouth Journal from 1991-2003, Plattsmouth Chamber of Commerce executive director  from 2003-2008, member and past president of Plattsmouth Rotary, Nebraska Hall of Agricultural Achievement member and Women’s KOTD director for 17 years.  She was of “What’s Cooking with Jeanene” show, Lewis and Clark Foundation board member, Past Worthy Matron and 50 year member for the Order of Eastern Star Chapter 189, Nebraska/National Beef Cook-off co-chair, Nebraska Beef Council member, Nebraska Humanities Council member, charter member of the Nebraska Community Foundation, Plattsmouth Community Foundation founding member, Plattsmouth Main Street Association founding member, 50 year member of PEO Chapter F, Plattsmouth Harvest Festival Lady of the Realm, and organizer and promoter for three Chautauquas in Plattsmouth.   She was also a longtime food judge for the Cass County Fair, MC for the Cass County Fair Cake Auction and instructed  FFA students techniques in making wheat bread. She was instrumental in establishing the Chamber’s Annual Cruzin’ Main event.  She has been the recipient of many honors including, first recipient of the Founders Award from the Plattsmouth Community Foundation, Capital Pork Producers Booster Award, Lloyd Fitch Award, Nebraska Newspaper Publisher of the Year, Cattle Woman of the Year from the Nebraska Cattlewoman organization, and the Founder’s Day Award from 2nd District Nebraska Republican Party.  Survived by her husband of 55 years, Roger Wehrbein of Plattsmouth, Neb.; sons, Doug and Kari Wehrbein of Plattsmouth, Neb.; David Wehrbein of Plattsmouth, Neb.; grandchildren Kalby Wehrbein of Pasco, Wash.; Abby Wehrbein of Fremont, Neb., brother and sister-in-law Valdean and Sheryl Markussen of Hurst, Texas; and sister-in-law, Lillian Markussen of Lexington, Ky.  She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; son Phillip John; brothers, Kenneth and Kenwood Markussen; and a sister Alberta Markussen  A Celebration of Life Service will be held Thursday, Nov. 10, 2016 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Plattsmouth with Rev. Portia Iverson officiating and Carol Wehrbein as organist.  Visitation will be 1-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov.  9, 2016, with family greeting friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church with an Eastern Star Service at 8:00 PM  A private family burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial may be directed to the Plattsmouth Community Foundation, First Presbyterian Church, Cass County Historical Society or ALS. Arrangements by Brian P. Harvey Funeral Home, Plattsmouth, Neb.  402-296-4445 6-4445