Jean N. Kneese, age 96, of Gothenburg, formerly Kearney, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2020, at Stone Hearth Estates in Gothenburg.

Jean was born on December 21, 1923 in Farnam, NE to Arthur O. and Amy (Mercer) Heumphreus. She attended Farnam High School and graduated with the class of 1941. Jean later attended Kearney State College. She married Forrest Saum on March 28, 1942 and later Milton Kneese on April 16, 1966. Jean taught school in Dawson County for 4 years and later worked for Buffalo County as a Social Worker for over 39 years. She was a member of Kearney First United Methodist Church, the American Legion Auxiliary, V.F.W. Auxiliary and also the Eagles Auxiliary.

Surviving relatives include her step-children, Kenneth Kneese of New Jersey and Michael Kneese of Hawaii; nieces, Terri Moore Gothenburg, NE and Kim Brown and partner Danny from Council Bluffs, IA; nephews, Doug Kniestadt and wife Irene Omaha, NE and Bob Kniestadt and wife Sandy from Denver, CO; several great nieces and nephews and other extended family.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents; 1 brother, James Heumphreus; 2 sisters, Bernice Ostendorf and Marjorie Kniestadt; husband, Milton; son, Bradley Saum; step-daughter, Jackie Kneese; niece, Marilyn Decker.