Janet P. Nichols (Lorentzen), 71
Preceded in death by parents Jim and Stella;
sisters Marge Smith and Shirley Mommsen; brother-in-law Ed Bingham, and son in law Daniel McFerrin.
Survived by husband Don;
children: Janice (Bryan), Donald III, (Heather) David, and daughter-in-law Kristy;
8 grandchildren;
1 great-grandchild;
sisters: Karen (Leo) Stillmock and Eva Peroutka;
brothers-in-law: Wally Smith, Ed Mommsen and Jim Peroutka;
numerous nieces and nephews.
---------------------------------------------------
Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Funeral Home Chapel
5108 F Street
Omaha, NE 68117
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
6:00 - 8:00pm
Service Schedule
St. Stanislaus Church
4002 J Street
Omaha, NE 68107
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
10:30am
Burial Schedule
Omaha National Cemetery
14250 Schram Road
Omaha , NE 68138
Memorial Contributions
Disabled American Veterans
4515 F Street
Omaha, NE 68117
ALS in the Heartland
1320 So. 119th Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Janet died at home of complications from ALS and Frontal Temporal Dementia. Diagnosed 2 years earlier after a couple of years of tests with no findings.
Janet was a school cook for Catlin Elementary school in Omaha for 12 years, then went on to a career with Douglas County Nebraska, working with child support issues. She was very competent in everything she did, including taking care of the children and me.
I never fully appreciated what a great person my spouse was during 52 plus years of marriage. I miss her terribly and that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
I was the main caregiver for her at home and the relief I now have not having to do that any longer also brings on guilt which haunts me.
I Love you Tenaj, and never said it enough during our walk thru life. Rest in Peace my darling, at least you are no longer suffering. Until we meet again, I will never forget you and miss you terribly. XOXOXO! And THANK YOU to ASERACARE Hospice, without whose help we would of never made it as far as we did.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Is Hard Sometimes.
Kathy Raabe , June 2, 2022
And it's not fair a lot of the time. And it's hard to not fall into negative thinking. Especially when you see someone fall ill with a horrible disease called ALS. My friends Janet and Don are traveling this road since Janet was diagnosed a few years ago. In the past month and a half, her condition has worsened dramatically, which is hard to see.
She and Don have been married over 50 years, and have three children. I've been friends with them since my first marriage, and that was so long ago. We've kept in touch and remained friends all these years. It's so hard to see this horrible thing happen to such good people. They both worked hard, fulfilled their obligations, went to Church, and would give you the shirts off their backs. Good, salt of the earth blue collar people.
Janet still remembers people, and has a winning smile thatwarms your heart. Her talking is limited, and you can tell she's thinking. Don still teases the heck out of her, but is serious when it's warranted. It's a great example of commitment. He's pretty modest about it, and brushes it off as what everybody is supposed to do. Lots of people would turn tail and run. Or be angry. No time for that. Don's goal is to keep Janet comfortable for as long as possible. It's just what she would do for him if the situation
was reversed. Sobering as this is, it is still hard to see such good people
hurt by this. The disease can happen to anyone; it can be genetic or environmental or neither; it can begin early or later; it robs the patient of dignity for sure. How it selects it's victims I don't know. How it hurts the family shows in their tired eyes, their slumped shoulders. They carry on, they go throughout the days, one the same of the next.
Their exhaustion grows.
All I can do is continue to visit and break up their days; they have so many friends to visit. Janet deserves that. She has always been a good friend to others and it's beautiful to see the folks coming to visit her today. She deserves this. Don deserves this, too. Visiting will continue, no matter how long she has left. With the decline in the last three weeks, it's anybody's guess. The other thing, I can pray for comfort for Janet, and
strength for Don's soul. And continue to visit. When all else fails, give the gift of your time. It's the least we can do. Take care of each other. Keep each other safe. We are all on borrowed time. Love one another while we can. And let's care about what really matters. It's not the Kardashians, Depp v Heard, or TikTok. It's people and love and promises kept. It's families and grandchildren. Learn what's important, and hold it near to you. Have a beautiful evening. See you tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The World Has Lost, Again. By Kathy Raabe on her blog:
August 7, 2022
Yesterday, another call came we were expecting, but of course, hoped would never come.
Our friend passed away yesterday from ALS. Janet Lorentzen Nichols, friend to everyone, and my strong supporter when I was divorced (and before) succumbed to this horrible disease. Her husband, Don, was with her constantly the last months, as she slipped from walking to bedridden, talking to silence, and into a semi coma. By luck, I stopped and saw her Friday, telling her goodbye with a kiss on her forehead. Don is a rock, but a realist. Being a retired Firefighter, a Battalion Chief for the OFD, he knew the steps a body makes toward death. He called me Saturday afternoon. I didn't expect it that quickly, but I was glad for all of them, her pain and fight was over. And now, ours begins.
Who is included in the group ours?
Don, her husband of over 50 years; her sisters (she was the baby in the family), numerous family members, nieces, nephews, in-laws, her two sons and their families, her daughter and her family; and lastly, but in abundance, all the friends she had. It would not surprise me if she, as an individual, touched thousands of lives during her lifetime.
I met her in 1980, as we had kids the same ages. Frankie and Janice (different grades in school), Nick and Donnie, Becky and David. We became fast friends. Back then, there were not many stay-at-home Moms in our aging neighborhood. The houses and long-time residents were all younger than we are now, so it was great to add a young woman as a friend, for both of us.
We added sidekick Kathy Snell along the way. Kathy babysat a bunch of children, and was mine when I got divorced and starting working. She and Janet were besties as I lost touch, moving into a different neighborhood and world. In those couple of years, between 1980 and 1982, we walked our babies hundreds of miles in their strollers as the older ones walked; spent time at the then-new Lynch Park at 23 & Martha Streets in South Omaha, made countless Zoo visits with picnics, made hundreds of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches together for the kids as we visited, talked, and solved the world's problems. It was good to have a friend my age. It was a blessing to have Janet as a your friend.
We reconnected in about 1995, after a motorcycle accident took their son-in-law Dan and critically injured Janice. It was the day of Donnie's high school graduation. It was also my birthday. I saw it in the newspaper, a little blurb on an obscure page, and my heart went to the family. They have endured so much as a couple, a family, and grandparents.
Two things stand out in my memories of Janet. First, she could talk faster than any other human being on earth. And never take a breath. I was still horribly shy then, so if and when she did take a breath, I'd add my two cents, then she'd continue, talking and setting the Guinness World's Record for human speech. I believe she could out talk an auctioneer at a livestock show.
Second, Janet loved to cook. As the kids grew up, she worked as a lunch lady for the school systems. She would get to know the kids in line, many having her love and concern because she was that way. She loved you and was concerned. I'm sure some may have never had someone love them just for existing. She loved making food, sharing it, and showing her love with it. Those lucky kids. Hot lunch every day made by someone who put love in as the main ingredient. We were all lucky.
Later, she worked in Douglas County Child Support Enforcement. She learned Spanish so she could help people who did not speak English as their primary language. That is love and dedication, at work. That was how Janet lived her life; serving others. What a good friend, woman, and citizen.
As my the Babe and I sat on the deck this morning, the clouds came, a brief shower, clouds parted and eventually, it became sunny. Now it's extremely hot. I thought about Janet and her first morning in heaven. I wonder what that was like. She's probably not finished yet with all the reunions, and I'm sure she's asking God all of her questions. All of them.
When we heard the cardinals singing, the Babe and I looked at each other. She was telling us to be sad, but don't stay that way. Grieve, but keep living. As all of us left here without her, let's tell all our Janet stories to each other. There are some great ones, I know. As long as we keep her spirit alive, she's still with us. And that's how it's supposed to be. We don't tell stories or blog to get attention for ourselves, but to honor the lucky one in this situation – Janet Nichols. RIP. Thank you for being our friend.
--------------------------------------------
Carolyn Snell's Facebook:
I don't remember when the title officially began, but at some point, my mom's best friend, Janet Nichols, became known as "Mom2" or my "other mother."
Everything Janet did was big. She drove a big van, she drank big gulps, she had a big laugh, used big (mostly inappropriate) words, she typed in all CAPS, she cooked big meals, but most of all, she loved everyone big.
She had 3 kids whom she adored & eventually more grandkids she would love even bigger. But she also had a special big love for me.
Janet was at the big celebrations in my life growing up, and would also travel to celebrate later important moments, like my @emersoncollege graduation in Boston & my 40th birthday party in Nashville.
One of my favorite memories is of her driving me, 3 high school girlfriends & my Mom to Ames, Iowa to see New Kids On The Block in concert in the 90s. She wore a Joey McIntyre T-shirt & told everyone she was HIS mother. Some fans even believed her.
Thanks to the pandemic & my transient lifestyle, I hadn't seen Janet in a while. When I found out recently she had ALS, and potentially just a short time to live, I immediately booked a trip to see her.
Admittedly, I was nervous. The disease had progressed quickly & she was in a hospital bed at home with limited speech. I went with my Mom (Kathy Snell), her loyal friend, who had been visiting Janet weekly. When I walked in the room, I recognized the big smile & knew regardless of restricted movement or language, the big love was still there.
My goal was to write this post before she passed away, so I could thank her for all the big love throughout my life, but like most of my best intentions, that didn't happen.
Just as Janet traveled to places to celebrate me, I traveled to Omaha to celebrate her life. I'm grateful for the chance I had to say goodbye, but also try to believe her spirit lives on in all the big laughs I hear & big tears I cry.
And perhaps we can all honor Janet's memory by loving others big.
---------------------------------------------------
From her Niece:
Mary Mohr
Lincoln, NE
Uncle Don, Janice, Donnie, David, Family & Friends,
Aunt Janet was one of a kind.
God broke the mold after he created her!
She loved with her whole heart, gave till she had nothing left.
Always helped anyone she knew or met.
Would welcome anyone who came to your house and always had something made to offer her company as she was an AWESOME COOK!
She was the Best Wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend!
I will Treasure All of My Memories Forever!
From Sleepovers to Birthday Parties, Rides to work, sharing each other's Friends, Consoling me through Kyle's death, our many trips to Casinos near and far, driving to and from Tennessee, All of the Concerts & After Parties, our many trips to Oceanside, CA, Our LOVE FOR MUSIC, but most of all just spending time together! We So loved the Ocean!
I could communicate with her till I left Saturday. Even when she had only a two word reply. I shared a few secrets and special memories that day and told her everything I wanted to say!
Cherish your memories and keep sharing and talking about the times and memories you keep in your heart…those shared moments will keep her with all of you until you meet her in paradise and take the pain away of not having her here. It also shows how much she was loved and treasured!
She was not only my Aunt , but one of my Best Friends…
What I wouldn't do to hear an "Oh WOW!" right now!
Love All Of You! PUDGE
Monday, August 8, 2022
Janet P. Nichols (Lorentzen), 71
Preceded in death by parents Jim and Stella;
sisters Marge Smith and Shirley Mommsen; brother-in-law Ed Bingham, and son in law Daniel McFerrin.
Survived by husband Don;
children: Janice (Bryan), Donald III, (Heather) David, and daughter-in-law Kristy;
8 grandchildren;
1 great-grandchild;
sisters: Karen (Leo) Stillmock and Eva Peroutka;
brothers-in-law: Wally Smith, Ed Mommsen and Jim Peroutka;
numerous nieces and nephews.
---------------------------------------------------
Korisko Larkin Staskiewicz Funeral Home Chapel
5108 F Street
Omaha, NE 68117
Tuesday, August 9, 2022
6:00 - 8:00pm
Service Schedule
St. Stanislaus Church
4002 J Street
Omaha, NE 68107
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
10:30am
Burial Schedule
Omaha National Cemetery
14250 Schram Road
Omaha , NE 68138
Memorial Contributions
Disabled American Veterans
4515 F Street
Omaha, NE 68117
ALS in the Heartland
1320 So. 119th Street
Omaha, NE 68144
Janet died at home of complications from ALS and Frontal Temporal Dementia. Diagnosed 2 years earlier after a couple of years of tests with no findings.
Janet was a school cook for Catlin Elementary school in Omaha for 12 years, then went on to a career with Douglas County Nebraska, working with child support issues. She was very competent in everything she did, including taking care of the children and me.
I never fully appreciated what a great person my spouse was during 52 plus years of marriage. I miss her terribly and that will remain with me for the rest of my life.
I was the main caregiver for her at home and the relief I now have not having to do that any longer also brings on guilt which haunts me.
I Love you Tenaj, and never said it enough during our walk thru life. Rest in Peace my darling, at least you are no longer suffering. Until we meet again, I will never forget you and miss you terribly. XOXOXO! And THANK YOU to ASERACARE Hospice, without whose help we would of never made it as far as we did.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Life Is Hard Sometimes.
Kathy Raabe , June 2, 2022
And it's not fair a lot of the time. And it's hard to not fall into negative thinking. Especially when you see someone fall ill with a horrible disease called ALS. My friends Janet and Don are traveling this road since Janet was diagnosed a few years ago. In the past month and a half, her condition has worsened dramatically, which is hard to see.
She and Don have been married over 50 years, and have three children. I've been friends with them since my first marriage, and that was so long ago. We've kept in touch and remained friends all these years. It's so hard to see this horrible thing happen to such good people. They both worked hard, fulfilled their obligations, went to Church, and would give you the shirts off their backs. Good, salt of the earth blue collar people.
Janet still remembers people, and has a winning smile thatwarms your heart. Her talking is limited, and you can tell she's thinking. Don still teases the heck out of her, but is serious when it's warranted. It's a great example of commitment. He's pretty modest about it, and brushes it off as what everybody is supposed to do. Lots of people would turn tail and run. Or be angry. No time for that. Don's goal is to keep Janet comfortable for as long as possible. It's just what she would do for him if the situation
was reversed. Sobering as this is, it is still hard to see such good people
hurt by this. The disease can happen to anyone; it can be genetic or environmental or neither; it can begin early or later; it robs the patient of dignity for sure. How it selects it's victims I don't know. How it hurts the family shows in their tired eyes, their slumped shoulders. They carry on, they go throughout the days, one the same of the next.
Their exhaustion grows.
All I can do is continue to visit and break up their days; they have so many friends to visit. Janet deserves that. She has always been a good friend to others and it's beautiful to see the folks coming to visit her today. She deserves this. Don deserves this, too. Visiting will continue, no matter how long she has left. With the decline in the last three weeks, it's anybody's guess. The other thing, I can pray for comfort for Janet, and
strength for Don's soul. And continue to visit. When all else fails, give the gift of your time. It's the least we can do. Take care of each other. Keep each other safe. We are all on borrowed time. Love one another while we can. And let's care about what really matters. It's not the Kardashians, Depp v Heard, or TikTok. It's people and love and promises kept. It's families and grandchildren. Learn what's important, and hold it near to you. Have a beautiful evening. See you tomorrow.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The World Has Lost, Again. By Kathy Raabe on her blog:
August 7, 2022
Yesterday, another call came we were expecting, but of course, hoped would never come.
Our friend passed away yesterday from ALS. Janet Lorentzen Nichols, friend to everyone, and my strong supporter when I was divorced (and before) succumbed to this horrible disease. Her husband, Don, was with her constantly the last months, as she slipped from walking to bedridden, talking to silence, and into a semi coma. By luck, I stopped and saw her Friday, telling her goodbye with a kiss on her forehead. Don is a rock, but a realist. Being a retired Firefighter, a Battalion Chief for the OFD, he knew the steps a body makes toward death. He called me Saturday afternoon. I didn't expect it that quickly, but I was glad for all of them, her pain and fight was over. And now, ours begins.
Who is included in the group ours?
Don, her husband of over 50 years; her sisters (she was the baby in the family), numerous family members, nieces, nephews, in-laws, her two sons and their families, her daughter and her family; and lastly, but in abundance, all the friends she had. It would not surprise me if she, as an individual, touched thousands of lives during her lifetime.
I met her in 1980, as we had kids the same ages. Frankie and Janice (different grades in school), Nick and Donnie, Becky and David. We became fast friends. Back then, there were not many stay-at-home Moms in our aging neighborhood. The houses and long-time residents were all younger than we are now, so it was great to add a young woman as a friend, for both of us.
We added sidekick Kathy Snell along the way. Kathy babysat a bunch of children, and was mine when I got divorced and starting working. She and Janet were besties as I lost touch, moving into a different neighborhood and world. In those couple of years, between 1980 and 1982, we walked our babies hundreds of miles in their strollers as the older ones walked; spent time at the then-new Lynch Park at 23 & Martha Streets in South Omaha, made countless Zoo visits with picnics, made hundreds of peanut butter & jelly sandwiches together for the kids as we visited, talked, and solved the world's problems. It was good to have a friend my age. It was a blessing to have Janet as a your friend.
We reconnected in about 1995, after a motorcycle accident took their son-in-law Dan and critically injured Janice. It was the day of Donnie's high school graduation. It was also my birthday. I saw it in the newspaper, a little blurb on an obscure page, and my heart went to the family. They have endured so much as a couple, a family, and grandparents.
Two things stand out in my memories of Janet. First, she could talk faster than any other human being on earth. And never take a breath. I was still horribly shy then, so if and when she did take a breath, I'd add my two cents, then she'd continue, talking and setting the Guinness World's Record for human speech. I believe she could out talk an auctioneer at a livestock show.
Second, Janet loved to cook. As the kids grew up, she worked as a lunch lady for the school systems. She would get to know the kids in line, many having her love and concern because she was that way. She loved you and was concerned. I'm sure some may have never had someone love them just for existing. She loved making food, sharing it, and showing her love with it. Those lucky kids. Hot lunch every day made by someone who put love in as the main ingredient. We were all lucky.
Later, she worked in Douglas County Child Support Enforcement. She learned Spanish so she could help people who did not speak English as their primary language. That is love and dedication, at work. That was how Janet lived her life; serving others. What a good friend, woman, and citizen.
As my the Babe and I sat on the deck this morning, the clouds came, a brief shower, clouds parted and eventually, it became sunny. Now it's extremely hot. I thought about Janet and her first morning in heaven. I wonder what that was like. She's probably not finished yet with all the reunions, and I'm sure she's asking God all of her questions. All of them.
When we heard the cardinals singing, the Babe and I looked at each other. She was telling us to be sad, but don't stay that way. Grieve, but keep living. As all of us left here without her, let's tell all our Janet stories to each other. There are some great ones, I know. As long as we keep her spirit alive, she's still with us. And that's how it's supposed to be. We don't tell stories or blog to get attention for ourselves, but to honor the lucky one in this situation – Janet Nichols. RIP. Thank you for being our friend.
--------------------------------------------
Carolyn Snell's Facebook:
I don't remember when the title officially began, but at some point, my mom's best friend, Janet Nichols, became known as "Mom2" or my "other mother."
Everything Janet did was big. She drove a big van, she drank big gulps, she had a big laugh, used big (mostly inappropriate) words, she typed in all CAPS, she cooked big meals, but most of all, she loved everyone big.
She had 3 kids whom she adored & eventually more grandkids she would love even bigger. But she also had a special big love for me.
Janet was at the big celebrations in my life growing up, and would also travel to celebrate later important moments, like my @emersoncollege graduation in Boston & my 40th birthday party in Nashville.
One of my favorite memories is of her driving me, 3 high school girlfriends & my Mom to Ames, Iowa to see New Kids On The Block in concert in the 90s. She wore a Joey McIntyre T-shirt & told everyone she was HIS mother. Some fans even believed her.
Thanks to the pandemic & my transient lifestyle, I hadn't seen Janet in a while. When I found out recently she had ALS, and potentially just a short time to live, I immediately booked a trip to see her.
Admittedly, I was nervous. The disease had progressed quickly & she was in a hospital bed at home with limited speech. I went with my Mom (Kathy Snell), her loyal friend, who had been visiting Janet weekly. When I walked in the room, I recognized the big smile & knew regardless of restricted movement or language, the big love was still there.
My goal was to write this post before she passed away, so I could thank her for all the big love throughout my life, but like most of my best intentions, that didn't happen.
Just as Janet traveled to places to celebrate me, I traveled to Omaha to celebrate her life. I'm grateful for the chance I had to say goodbye, but also try to believe her spirit lives on in all the big laughs I hear & big tears I cry.
And perhaps we can all honor Janet's memory by loving others big.
---------------------------------------------------
From her Niece:
Mary Mohr
Lincoln, NE
Uncle Don, Janice, Donnie, David, Family & Friends,
Aunt Janet was one of a kind.
God broke the mold after he created her!
She loved with her whole heart, gave till she had nothing left.
Always helped anyone she knew or met.
Would welcome anyone who came to your house and always had something made to offer her company as she was an AWESOME COOK!
She was the Best Wife, Mom, Grandma, Sister, Aunt and Friend!
I will Treasure All of My Memories Forever!
From Sleepovers to Birthday Parties, Rides to work, sharing each other's Friends, Consoling me through Kyle's death, our many trips to Casinos near and far, driving to and from Tennessee, All of the Concerts & After Parties, our many trips to Oceanside, CA, Our LOVE FOR MUSIC, but most of all just spending time together! We So loved the Ocean!
I could communicate with her till I left Saturday. Even when she had only a two word reply. I shared a few secrets and special memories that day and told her everything I wanted to say!
Cherish your memories and keep sharing and talking about the times and memories you keep in your heart…those shared moments will keep her with all of you until you meet her in paradise and take the pain away of not having her here. It also shows how much she was loved and treasured!
She was not only my Aunt , but one of my Best Friends…
What I wouldn't do to hear an "Oh WOW!" right now!
Love All Of You! PUDGE
Monday, August 8, 2022
