Mary Geraldine “Jere” Schwartzkopf, 79, passed away on July 24, 2024, in Lincoln, Nebraska.
Jere was born on December 4, 1944, in Bayard, Nebraska to Carl and Ruth (Karnes) Haffner. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, and great grandma. She was a vibrant soul cherished for her artistic talent, loving heart, and fun nature. Jere’s life was a tapestry of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. She thrived in various sales roles that ranged from selling Kirby vacuums, sewing machines, cell phones, insurance, and real estate. She also owned several of her own businesses. Jere lived a grand life and had many eclectic hobbies and talents. She mastered the art of being an excellent shot with a left-handed flintlock; she became an avid fisherwoman and to Robert’s delight, often out-fished him. Jere won painting competitions, studied photography, and loved crafting. And she loved to dance. She and Robert would drive miles to jitterbug and two-step the night away.
Her delight in photography put her on a path as an aerial photographer with ASCS. Jere was passionate about helping others and sharing her creativity, which brought joy to many in the assisted living facility where she worked as Activity Director. Jere also drove a bus for the mentally handicapped while she pursued her education at WNCC. Her passion for art blossomed through her career as an author and illustrator of children’s books. Her book “Playtime on the Clothesline” was inspired by the moments she spent with her Aunt Mary hanging laundry together.
In 1962, Jere married her beloved husband, Robert Schwartzkopf, embracing life as a farm wife with enthusiasm and humor. She herded cattle, loaded hogs, and drove the tractor. Jere gained the title of mother after having three daughters in 3 years. They farmed in western Nebraska until 1986, when they moved to Grand Island. In 2009, they moved to Burwell, where Jere poured her heart into designing their home, which became a haven for her artistic pursuits and a welcoming place for family and friends.
Jere demonstrated her strength of will by battling debilitating pain for many years. It never stopped her from fishing on the pontoon, swimming and crafting with her grandkids, painting, or riding her Red Tomato. Jere was a friend to many. She always made the person she was with feel special and loved.
Jere leaves behind her devoted husband, Robert; daughters, Michelle (Fred) Pape, Tasha (Rodney) Qualls, Heidi (Paul) Cochran; grandchildren, Jesse (Suzie) Landrigan, Sasha Landrigan, Rachel (Dustin) Raker, Logan (Fred) Lee, Sydney (JW) Jensen, Quade (Melanie) Swanson, Jase (Tessa) Swanson and John Clark; 10 great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Larry and Gwen Bewley, Larry and Diane Kraus and Stanley and Leilanie Schwartzkopf; numerous cousins, nephews, nieces; and beloved friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Ruth Haffner; sister, Beverly Rutan; her Aunt Mary and Uncle Jake, who helped raise her; and her cousin, Curtis Shimp who she loved like a brother.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 31, 2024, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Burwell, Nebraska. Pastor Adam Archer will officiate. Interment will be in the Cottonwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Still Waters Funeral Parlor. Condolences may be left at www.stillwatersfuneralparlor.com
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Grace Space, honoring Jere’s commitment to her community and faith. Jere’s life and art will forever inspire those who knew and loved her. Her legacy is one of creativity, love, and enduring spirit. Jere lived with unwavering faith, drawing from John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life. It is with this promise we say goodbye for now but know we will meet again in heaven.
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