402.476.1501 | 1600 West O Street | Lincoln, NE 68528 trumpmemorials@windstream.net

Jeanine “Jean” Joyce Essman, daughter of Bob and Marva (Hayek) Kasl was born January 3, 1961 in Crete, Nebraska. She passed away July 6 at her home in Lincoln with her family by her side. She was beloved by all she touched, especially by her husband Paul and their children Andrew Kasl and Samantha Lena. Jean was a farm girl who knew she wanted to be a teacher like her Mom from the start. Although the majority of her students were pre-school special education, many of them would recognize her years later and call out “Miss Jean!” when they saw her. Jean enjoyed spending time with her family and attending Andrew’s and Samantha’s many activities. Before her passing, she loved being part of both children’s weddings and helping to find their first homes. She was a special aunt and great aunt to her nieces and nephews.

Jean was confirmed in the Dorchester Methodist Church and later joined St. Mark’s Methodist Church in Lincoln. She went to Dorchester schools and graduated with the class of 1979. After graduating from Kearney State College in 1983, she taught special education in Kansas for two years, and later received her Master’s Degree from Doane College.  Jean then continued to teach  in Lincoln for 23 years.  She was a member of the Dorchester Legion Auxiliary and the ZCBJ Tabor Lodge for over 50 years. She was very proud of her Czech heritage and she worked with 4-H and youth activities. Jean enjoyed gardening and she loved to read. She was always there to support and take care of those in need.

Jean is survived by her husband Paul Essman (32 years), children Andrew (Natalie) Essman of Eagle and Samantha (Christopher) Hobelman of Waverly, parents Bob and Marva Kasl, sisters Sandy (Chuck) Rains and Judy (Mark) Bors, and sister-in-law Sheri Kasl, all of Dorchester, father-in-law Roger Essman of Lincoln, sisters-in-law Lisa Essman (Mark Vucenich) of Pennsylvania and Amy Essman (Don Gentle) of Missouri, special friend Belinda Becker of Omaha, and many nieces, nephews, relatives, friends, and students. She was preceded in death by her brothers Bobby Kasl and Brad Kasl, mother-in-law Larae Essman, and grandparents George and Emma Kasl and Lumir and Evelyn Hayek.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to Project Purple, Early Childhood Programs, or Lincoln Children’s Zoo would be appreciated. Condolences may be left at trumpmemorials.com.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 14 at 2:00 pm, St. Mark’s Methodist Church, 8550 Pioneers Blvd, Lincoln with Pastor Kara Hillhouse officiating. Private interment will be held at a later date.  Trump Funeral Services, 1600 West “O” Street, Lincoln are handling the arrangements. 

“This is the day the Lord has made; Rejoice and be glad in it.”  Psalms 118:24