Jane Louise Forney

Jane Louise Forney

October 10, 1948 – October 08, 2026

Jane Louise Forney, age 77, passed away on October 08, 2026, after a life filled with family, laughter, hard work, service, and love. A free spirit and flower child at heart, Jane lived boldly, loved deeply, and never shied away from speaking her mind. She was a fiercely independent woman with a fire in her heart, a free spirit, and a soul that found beauty, joy, and peace in the world and people around her.

Throughout her life, Jane wore many hats, including Teletype Operator, City Administrator, Insurance Salesperson, American Red Cross Chapter Manager, and Floral Specialist.

Jane dedicated many years of her life to serving others through the American Red Cross as a Relief Worker, giving her time, energy, and soul to those in need. Her service was especially meaningful in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, helping those affected by a day that will never be forgotten. “No day shall erase you from the memory of time.”

She concluded her career in the Hy-Vee Floral Department, where her love for flowers and passion for helping things grow beautifully came to life through arranging flowers for life’s most meaningful occasions.

Above all, Jane was proud to be a beloved wife to Dean, a mother to Joey and Austin, a grandmother to her Ally Jane, and a friend to so many. She leaves behind her daughter, Joey (Kent) Patterson; son, Austin (Anessa) Forney; granddaughter, Ally Jane Patterson and Fiance Stephen Bracken; nephews, John (Shannon) Converse and Spencer Kollman; and many, many friends. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dean Forney; parents, Robert and Joyce Kollman; and siblings, Judy Claus, Robert “Robbie” Kollman, and David Kollman.

Jane will be remembered for her fierce loyalty, humor, resilience, independence, and boundless love. She lived intently, loved fully, and left a mark that will never fade. She will be greatly missed and forever loved.

“I will not be another flower, picked for my beauty and left to die. I will be wild, difficult to find, and impossible to forget.” — Erin Van Vuren

Celebration of Life: Friday, October 23rd, 2026, 11:00am

Fairview Cemetery, Rushville, Nebraska

In lieu of flowers, donations suggested to the Ally Patterson Honorary Scholarship at Chadron State College, Chadron, Nebraska or American Red Cross Relief Fund.

Roeder Mortuary 11710 Standing Stone Gretna, NE 68028 402-332-0090