Susan J Bryan

Susan Jo Bryan, age 82, a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 16, 2024, in Cozad, NE. She was born on July 1, 1942, to Kenneth and Lucille (Miller) Holen in Kearney, NE, and raised on a farm outside of Bertrand, NE. 

She attended Westmark Church and went to school in Bertrand until 1958 when her family moved to Lexington, NE, and opened a flower shop – “Holen Floral”. Susan graduated from Lexington High School in 1960 and became an active member of Grace Lutheran Church. Very shortly after, she married and welcomed three children into the world, David Bruce, Diane Sue, and Cheryl (Cheri) Ann. 

A few years later, she fell in love and married Gerald (Jerry) Bryan and Jerry adopted her children. Jerry brought four children from his previous marriage into their blended family… Cheryl (Cheri) Kay, Craig Charles, Christopher Allen, and Carolyn Ann… Susan loved them and embraced them all as her own. They were blessed with 35 years of marriage. 

Susan worked at her family’s flower shop until it closed in 1996. She then worked at Trautman’s Meat Center and was a cook at Lexington Public Schools until she retired. 

Susan loved square dancing with her husband Jerry. She also kept busy with her kids in Boots ‘n Spurs 4-H club and riding in the Plum Creekers Mounted Drill Team. Every chance she got she enjoyed spending time at their land on the river. 

Above all else was Susan’s unwavering love for her family. Each child & grandchild held a unique place in her heart and she loved spending time with them. She was notorious for having a camera in her hand to capture all the special moments with her children and grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit extended far beyond family ties; anyone fortunate enough to cross paths with her felt the warmth of her kindness. Like her dad, she never met a stranger.

Susan lived a life rich with love and devotion to her family and faith. She maintained a profound relationship with Christ that guided her actions throughout her life. 

As we remember this woman whose legacy is woven into our hearts forever – we celebrate not only the wonderful life she lived but also how profoundly she touched lives of everyone she met through simple acts of kindness – the hallmark of someone truly extraordinary like Susan will never fade away from our memories nor diminish over time.

Susan was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Wm. and Opal (Karr) Holen, her parents Kenneth and Lucille (Miller) Holen, husband Jerry, son David Bryan, stepson Craig Bryan, great-grandson Liam Martin, step-granddaughter Emily Trumble, and brother William (Bill) Holen.

Susan is survived by daughters Cheri Gehle of Cozad, NE, Diane (Al) Saunders of Lexington, daughter-in-law Becky Bryan of Omaha, step-son Chris (Barb) Bryan of Lincoln, step-daughters Cheri Kay (Dan) Trumble and Carolyn Cunningham of Lincoln, sister Sandy (Tim) Johnson of Omaha, sister-in-law and best friend Nancy Holen of Cozad, sister Patty Holen of Overland Park, KS, grandchildren Lindsey Bryan, Trevor Bryan, Kaitlyn (Michael) Woltemath, Aaron Gehle, Preston Gehle, Jessica Hernandez, Jennifer Martin, Stephanie Saunders, Tiffany Cunningham, Emily Kuhle, Nathan, Tristan and Casey Trumble, 20 great-grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church in Lexington with Pastor John Strackbein, officiating. The service will be live streamed via the Grace Lutheran Church Facebook and YouTube page. https://www.gracelutheranlex.com/

Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 19, 2024, from 5-7 p.m. at Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington.

The burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Lexington.

Memorials are kindly suggested to the family for later designation.

Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com