Jill attended the Opportunity Center in Fremont, and continued her education at Fremont High School where she graduated on 05/18/1984. After graduation she began working at Encore. Through Encore she worked at Comfort Inn and the Encore Work Shop. Jill lived with her mother until May of 2008, when she moved into an Encore Group home.
In March, 2010, Jill and her mother moved to Good Shepard Lutheran Community in Blair, NE. Jill's mother passed away in March, 2011. Jill continued to reside at Good Shepard Lutheran Community. Jill loved Special Olympics and was very involved in the Fremont Chapter. She participated in swimming, bowling, and track & field at the local level and also the annual NE State Special Olympic Games, winning numerous medals and ribbons for her efforts. She was named to the Hall of Fame in 1980, and chosen to participate in the International Special Olympics in Baton Rouge, Louisiana in 1983. She also loved football, especially the Huskers. Jill loved her family and her family felt blessed to have her in their lives. She brought them much joy and many fond memories. Jill was loved by everyone that knew her.
Jill actively attended the special needs Sunday School class at St. Timothy Lutheran Church in Fremont for 40 years. She was confirmed on 7/23/1989.
Jill passed away on Saturday, February 7, 2015 at the age of 51 years, 6 months, and 3 days. She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, Kelly. Survivors include sisters, Nancy (Richard) Ayer of Elkhorn, NE, Mary (Andy) Anderson of Lincoln, NE, Peggy (Gary) Christoffersen of Kennard, NE, and JoAnn Hendrickson of Beatrice, NE; brother, Jerry (Mary) Hendrickson of Fremont, NE, and many treasured nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at Ludvigsen Mortuary in Fremont, NE, on Tuesday, February 10, 2015, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family receiving friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Funeral services to be held at First Lutheran Church in Blair, NE, on Wednesday, February 11, 2015, at 10:30 a.m., with lunch following in the church social hall. After lunch, burial service will be at the Lyons Cemetery, in Lyons, NE.
Online guestbook www.Ludvigsenmortuary.com
Condolences(5)
Madalyn Svendsen
Port St. Joe,, FL Monday, February 16, 2015 Our prayers go out to you all. I was just reminded of the Special Olympics in Baton Rouge. She was always smiling in her events . Our love to you all.Madalyn, William and family
Randall Osterman
Omaha, NE Sunday, February 15, 2015 I was very saddened to hear the news today from my sister Lori, who informed me of Jill's passing. My condolences to the family. I remember Jill as just being a delight to be around. She was always in a good mood and always had a smile. She would often come to visit us at my mother and father's house in Fremont when she would come to see Mary and Andy, and it was always a pleasure to see her. It meant a great deal to my sister and myself when she attended my mother's funeral in 2008. She was just a super nice lady and will be greatly missed. Her positive attitude and smile were contagious and we should all be lucky enough to leave that legacy. My sincere sympathy to the family. RIP Jill.Lori Cheshier
Fremont, NE Sunday, February 15, 2015 My sympathy goes out to Jill's family. I have known Jill for many years and she was a very loving person. She was so kind to my mom and dad and they also loved her so. I just saw the obituary and am sorry that I didn't make it to the funeral. You are all in my thoughts. God has another angel.Lori (Osterman) Cheshier
Bill & Pat Hineline
Blair, NE Tuesday, February 10, 2015 We are thinking of your family at this time of sorrow. Just know we would be there if we could.God bless you all,
Bill & Pat Hineline
Margaret Kruse
Fremont, NE Tuesday, February 10, 2015 I have very fond memories of Jill while working with her, but most of all I loved her beautiful smile and her love for her family. May God be your comfort during this time.