DeEtte "Dee" Jenkins

Funeral services for DeEtte “Dee” Mary Jenkins, age 93, of Papillion, Nebraska, formerly of Norfolk, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Christ Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Reverend James Carretto will officiate, with burial in Prospect Hill Cemetery in Norfolk

The service will be livestreamed on the funeral home website. 

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.

Home for Funerals in Norfolk is in charge of the arrangements.  

DeEtte passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, in her room at Hillcrest Grand Lodge in Papillion.

Dee’s faith in Jesus Christ as her personal savior meant she left this earth assured that God knew her heart had a place set for her in heaven.

DeEtte was born to Conrad and Alice Hahn in Roswell, SD, on February 28, 1932. Perhaps she lucked out in not having a leap day birthday, but she certainly would have enjoyed having been born one day later (and "aging” one quarter slower). Her unique approach to life meant she was working outside of the home when it wasn’t the norm. She kept herself busy with all sorts of volunteer and paid work opportunities. DeEtte enjoyed sightseeing and birdwatching throughout the United States, Europe, and the Hawaiian Islands with her husband, George, whom she married on February 24, 1951. 

George spoiled Dee, but he also helped make her strong. He gave her confidence to speak her mind, which she did frequently. She was never one to shy away from sharing her opinion! This confidence led her to take college classes at Northeast Community College to earn her real estate license. During her early years, she administered surveys from the University of Chicago about current affairs to contribute to the family income. She volunteered with the PTA, at the hospital, was a Cub Scout Leader, taught Sunday School, and was active in her church.

With a shared love for travel and birding, George and Dee lived life to the absolute fullest during their years together. After George retired, they wanted to find something they could enjoy doing together, so they took a class at the college about bird watching. George told everyone, “I’m here because she made me,” but in a few years, he really enjoyed it (although he would be unlikely to admit it) and ended up being the “best spotter,” according to Dee. George and DeEtte traveled a lot by car. On their way to a destination, they would search for new birds, often exploring the roads less traveled. They visited historical monuments, National Parks, participated in Navy reunions, and spent several decades wintering in Rockport, TX. After George’s death, Dee continued to travel, visiting Nova Scotia and the East Coast with friends. 

An avid reader, DeEtte was a part of many book clubs. She knew that by being immersed in a good book, you could travel to places you’ve never been and expand your horizons. When asked what her favorite book was, she said, “That’s like asking who is your favorite child!” 

While working on her obituary before her death, DeEtte would laugh and say, “They are ready to bury me today!” But she knew this obituary would be her last opportunity to speak her mind. So, when asked what message she wanted to share with those left behind, without hesitation, she said: “Love Unconditionally.” Dee lived her life loving unconditionally, and that’s a lesson we should all take to heart.

She is survived by her children, Allen (Jan) Jenkins of Valley, NE, Georgia (Kynn) Schulz of Rochester, MN, and David (Stephanie) Jenkins of Papillion, NE; grandchildren, Casey (Sarah) Jenkins, Tiffany (Josh) Piotrowicz, Lindsay (Adam) Cassidy, Mallory (Matt) Lentz, Brittany (Sean) Pinegar, Colby (Laura) Jenkins, Gabi (Tanner) Brown, and Olivia Jenkins; twelve great-grandchildren, sister, Faye Nelson of Lake Oswego, OR; and nieces and nephews.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents; husband, George; sister and brother-in-law, Joyce and Tom Sorenson; and brother-in-law, Doug Nelson.

Memorials can be sent to The Orphan Grain Train in Norfolk, NE. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.homeforfuneralsinc.com.

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