Thelma "Jeanie" Barry

Memorial services for Thelma J. “Jeanie” Barry, age 98, of Battle Creek, Nebraska will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 28, 2026, at St. John Lutheran Church in Battle Creek. Reverend Eric Gradberg will officiate, with inurnment at a later date in the church cemetery. 

Visitation with family will be an hour prior to service at the church.

The Memorial Service will be livestream on the funeral home website.

Steffen Mortuary in Battle Creek is in charge of arrangements.

Jeanie passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at Community Pride Care Center in Battle Creek.

A smile, a hug, an encouraging word, a card, a plate of cookies, a flower, a meal. We can’t forget her famous potato salad. That’s what many people will remember when they think of Jeanie Barry.        

Thelma Jean (Werner) Barry was born on March 9, 1928, to William and Cora (Hines) Werner on the family farm. She learned the value of hard work from milking cows and driving them to pasture on her way to school and bringing them home after school.  Although her family didn’t have much, they always shared what they had with others. She graduated from Battle Creek High School in 1945. Jeanie started working for Charles Zimmerman after graduation and worked for the agency for 30 years. 

Although she said she would never marry a farmer, God had other plans. On March 7, 1946, Jeanie married Louis Barry. After the wedding they went bowling and the next day took the train to Washington DC where Louie was stationed. She worked at the Veteran Administration office while Louie finished his service. They returned to Battle Creek where they remained for the rest of their lives. Jeanie and Louis raised five children whose friends were always welcome and made to feel at home.  

Jeanie believed in God, family, friends, community, and our nation.  She was always promoting Battle Creek and supporting the schools. She attended school events long after her own children had graduated. Many times, she was an honorary “grandma” at school, listening while children read or participated in other activities as needed. She was also very proud to be a member of the Battle Creek American Legion Auxiliary for 80 years.   

Jeanie belonged to many community, county, and state organizations. She was given several honors, including the Aksarben Good Neighbor Award, and Nebraska Mother of the Year. She was inducted into the 1st Hall of Fame at BCHS for her unwavering support of all aspects of the school. 

Family dinners and playing games, especially 10-point pitch with her family, gave her great joy. She loved her family. It meant everything to her for us to stick together and support each other. 

Jeanie was reunited with those who went to heaven before her, her parents, Bill and Cora Werner; her husband, Louie; her brother, Wayne; her brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews, and many friends. 

Her love continues on this earth through her children, Doug (Jane) of Turn Station, Kentucky, Becky of Omaha, Bonnie of Norfolk, Bob (Tammi), and Joe (Ann) of Battle Creek; 12 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren with another on the way; brother-in-law, Dr. John Eisenach of Sun City, AZ; many nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to Battle Creek American Legion Auxiliary, Wings at St. John’s Church, or BC Public Schools Foundation.

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

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Thelma "Jeanie" Barry, please visit our floral store.