Dean S. Jochem

Dean S. Jochem, 85, of Ainsworth, Nebraska, passed away on July 28, 2024, at Brookestone View in Broken Bow, Nebraska. Dean was born in Ainsworth, Nebraska, on July 30, 1938, to parents Oscar and Pearl (Claver) Jochem. He and his older sister, Barbara, were raised on the ranch his father acquired in 1937. After graduating from Ainsworth High School in 1956, Dean went on to receive his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1960 before returning to join his dad ranching on the family land in 1966.

 On June 7, 1959, Dean was married to Sharron Eckhout. To this union were born three children, Gregory Dean, Loreece Evonne and Karma Kay. Both Sharron and Dean were overjoyed when the grandkids came along. Brittany Kay (Jochem) Shannon, Dustin Dean Thornton, Katie Beth (Jochem) Meyer, Danielle Nicole (Thornton) Severin, Ryan Lloyd Schwindt, Kylie Kay Schwindt and Breanna Kay Schwindt. The great grandkids were very special as well. Addisyn Griffel, Mason Shepperd, Kaylee Thornton, Luke Meyer, Malik Severin, Kinsley Shannon, Christian Thornton, Remi Severin, Rayden Schwindt and Emma Meyer.

Shortly after returning to work on the ranch, Dean earned his master’s degree from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 1967. He spent a total of 38 years as a VoAg teacher and FFA advisor -- first in Ansley, then Valentine, and finally for over three decades in his hometown of Ainsworth. Being the FFA advisor was a huge part of his life, and the chapter and members won numerous awards during his time. One of his proudest accomplishments was developing the COE program in Ainsworth, where he placed 810 students over the 29 years he ran the program by himself. It continues to run today, benefiting local students long after his retirement.

Dean was a devout Lutheran and held many offices at Zion Lutheran Church. He served on the MNNRD board for 19 years, was the Brown County Zoning Administrator, spent time as the President of the Nebraska Vocational Ag Association, as well as President of the Nebraska Ag Association. But the greatest lifelong goal Dean achieved was continuing to work on the ranch his father had started, maintaining a legacy he hoped will continue to be passed on for future generations to be able to live on, work on, and make a living from.

Dean was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister and brother-in-law. He leaves to mourn his passing his children; Greg (Kathy) Jochem of Ainsworth, Loreece (Todd) Thornton of Long Pine, Nebraska, Karma (Rich) Schwindt of Ainsworth; seven grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren along with nieces, nephews and other family members. 

 Memorial Services were held Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth, officiated by Pastors Lynn Christensen and Brian Vogelsang. Music was provided by Georgia Williams accompanying congregational hymns “How Great Thou Art” and “I Know That My Redeemer Lives”. Honorary Urnbearers were Dustin Thornton, Ryan Schwindt, Brittany Shannon, Katie Meyer, Danielle Severin, Kylie Schwindt and Breanna Schwindt. Inurnment followed in the Lutheran Cemetery with the CD selection “In the Garden” by Randy Travis being played. Memorials were suggested to the Zion Lutheran Church in Dean’s name. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com