Sharron E. (Eckhout) Jochem

Sharron Evonne Jochem, 84, of Ainsworth, NE, passed away on May 7, 2024, at the Brown County Hospital in Ainsworth.

Sharron was born on May 5, 1940, in Kearney, NE. When she was only one hour old, she was adopted by Charles A. and Mabel A. (Curlile) Eckhout. Welcoming her to the family were an older stepsister and stepbrother, Norma and Marvin, both of whom were already married. Three years after Sharron’s birth, Charles and Mabel adopted another girl, Sherrill (age three). Sharron lived on a farm south of Kearney with her parents. After her father died when she was seven years old, she moved with her mom and siblings from the country into the town of Kearney.

In 1949, her mother married Amos Gudgel and they moved to Johnstown, NE. Amos had five boys (Frances, Sherman, Andrew, William and Charles) and two girls (Pearl and Ida Belle). Ida Belle was the only child still at home as the others were married, but they all came together as one big family. When Sharron was ten years old, Amos and Mabel adopted a boy, Jack (age two). Sharron loved to go with her stepdad and stepbrother, Frances, to put in cattle wells. She thrived in the outdoors and eagerly attended to her job of using a shovel to fill in gravel.

On June 7, 1959, Sharron was married to Dean S. Jochem. To this union were born three children: Gregory Dean, Loreece Evonne, and Karma Kay. Sharron was overjoyed when the family was blessed in turn with grandkids: 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. Her great-grandkids were a special joy as well, Addisyn Griffel, Mason Shepperd, Kaylee Thornton, Luke Meyer, Malik Severin, Kinsley Shannon, Christian Thornton, Remi Severin, Rayden Schwindt and Emma Meyer.

Sharron worked for five years at the Coast to Coast Store in Ainsworth and 21 years at Link Pharmacy. She was active in her community in her free time; teaching Sunday School, joining the Dorcas Society and volunteering as a Pink Lady at the hospital. Her decorated cakes were renowned, and she was the person to go to for many a birthday, baptism, graduation, or wedding cake. She looked forward to regular meet ups for coffee and a game of bridge with friends, and she was a doting grandmother who always made time for her grandkids.

Sharron was preceded in death by her adoptive parents, stepfather, stepbrothers and stepsisters.  She leaves to mourn her passing her husband, Dean of Ainsworth; children, Greg (Kathy) Jochem of Ainsworth, Loreece (Todd) Thornton of Long Pine, NE and Karma (Rich) Schwindt of Ainsworth; seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren; brother, Jack Gudgel of Lake Village, AR; stepsister, Ida Belle Fernau of Nampa, ID; along with nieces, nephews and other family members.  

Memorial Services were held Monday, May 13, 2024 at the Zion Lutheran Church in Ainsworth, officiated by Pastor Lynn   Christensen.  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 Sharron’s name.  Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com