Jennifer Ann (Weskamp) Fortkamp, went to be with her Jesus on May 4, 2025, in her home with family by her side in Lincoln, NE. She was born August 15, 1954, in McCook, NE to Leo and Bonnie (Beachler) Weskamp. She spent her childhood years with her siblings; Leaudrey (Sue), Judy, and Bill in McCook. She graduated from McCook High School in 1973, attended McCook Community College and Mid Plains Community College studying nursing. She married Dee Fortkamp on June 16, 1975, and to this union they were blessed with 2 daughters: Brenna Dee and Jolie Ann. They raised their children on the family farm north of Palisade, NE. Jennifer completed her LPN training in 1989 and worked 23 years at Community Hospital and Medical Specialist Center in McCook. After she and Dee moved to Lincoln in 2012 to be near their grandchildren, she worked for Rheumatology and Osteoporosis Service for 8 years, retiring in 2020. She spent part of her retirement years working at Faith Lutheran Church’s Touching Hearts preschool working with the little ones, which she loved.
She enjoyed her family, especially watching her daughters and then grandchildren grow up; she loved being creative and sharing that with her grandchildren. She made special pinatas for their birthdays and tried to spend special time with each grandchild. She spent many an hour painting and talking about life with Morri, trying to play chess with Harper and talking about God and the love of Jesus and relishing the musical talent he is. When she was younger, she played one on one basketball with Landry and later watching playing table games and cards, recognizing how gifted physically he is and spending time in a bleacher as a spectator. They are all very intelligent. She tried to share her faith and any wisdom she learned about life with them, letting them know their Grandma. She also loved reading, listening to talk radio and pod casts, trying to stay informed; but her greatest love was Jesus and how much he loved her. This gave her life meaning and purpose.
She was preceded in death by her parents, sister Leaudry Sue Black and husband Terry, mother-in-law, Lela Fortkamp.
Family members include husband Dee of 49 years; daughters Brenna Fortkamp and Jolie (Ryan) Ricenbaw, all of Lincoln; grandchildren Harper, Landry and Morri Ricenbaw; sister Judy (Les) Fellows of Los Animas, CO and brother Bill (Jane) Weskamp, of Austin, CO; sister-in-law Tina (Denny) Vrbas of Benkelman, NE and many nieces and nephews. She made special memories with niece Teresa (Jared) Macke and their children, Tifany (Terry) Glasco and their children, and Austin Vrbas all who called her Aunt Jenny. She also loved her ex son-in-law Dan Evensen of Norway.
Celebration of Life will be held 10:30 a.m., on Monday, May 12, 2025, at Faith Lutheran Church, 8701 Adams Street, Lincoln (07). Family to greet friends 1 hour prior to service.
Memorials to Orphan Grain Train, Touching Hearts at Faith Lutheran or Tunnel 2 Towers.
8 thoughts on “Jennifer Ann Fortkamp”
Ms. Jen will always be remembered fondly in our hearts. As a teacher at Touching Hearts, she was exceptionally kind and patient with all the children, including my twin boys, Benny and Charlie. Her dedication to her profession was evident. Benny still speaks fondly of her and inquires about Albert, her cherished pup. We express our sincerest condolences to the family.
Dee and family so sorry to hear about Jennifer’s passing. Sending prayers and thoughts to you and all of your family.
Pam (McCollum) Burks
May you rest in peace jen we had a great time in nursing school and living together laughed and cried alot but we made it through. Then working together at the hospital. You will never be forgotten
So sorry for the family’s loss of Jennifer. I had the privilege of working with her at the Medical Specialists Center for the last years she was in McCook. She was a great asset for the providers and patients she worked with & she was a wonderful teammate. Prayers to you all.
My. Condolences to the FortKamp family.
Dear Fortkamp Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jennifer. Please accept my heartfelt condolences during this difficult time.
Though words can do little to ease the pain, I hope you find comfort in the love and support of those around you, and in the cherished memories you hold of her.
You are in my thoughts.
With sincere sympathy,
Shastyn
(Atchison)
Jennifer was a very special woman to my family. I grew up knowing her and when she worked at the Pioneer Cafe, I was usually working with her when I was 12 years old. We always had good conversation and she was so lovely.
The Blomstedt Family sends their condolences and love.
Jenny was a wonderful person. I worked with her at Community Hospital; very caring. We both moved to Lincoln, and I would see her when I voted as she worked elections. Sending love to the family.
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