Odessa "Dess" Kjar

Odessa E. "Dess" Kjar, age 94 of Cozad, passed away Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Golden Living Center in Cozad. Dess was born September 13, 1920 at Lexington, Nebraska to George and Leta (Wilson) Kloepping. She graduated from Lexington High School in 1938. She went to work for the R.E.A. in Lexington. On February 4, 1944, Dess married Paul Kjar. The two had been neighbors in high school before Paul joined the Navy, and after keeping in touch for years, Dess rode the train from Lexington to North Carolina so that they could wed. The couple eventually made their home in Lexington, where they lived the majority of their married lives. Dess and Paul were blessed with 2 children, Tom and Denise. She was a stay at home mother until the kids were in grade school and then she and her mother ran a coffee shop in downtown Lexington. Dess was a secretary at the Dawson County Extension Agency for 23 years, until her retirement. She enjoyed yard work, gardening, cross-stitch, and having coffee with her friends. She was an avid reader, especially Louis L'Amour westerns. Dess was a longtime member of the United Methodist Church in Lexington. A memorial has been established in her memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Paul; and daughter, Denise Kjar. Survivors include her son, Tom (Peg) Kjar of Cozad; 5 grandchildren, Audra (Chris) Dishman of Malcom, Tony (Crystal) Kjar of Lincoln, Abbie (Rick Stephens) Jones of Omaha, Andrew (Maira) Sherman of Lincoln, Jeremy Sherman of Lincoln; 8 great grandchildren; sister Judy Evans of Cozad; nephews, Ronnie and David Evans; niece, Cheryl Hock. Services will be held Saturday, April 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with Father Don O'Brien officiating. Burial will be at the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad, which is in charge of arrangements.