Wilma Jean Rich of York, NE age 93, went to meet her Lord and Savior and her beloved husband Dean in their heavenly home on Sept 2, 2026. She was born on May 13, 1933 at home on a farm east of Exeter to William and Dorothy Dumpert.
Jean attended country school, Catholic School and graduated from Exeter High School. She went on to earn her teaching certificate from Doane College, and went on to teach country school for three years.
Jean met the love of her life, Dean Rich at a dance in Milligan in 1954 and they were married on October 15th, 1954. They settled on a farm NW of York where they welcomed four children – Dave, twins Barbara and Brenda, and Darin. Their early married years on the farm were difficult, including taking care of their first three children in a home without running water. Jean helped Dean with farming, raising children and was very involved in the community.
Jean led various 4-H clubs for 30 years and taught Sunday School at Emmanuel Lutheran for 40 years. She was very involved with county extension and appeared in many plays in Bradshaw.
In later years, Jean and Dean traveled extensively in the US and abroad, including many trips with the York Fun Club.
Left to cherish her memory are her sons David (Barb) Rich of Columbus, Darin (Wendy) Rich of Lincoln, twin daughters Brenda (Rick) Kropt of Norfolk, and Barb Bowman of York. She is survived by 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Surviving siblings are brothers Tom (Phyllis) Dumpert of Lincoln, Gary (Sherry) Dumpert of Exeter, and sisters Lois Thomsen of Exeter, Carol (Gary) Aden of Surprise, AZ and sister-in-law Jane Dumpert.
Preceded in death by her parents, husband Dean Rich, brother Bob Dumpert, brother-in-law Warren Thomsen, son-in law Butch Bowman.
Above all else, Jean loved her Lord, her husband Dean, her children, and the rest of her family. Nothing made Jean happier than her family going to church together and back to the farm for a meal.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am, Saturday, September 5, 2026 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church in York. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in York. Visitation will be held on Friday from 5-7pm at the mortuary, with her family present to greet friends. Memorials may be directed to Orphan Grain Train or to Emmanuel Lutheran Church.