Janice Marie Gathye

Janice "Jan" Gathye was born on October 12, 1946, to Anton and Mildred Krejci. From the very beginning, Jan's life was defined by her dedication to family, her love of teaching, and the joy she found in supporting others-especially young people.

Jan began competing in gymnastics through the Sokol program in 1952 and continued through 1966, earning countless trophies and championships along the way. She graduated from Ryan High School in 1964 and attended the University of Nebraska at Omaha for several years.

On December 2, 1967, Jan married the love of her life, Lawrence "Larry" Gathye. Together they built a life centered on family and shared passions. Jan was a devoted mother to two children, Tambra (Tammy) and Lawrence Jr. (known as Larry or Butch), and later a proud and loving grandmother to Cole and Clay.

Jan loved the outdoors, from hunting and fishing with her father to continuing those traditions with Larry and Butch. Many family vacations revolved around fishing, and she especially treasured time spent at the family cabin, sitting on her swing and watching her fishing poles. Gardening was also one of her favorite pastimes and brought her great enjoyment. Later in life, she enjoyed playing card games on her computer. Throughout her life, Jan was also an avid crafter, creating countless arts and crafts that decorated hundreds of homes.

Jan never missed a sporting event-whether for her children or her grandchildren. She was always there, cheering from the stands, offering encouragement, and showing up in every way that mattered.

Jan's love for teaching youth carried throughout her entire life. She taught gymnastics at Sokol from 1961 through 1984, where she guided and inspired hundreds of young gymnasts. She later dedicated more than 35 years as a paraprofessional at Harvey Oaks Elementary, where her patience, kindness, and commitment left a lasting impact on countless students and families.

Bowling was Jan's true passion. She bowled multiple times a week and worked at Cougar Lanes for many years, becoming a familiar and beloved presence in the bowling community. Her dedication and influence were recognized when she was inducted into the Greater Omaha Junior Bowling Association (GOJBA) Youth Coaches Hall of Fame in 2005 and the Greater Omaha Area United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Hall of Fame in 2007-honors that reflect her deep commitment to mentoring others. Jan was especially proud of her 45-year award for participation in the Nebraska State Bowling Tournament and her 37 consecutive years competing in the USBC National Bowling Tournament. In fact, Jan bowled two games on April 16, just one week before her passing.

Jan loved going to the casino, especially on Sunday nights with Larry. Dinner and gambling were part of their routine, and Jan would, more often than not, come out a winner.

Above all, Jan loved her family, her pets, and all of her "grand-pets," caring for them with the same warmth and devotion she showed everyone in her life. Her presence was steady, supportive, and full of love. Her favorite holiday was always Christmas, and she truly believed in the spirit of giving. This past Christmas, Jan was determined to be out of the hospital in time to celebrate the holiday at her home, a cherished yearly tradition. True to her spirit, she was released from the hospital on December 23, and the family was able to celebrate one final Christmas together.

Jan will be remembered for her unwavering dedication to family, her passion for teaching and mentoring youth, her love of bowling, and the countless lives she touched along the way. Her legacy lives on in the many students she guided, the athletes she supported, and the family she loved so deeply. In her honor, the family will carry on her love for youth bowling by establishing the Jan Gathye Memorial Scholarship Fund, supported by memorials from her service.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Anton and Mildred Krejci.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Lawrence J Gathye; children Tambra Gathye and Larry "Butch" (Angie) Gathye; grandchildren Cole and Clay Gathye; brother Tony (Julie) Krejci; and nieces, nephews, and other family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family in honor of the Jan Gathye Memorial Scholarship for youth bowlers.