Jess William Bliven

Jess William Bliven, 62, of Lexington, Nebraska, passed away Monday, November 16, 2015, at his home in Lexington. He was born September 30, 1953, in Lexington, Nebraska, to Darrell A. and Maxine (Gonzalez) Bliven. Jess attended school and graduated from St. Ann’s High School in 1971. Following graduation he was a self-employed contractor. It was during this time he was united in marriage to Deb Haines. One son was blessed to this marriage; Ryan. The marriage ended in divorce and he was married to Cheri Welch Sheckler on June 28, 1997, in Lexington. Jess welcomed Cheri’s two daughters, Robyn and Sonja into the family. While working as a contractor, the opportunity arose for him to work for the City of Lexington. He was the supervisor for 25 years at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. At the time of his death he was working as a talented contractor once again who was very in demand. To say Jess loved all sports is an understatement. He was active in high school sports, coached basketball at St. Ann’s, played city league softball, was a referee, ran the open gym for many years at Lexington, and was well liked by all his team members and the kids he coached. Jess was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church, the Lexington Lion’s Club, and Lakeside Country Club. He loved to golf, hunt, fish, and attend his beloved sporting events. Jess was a kind man who would help his fellow neighbors whenever he saw a need. He loved a good cup of coffee, visiting with family and friends, spending time with his grandchildren, and having people over for BBQ’s. We ask why this could happen, but then we remember, God only takes the best, in His time. Jess is lovingly survived by his wife Cheri of Lexington; son, Ryan (Kate) Bliven of Lincoln, Nebraska; daughters, Robyn Sheckler of Orlando, Florida, and Sonja (Kyle) Kozel of St. Louis, Missouri; four grandchildren, Rachel & Elyse Bliven, and Bryce & Briggs Kozel; six brothers, Darrell (Kathy) Bliven of Lexington, Nebraska, James (Mary Ann) Bliven of Lexington, Nebraska, Porf (Trish) Bliven of Lexington, Nebraska, Lupe (Vicki) BLiven of Johnson Lake, Nebraska, Michael Bliven of Lexington, Nebraska, and Mark (Brenda) Bliven of Lexington, Nebraska; three sisters, Maria Atterberry of Elwood, Nebraska, Karla (Ralph) Yeager of Alliance, Nebraska, Meacheal (Guy) Embree of Nelson, Nebraska; many nieces, nephews, extended family and a multitude of friends. Jess was preceded in death by his parents; and, one sister. Mass of Christian Burial will be Friday, November 20, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Reverends Neal Nollette and Jose Chavez concelebrating. Visitation will be held Thursday, November 19, 2015, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. all at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Memorials are suggested to the Lexington Lion’s Club, the YMCA, or the Donor’s Choice. It was Jess’s wishes that his body be cremated following the funeral mass. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.