Jean Arden Gausman (Nee Taag), age 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on July 8, 2026, in Lincoln, Nebraska. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, faith, teaching, and devotion to those she loved.

Jean was born on August 4, 1936, to Walter Earl Taag and Edna Jeannette (DeMass) Tagg in Cleveland, Ohio. Jean attended Neodesha High School in Neodesha, Kansas, where she met her beloved husband, Larry Gausman. She obtained her nursing degree from the University of Kansas and later taught nursing at KU.

After earning their degrees, Jean and Larry moved to Fremont, Nebraska, where they raised their family, including daughters Edye and Missy, and sons Mike and Paul. In addition to devoting time to family, they were very involved in church and the community. In retirement, Jean and Larry moved to Door County, Wisconsin, a place that was very dear to both of them.

A founding member of the Nebraska State Quilt Guild, Jean was deeply involved with the Prairie Piecemakers Quilt Guild in Fremont, which named her their Featured Quilter in 1998. She also taught beginning quilting to over 300 students, welcoming everyone with patience, encouragement, and conviction that anyone with the desire to learn could become a quilter. Her creativity and artistry continued later in life as an accomplished knitter.

Jean cherished her family above all else. She was a devoted wife to Larry, and they celebrated 43 years of marriage before Larry's death in 2001. She was also a loving mother, proud grandmother, and delighted great-grandmother. She celebrated life's milestones, quietly encouraged those around her, and found joy in simple moments spent with the people she loved. Jean created quilts for many family members, which were more than beautiful works of fabric and thread. Each one told a story, marked a milestone, or celebrated someone she loved. This love was especially evident in the inscription on a quilt gifted to a grandson. "My wish for you is a life of strength, built on God and family with the good and bad times woven together in an outstanding pattern."

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Gretchen Boughner, and her husband Larry. Her children survive her: Edye (David) Ray of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, Missy (Alan) Bone of New York, New York, Mike (Dawn) Gausman of Rapid City, South Dakota, and Paul (Suzi) Gausman of Lincoln, Nebraska; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family members, and many dear friends.

In keeping with Jean's wishes, no formal public service is planned. Jean chose cremation, and her ashes will rest with Larry's in Door County, Wisconsin, a place they cherished. For those who would like to honor her memory, memorial gifts can be made to the International Quilt Museum at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln or to your local Humane Society.

Jean's warmth, wisdom, and enduring love will be deeply missed and forever remembered.