Mrs. Donna "Jody" Joann Hartung

Jody was born December 26, 1928 to Harold and Eva (Light) McKenney in Lamar, Colorado. Jody was the fourth of five children. Her siblings were Harold Jr. (Flame), Betty, Don, and Jimmy. Jody grew up in Lamar and often spoke of the fond memories of her childhood. She loved spending time with her siblings, cousins, and friends. In 1947, she graduated from Lamar High School. Then her family moved to the Denver, CO area. Jody worked at the telephone company in Denver. She met Theodore (Ted) Hartung in 1950, and they married on June 10, 1951 in Denver, CO. They had three children: Debbie, Rob, and Chris. In 1965 they moved to Lincoln, Nebraska where Ted worked at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln.

Jody enjoyed her church family at Second Baptist where she was a member of the Bell Ringers and the American Baptist Women (ABW). She led a women's Monday morning bible study for many years. She also served as secretary for the State Board of the American Baptist Church of Nebraska. Jody had a natural gift as an artist. As a child she loved to sketch and paint. When living in Lincoln, she took her talent to the next level and began creating paintings that her family will always treasure. She worked on many projects at the church including painting murals on the walls of the Sunday school rooms and painting a nativity with friends that is displayed every Christmas at Second Baptist Church.

Jody and Ted enjoyed golfing and watching Husker sports with friends and family. The highlight of her life was being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She and Ted celebrated their 95th birthdays together and were married for 73 years.

Jody was preceded in death by her parents; her siblings Harold, Don, and Betty; and her husband Ted. She is survived by her children Debbie Stithem (David); Rob Hartung (Leslie); Chris Hartung (Tammi); brother, Jimmy McKenny; as well as 10 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service for Jody will be held on Monday, December 30, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery. Family and friends will meet at gate #2 prior to the service. Following the service will be an Open House to celebrate Jody's life from 4:30 - 7:00 PM at Second Baptist Church, 525 N 58th, Lincoln, NE.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given in Jody's honor to Second Baptist Church designated to Moses Merrill Camp and Conference Center (MMCCC) in Linwood, NE.