Janet Kay Haller

Janet Kay (Bailey) Haller, age 81, of Kearney, Nebraska, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2025. A celebration of life "Bubbles and Butterflies" will be held 4:00 p.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026 at the Elks Country Club in Kearney. Janet was born in May 1944 in Hobbs, New Mexico, and grew up in Grinnell, Iowa, where she graduated from Grinnell High School in 1962. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and went on to complete her nursing education at Bryan Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Lincoln, becoming a Registered Nurse. While attending Wesleyan, Janet met the love of her life, Robert Haller. The two were married in 1965 and shared 60 years of devotion, laughter, and partnership. In 1967, they moved to Hastings, Nebraska, where Janet worked and taught at Mary Lanning Memorial Hospital until 1979. The couple then settled in Kearney, where Janet continued her lifelong calling in nursing. At Good Samaritan Hospital, Janet served in the Emergency Room and later as House Supervisor for 15 years. She later joined Platte Valley Medical Group, where she worked alongside Dr. David Bacon and later Dr. Kristi Lawson. Over her 46-year nursing career, Janet made an indelible mark on countless lives through her compassion, skill, and leadership in the fields of teaching, emergency and trauma care, and supervision. In 1981, Janet received a Merit Award from the City of Kearney for her heroic efforts in an attempt to save the life of a young girl after coming upon an automobile accident. That child happened to be the best friend of Janet’s eldest daughter—a moment that deeply impacted Janet and her family and became one of the many testaments to her courage and selflessness. Janet was a natural caretaker who always put others before herself—offering her heart, her home, a warm hug, or a listening ear to anyone in need. She was a source of strength, comfort, and unconditional love to her family and friends. Upon retiring, Janet devoted her time to the joys she cherished most—her grandbabies, weekend outings, and little getaways. She was also an avid animal lover, never without a puppy, bunny, or kitty by her side. Janet is survived by her husband Robert Haller; daughters Lisakay (David) Bogner of Kearney, NE, and Lori Haller of Clarksville, TN; granddaughters Mercedes (Casey) Powell and Mazi Collison; and a bundle of great-grandchildren ranging in age from 2 to 15. She is also survived by her sister Vickie (Don) Duede of Ankeny, IA; sister-in-law Kaye Gurss of Omaha, NE; niece Shannon (Ray) Lindsey of North Carolina; and nephew Bryan (Susan) Aller of St. Charles, IA. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mildred and Vic Bailey. Janet’s loving heart, steady presence, and giving spirit will forever live on in the many lives she touched. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Janet Kay Haller

May 25, 1944 - October 23, 2025