Jean Ann Engelbrecht Whitney
October 6, 1948 — April 15, 2024
Born to Max & Bernadine Engelbrecht on October 6, 1948 in Sharon, Kansas. The family moved to Cheyenne County, Colorado in May 1951. Jean attended school in Arapahoe, CO from elementary through high school, graduating in 1966. She attended Otero Junior College before transferring to the University of Northern Colorado. Jean received her B.A. in Elementary Physical Education in 1971. She began her teaching career in October 1972 in Adams County School District #50 at Mesa Elementary. She established a great Jump Rope for Heart program at her school. She was affectionately known as Mrs. E. She retired due to health problems after 5 years of service in 1977. During that time, she also received her M.A. in Special Education in 1977 from the University of Northern Colorado.She married Mark Whitney in 1989. Jean was a person who enjoyed being outside. Growing up she spent summers driving tractors for her dad and milking cows on their family farm. Her favorite pet growing up was a runt pig named Inky. As an adult she played softball with the Farniettes and golfed a lot in the summer. She was the Ladies 9-hole Champion at Lake Arbor Golf Course in 1992. Mark and her spent many spring breaks playing golf in Green Valley, Arizona. She always had a smile on her face, was willing to help anyone, and liked to tease her friends.She leaves in mourning her husband, Mark; sister, Janice (Ken) of Westminster, CO; stepson, Aaron Whitney of Minneapolis, MN and step grandchildren, Triston, Taylor, and Tyler of New Ulm, MN; step daughter, Amber and step children, Carvin and Dannica of Horace, ND; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Judy and her brothers, Gerald, Norm, and Bill.A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 10th at 11:00am at Horan & McConaty Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Hyland Hills Foundation for youth activities.
