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Jess Ryan Kirchhoff, 43, collapsed and died suddenly on August 8, 2023 at his country home in Syracuse, NE.  Jess was born September 4, 1979 to Shane and Kim (Scheef) Kirchhoff in Lincoln, NE. He graduated from Syracuse High School in 1998 and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2003. Jess was raised on a farm by Avoca, NE, where he was involved in 4-H, FFA, and farming.

Jess married his high school sweetheart Lori (Watermeier) Kirchhoff on January 4, 2003 in Burr, NE. They welcomed three children, Hailey, Ryan and Emma. Jess was a devoted husband and father. Nothing brought more joy than watching; coaching and seeing his kids compete.

Jess was a 3-sport athlete who not only excelled in track & field, but also garnered many honors on the football field and basketball court.

It was in track and field that Jess made his mark. As a freshman, Jess placed 2nd in the shotput and 3rd in the discus at the conference track meet. His remaining 3 years of high school, Jess swept the throws as a conference champion. Jess was a 4-time state meet qualifier, placing 2nd in the shot put as a junior and senior, while also winning the All-Class Gold medal in the discus. Jess holds school records in both the shotput and discus. The previous record holder was none other than Jess's father Shane. Jess went on to have a decorated career as a member of the University of Nebraska Track and Field team and was a part of several Big 12 Conference Championships. His ability on the football field attracted many collegiate offers as well as a walk-on offer from Coach Tom Osborne at the University of Nebraska. Jess was also an asset to the Rockets Track & Field Program even after his days of competition. Jess has been an assistant track coach, as the throwers coach since 2004. He started with the junior high program, and then moved up to the high school team in 2006. He has coached numerous Conference champions, 40 State qualifiers, 14 medalists, and 2 State Champions. Coach Kirchhoff's legacy will continue to impact future throwers. His son, Ryan, continues to follow his footsteps by breaking Jess's throwing record this year in Middle School.

After college, Jess came home to farm with his father. He was a volunteer firefighter for the Syracuse Fire Department. Jess also worked for Farm Credit, Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting, and the Otoe County Rural Water District.

His love, wisdom, and compassion will be missed, but because he left such a large imprint on family and community, it will continue to live on through all of us.

Jess is survived by his wife of twenty years Lori, children Hailey, Ryan, and Emma of Syracuse.  His Father Shane (Mary) Kirchhoff of Avoca, Sister Lizabeth (Hulen) Brown of Omaha, Grandparents Sandy Scheef of Syracuse, and Harlan and Belva Kirchhoff of Avoca. Mother-in-law Janice (John) Beethe of Burr. Sister-in-law Lisa (Luke) Reeves, of Ashland and brother-in-law Scott (Lona) Watermeier of Burr. Nephews and nieces Jerome, Talan, and Sophia Green of Omaha and Addison and Holton Watermeier of Burr.  Along with an abundance of aunts, uncles, cousins, and chosen family, he had collected over his life.

He was preceded in death by his Mother Kim (Scheef) Kirchhoff, Grandfather Gene Scheef, and Father-in-Law Steve Watermeier.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 13 at 1 p.m. at the Kimmel Building in Syracuse. The service will be livestreamed on the Fusselman Facebook page. Casual dress is recommended. Please wear your Rocket, Husker or favorite sports team attire.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, August 12 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. at Luther Memorial Church in Syracuse. The family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be directed to establish an education fund for Jess's children. Riverstone Bank will match donations up to an aggregate of $50,000. Please make checks payable to Jess Kirchhoff Memorial Fund.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse 402-269-2441

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com