Jean Golka, sister of Bishop James Golka, dies at age 54

OMAHA, Neb. Jean M. Golka, younger sister of Bishop James Golka, died Feb. 28 in Omaha, Nebraska due to complications from a heart attack. She was 54 years old.

Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated March 6 at St. Leo Church in Grand Island, Nebraska, with Bishop Golka and priests of the Diocese of Grand Island concelebrating. Interment followed in the Grand Island City Cemetery.

She was born Dec. 24, 1968 in Grand Island, one of 10 children of Robert and Patricia Golka. She graduated from Grand Island Central Catholic High School in 1987 and enrolled at Creighton University in Omaha. In 1991, she completed with honors a bachelor’s degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing.

For the next 10 years, she worked for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC). She then worked for eight years as IT Risk Manager for U.S. Central Federal Credit Union.

In 2009, she was named Manager of Professional Services at Archer Integrated Risk Management in Overland Park, Kansas. In October 2020, she accepted the position of Senior Practice Manager at Archer, making her the highest-ranking woman at the company.

She was a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kansas City, forming many lasting relationships with the young girls she mentored.

She was also a season ticket holder for Nebraska Cornhusker football games and loved cheering on the Huskers. She enjoyed traveling, cooking, and opening her home and hosting family events.

Jean is survived by her parents, Robert and Patricia; brothers, Ron (Chris) Golka of Grand Island, John (Pam) Golka of Omaha, Most Rev. James Golka; Greg (Tiffany) Golka of Omaha; Gary (Tanya) Golka of Waconia, Minnesota; and Tim (Jenny) Golka of Grand Island; sisters Barb (Scott) Brokaw of Grand Island, Cindy (Jim) Jussel of Shawnee, Kansas; and Sheri (Mike) Genereux of Honey Creek, Iowa.

She is also survived by nieces and nephews Joseph Golka, Michael Golka, Sarah (Golka) Ruzicka, Katie (Golka) Czerwiec, Brian Golka, Brianna (Golka) Olson, Brett Brokaw, Brady Brokaw, Kylie Jussel, Kaci Jussel, Josie Golka, Sophie Golka, Addie Golka, Clara Genereux, Ryan Genereux, Aaron Golka, Madison Golka, Mia Golka, Cody Golka, Kade Golka, Marissa Golka, and six grand nieces and nephews.

Memorials are suggested to the Grand Island Central Catholic Foundation with designation to Bishop James Golka Legacy Fund or the GICC Elementary School. Visit www.gicentralcatholic.org for more information.